Family Photographer Red Flags To Avoid

Portfolio

Look at photographers portfolio. What do the families look like in those photos? Do they look engaged? Do they look like they are having fun? Do the outfits look well put together? Are there children in the photos? What age group are the children? All this can give you an insight of what to expect your photos will look like.

X Avoid photographers that don’t have children in any of their photos.

X Avoid photographers that don’t have toddler or preschool aged children.

Collections

What kind of customizations does the photographer offer? You as a parent know your child best. Does your child need 30 minutes to warm up to the camera? Would an hour shoot be too overwhelming for your child? 

I’ve worked with different personalities. 

In this shoot of my great friend’s family, it took me 30 minutes to get these final images, so she only paid for 30 minute session. That was plenty time for THIS family. Of course, not all children can warm up to the camera so easily. Next time you are emailing a potential photographer, ask them about customized sessions. Or do they ONLY provide a one size fits all  package. 

X Avoid photographers that do not offer custom collections. 

Experience

Working with preschool children is very different from working with eight year old. What kind of experience does your photographer have working with toddlers and preschoolers? This age group is very different than working with much older children like eight year olds that are a little more cooperative. 

I’ve taken courses in parenting and children to help me navigate small and large emotions during sessions.

Ask your photographer what kind of experience they have when working with tantrums during a session. What kind of tools can they provide in sticky situations like these.

Coming into the session, one of the little boys was not excited about taking photos. 

Getting on his level, being empathetic, and asking the right questions, helped in getting the results we got on camera. 

X Avoid photographers that don’t have the experience working with all age groups. Reference back to their portfolio for this.

X Avoid photographers that don’t have the tools to navigate different children and situations.

Client Journey

This is a big one. 

From the moment a mom sends me an inquiry to the date of the gallery being delivered, I want my families to feel like a million bucks.

This means I first engage with them through a conversation over the phone to listen to their photography needs.

Some families want updated photos of their growing children to hang on their walls.

Others are new to parenting and need photos of their new family organized in a luxe album. 

All families needs are different. Because my moms are busy balancing their careers and taking care of their children, I want to avoid all the back and forth with emails. With the initial phone call, I can really hone in on what parents want. 

After that call, I don’t “disappear” until your session. I keep close contact via email providing resources including a style guide, a packing checklist, tips for children, vendor details like hair, makeup, nails, clothing, and so much more. 

Next time you are emailing your photographer, ask them what kind of resources they provide to help with your session experience. 

X Avoid photographers that don’t really LISTEN to your needs.

X Avoid photographers that don’t provide a plan for your day.

If you need more help, here’s six stress free tips for family portraits.