Choosing a photographer for your upcoming maternity, baby or family portrait session is no easy task. When there are so many family photographers out there, how can you choose which one is right for you?
But what should you be looking for in a professional family photographer?
Whilst this decision is a very personal one, here are five questions to ask to help you decide which photographer is the right one for you.
How long have you been a photographer? The longer a photographer has been in business, the more likely it is that it’s not just a hobby for them.
Which types of photography do you specialise in? It’s uncommon for a photographer to specialise in several different types of photography as they often only specialise in one or sometimes two genres. For example, a photographer who specialises in newborn photography might not be the best candidate to shoot food unless they have the experience in doing so.
Do you have many repeat clients? This is a great litmus test of not only the quality of a photographer’s work but of their customer service too.
What is your policy on rescheduling a session? An experienced photographer will definitely have a policy in place when it comes to a customer cancelling or rescheduling a photography session. A photographer with policies indicates that they have experience with different types of customers and situations and have created policies accordingly.
Have you had any experience with (name your specific concern)? If you have any specific concerns regarding your photo session such as the photographer’s ability to work with a special needs child for example, find out if they have ever handled that type of situation before. Do not dismiss a photographer and their abilities based on their answers to your concerns. If given adequate notice, an experienced photographer should be able to deal with any situation you present them. This is the hallmark of a true pro.
So there you have it – my top 5 questions to help you choose if a family photographer is right for you! When in doubt, use your gut to judge their personality and rapport.
A photographer’s main job is to capture emotions and moments. If your photographer doesn’t mesh well with you on the phone or in person, chances are you and your family will not mesh well with them either. The lack of chemistry will show up in your photo session, and the results will be visible in your photos.
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About the photographer: Sue is a professional portrait photographer based in Harlow, Essex and she specialises in baby and child portraiture. Being a parent, she understands just how special your child is to you and her aim is to produce a collection of images that are natural and meaningful to your family. No two moments are ever the same and she wants to perfectly capture those early precious memories and the natural character of your child. For more information please call 01279 433392, visit the Sue Kennedy Photography website and follow Sue on Facebook or Instagram.
