Choosing the right photographer is about so much more than booking someone with a nice camera and a free Saturday.
You’re trusting this person with your memories, the big milestones and the little in-between moments you never want to forget.
So how do you know you’ve found the right fit?
Here are the six things I believe every family should consider before booking.
Personality: do you click?
You could love someone’s portfolio, but if you don’t feel comfortable with them, your session will feel stiff, and it will show in your photos.
Look for someone whose energy matches your family’s vibe. Are they warm and calm? Playful and goofy? Do they see you, not just pose you? A great photographer will make you feel like yourself in front of the camera.
TIP: Ask to schedule a zoom meeting to go over details of your session
Style: Does It Match your vision?
Photography styles vary as much as home décor, light and airy, dark and moody, vibrant and colorful, true-to-life, film-inspired… the list goes on.
Spend time looking through their portfolio and imagine those images hanging in your home. Do they make your heart light up? Do they feel like you?
Trust: Can You Relax and Let Go?
Your photographer should be someone you can hand the reins to, especially when things don’t go as planned. Whether it’s a toddler meltdown, a windy day, or a baby who needs a snack break, you want someone who can pivot without stress and still capture the magic.
Trust comes from good communication, clear expectations, and a proven history of delivering beautiful galleries no matter the circumstances.
Availability: Will They Be There When You Need Them?
Some photographers book up months (or even a year) in advance, especially for busy seasons like fall.
If you have a due date, a milestone, or want peak autumn leaves, check their availability early so you can secure your preferred date.
Credentials & Experience: Do They Know Their Stuff?
For newborn sessions especially, safety training and experience matter. Your photographer should know how to safely pose and handle your baby, work in different lighting situations, and adapt quickly.
I’ve completed a newborn safety course and have over a decade of experience photographing families, so you can relax knowing you’re in good hands.
FUN FACT: Some of those adorable, “how is that even possible?” newborn poses, like the famous froggy pose, aren’t achieved in one shot. They’re actually composite images, meaning we stitch together two or more photos to create the final image. Why? Because newborns don’t yet have the muscle strength to support their own heads safely. In a proper composite, a parent or assistant is always holding the baby’s head and wrists, and those support hands are edited out later.
This is why hiring someone who’s taken newborn safety training is so important, you want someone who understands both the creative vision and the anatomy and safety needs of a fragile, brand-new baby.
Price: What’s Included, and What’s Not?
Pricing can be tricky to compare unless you know what’s included.
Does the session fee only cover the photographer’s time? Are digitals included? Will you get physical prints or an album?
A higher price might actually be better value if it includes things you’d otherwise pay extra for later. Always ask for clarity before booking so there are no surprises.
Choosing a photographer is more than just checking availability and budget, it’s about finding someone who will walk into your family’s story, make you feel at ease, and create images that bring back the feeling of that day every time you see them.
If you’ve read this far and think we might be a good fit, I’d love to talk. Let’s create something that feels like you.
