It's something that has been on your to-do list. You keep telling yourself you'll get to it soon, but forget or don't really know what you are looking for in choosing a photographer. It could be overwhelming thinking of the things you need to get in order with family schedules, outfits and what to do with the images after.
I want to help take some of that overwhelming feeling away and give you and your family something they will enjoy doing together and have fond memories of the experience as well as have beautiful images you can enjoy for a lifetime!
So how do you start planning and booking a session?
First thing is to look for photographers in your area with images that spark joy in you. There are many photographers to choose from and each has a different style. Some are more posed and traditional, some are more documentary style where they just document a day with you and some do a little bit of both. Then you have photographers who edit those images differently - some like a light and airy look (mostly in wedding photographers but some in family sessions), some like bright and bold colors, and others love the contrast in their images.
You can make a quick google search of family photographers in your area or on Instagram. Look through their websites and social pages for examples of their work until you find someone whose work you really like and want to book.
I tend to fall into photographing a little bit of both when it comes to how I shoot. I have posed and then I ask my clients to do a task and I document the reactions and moments that happen naturally. I also love contrast and bold colors.
If these are the types of images you want for your family portraits keep on reading!
You chose a photographer, now what?
Now is the time to set up a phone consultation with the photographer or, in this case, a phone consultation with me. You can start by finding a way to contact me which can be done in a few ways.
If you found me online through my website, there is a place on every page where you can put your name and contact information and I can call or email you back with dates and times that we can chat. If you found me on Instagram, you can DM me through the site with your contact info or find my website by clicking the link in my bio.
We then can schedule a time to chat about what you are looking for in your session.
Questions that will be answered during consultation.
Before you book a session, it's good to know a few things about what you are looking for in your family portrait session. I will walk you through these questions and help with suggestions to make this part as easy and smooth as possible.
How much is the session?
What is included in a session?
Are prints included?
What products are offered?
How much are prints and products?
Which location do you want and does it need a permit?
What date and time for the session?
Are we celebrating something special?
How many people will be in the photos and ages of kiddos?
Once we've answered all these questions, you can decide if you want to continue with the booking or wait for a later time if you still want to do a session, but would like more time to prepare (this usually has to do with prints where clients like to save up for a specific product they want).
What most forget to think about are prints. Most clients these days just want the digitals, usually thinking that this will be cheaper. Some newer or less experienced photographers only provide digitals because it's easier for them. But more experienced photographers know that most of those images rarely get printed and just sit on a computer forgotten. Many photographers want to get back to their roots of why they loved photography in the first place - to provide their clients with a full-service photography session with prints being the goal of your session.
You don't have to make any decisions on your product purchases until you see the images, but I like to let potential clients know upfront the pricing for everything I include.
Booking
After hearing everything, you now can decide if you want to book. We settle on a date and time that works for everyone as well as a location. Once this is finished, I will send a follow-up email with a pdf of all the information we discussed in our consultation which includes an outfit style guide, product list, contract, and invoice with all of the details you will need for your session.
This was a lot of information, but I hope it gives you something to think about when deciding to book a family portrait photographer.
If you have any questions, you can leave a comment on this blog or email me at hello@biancajophotography.com. Also, you can follow me on IG @biancajophotography to see more of my work.
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