Choosing the PERFECT Family Photographer for Your Wild and Wonderful Moments.
Ah, those Facebook memory ambushes! Picture this: you're casually scrolling through your feed, minding your own business, and then BAM! A Facebook memory decides to play time-travel tricks on you. Suddenly, that once pint-sized cutie pie is staring back at you, all grown up and practically unrecognizable. Cue the mix of nostalgia, sadness, and a dash of panic as you wonder where the time went! Kids grow up, life changes minute by minute, and these snapshots become the treasures that transport you back to the laughter, the love, and the unique bonds that define your family. While you can't control every twist and turn in life, you can certainly choose the photographer who will freeze those heart warming moments in time. So, where do you begin? It all starts with tuning in to your instincts, and maybe having a laugh or two along the way.
The first steps to feeling at ease in your family photos.
Trust Your Gut
Let me emphasize this: go for a photographer who not only captures beautiful images but also makes you feel at ease, relaxed, and confident. Beyond admiring their portfolio, you want to connect with them on a personal level. Think of them as your family's personal comedian, memory-maker, and chaos coordinator.
This person will be there for your family's entire session—capturing the candid giggles, the tender embraces, and everything in between. It's crucial that you feel calm and comfortable because, let's face it, dealing with kids can be as unpredictable as a rollercoaster ride. I recommend scheduling a pre-session consultation or at least a video chat ahead of time to ensure the chemistry is right. If anything feels off—if they make you uneasy or anxious—take it as a sign. These are not the emotions you want associated with your precious family memories. Let's save the chaos for the kids, shall we?
Do your research
Do Your Homework Social media is your research playground. Most photographers showcase their family portfolios on Facebook and Instagram. Dive deep into their past family sessions- while a couple of standout images are great, take a peek at the entire gallery. What draws you to their work? Is it the overall vibe, their unique style, or perhaps their magical ability to capture the unpredictable nature of kids? These elements play a crucial role, especially when you're dealing with tiny tornadoes of energy.
The proof is in the pudding
Client testimonials speak volumes. Check out reviews from previous families to ensure the photographer not only survived but thrived in the midst of kiddo chaos.
Experience Matters When it comes to family photography, experience is key. Capturing the essence of a family can be a delightful challenge, and seasoned photographers tend to navigate this terrain with ease. They've seen it all—kids with a sudden burst of energy, siblings deciding to have a wrestling match mid-session, or the classic "I don't want to smile" phase. If you're unsure about a photographer's experience, don't hesitate to discuss your concerns. Ask those "what if" questions: What if the kids decide to stage a mini rebellion? What if they unleash a sudden dance party? Their responses will not only reveal their experience but also their ability to roll with the punches. After all, a little unpredictability adds a dash of excitement to the photo session.
Breathe it out.
Relax, You're Radiant (and Slightly Chaotic) Lastly, the magic of your family photos will truly shine when you embrace the chaos and find joy in the unexpected. Trust the photographer you've chosen to freeze those beautiful family moments, even if it involves a few toddler tantrums or impromptu dance-offs.
Yes, your family is incredible, the moments are genuine, and the photos will be absolutely amazing—even if they include a few unexpected surprises. So, let go of any worries, embrace the mayhem, and immerse yourself in the joy of capturing your family's unique story—it's bound to be one of the most memorable, and slightly chaotic, experiences of a lifetime!
