How to choose the best family photographer for you
Tips for Choosing the Right Family Photographer
A few decades ago, choosing a family photographer was as simple as visiting your local town studio. A few posed shots later, you’d walk away with cherished prints for your album.
Nowadays, the options are much more diverse. The range of services has significantly expanded, and having a storefront or studio is no longer the sole indicator of a good family photographer. When you find the right one, they’ll likely become a part of your life for years, getting to know your family’s routines and seeing your children grow. Each session will feel like reconnecting with a trusted friend who truly understands your unique story.
So, how do you choose the right family photographer? Here are my tips on what to consider to make your choice.
The type of photoshoot offered
Start by determining what suits you best: a studio session, an at-home photoshoot, or an outdoor adventure in your favorite park or a forest? A family photoshoot in a studio often focuses on posed portraits designed to highlight your best features. On the other hand, a session at home or outdoors can offer documentary-style images that capture your family’s unique personality.
Your choice might vary depending on your preferences. Some photographers offer a variety of options, but others specialize in one or two types of sessions. Since studio photography and outdoor natural light photography require distinct, specific expertise, many professionals focus on a single style. Geographic factors can also play a role. Photographers in regions with limited sunlight, for example, often prefer studios or home sessions.
Documentary sessions, posed photos, in-studio, at home, or outdoors…
Would you prefer portraits of your newborn asleep in a small wicker basket, or in your arms as you rock them to sleep in their nursery chair? It all depends on your taste! Imagine these photographs displayed in a frame or in an album to cherish for years. Which ones would bring you the most joy to see over and over again? This choice will be the first step in selecting the best family photographer for you.
I personally offer at-home sessions as well as outdoor family documentary photo sessions. It’s up to you to choose the setting that feels right for your family pictures. Do you love cozying up together? Watching Disney or Ghibli movies all snuggled up on the couch? Reading stories on the parent’s bed? Baking together and flipping pancakes for an afternoon treat? Or perhaps exploring the local park? Did you have in mind studio portraits where you have access to hair and makeup as well?
The photographer’s artistic style
With your preferred type of family session in mind, it’s time to start your search! Simply type something along the lines of “Dublin family photographer” or “Newborn portraits” into your search engine, depending on what you are in search of. Don’t let the overwhelming number of results intimidate you—I’m here to help you narrow it down and choose the perfect photographer for your family.
Start by visiting a few photographers’ websites and observing their artistic style. You’ll quickly notice that some images resonate with you more than others. The way they handle color, composition and light reflects their unique style, helping you narrow down your options.
Be sure to check the “portfolio” or “galleries” sections of their websites (if they have one) to get a clear sense of the results you can expect. The right photographer for you should create images that resonate with you, leaving you inspired and thinking, “This could be our family!”
The photo session package
At this point, it’s all about the little details. If one photographer in particular stands out, don’t wait—get in touch! Still torn between a few? Here’s how to narrow it down and pick the perfect family photographer.
What types of services are available? Some photographers offer convenient, all-inclusive packages with a set number of digital images and pre-selected products that you buy ahead of your session. Others charge a session fee, with collections priced separately, giving you the flexibility to decide after seeing your photos. What works best for you?
How long does the session typically last? Will you only receive digital photos, or will you also get beautiful prints? How will your images be delivered? What kind of preparation is included for the session? Is there an opportunity for a phone conversation to get to know each other beforehand? All these details matter for your overall experience.
Your family photographer’s pricing
Yes! This will likely be a decisive element in choosing your family photographer, so it’s important to talk about it. You likely already have a budget in mind for your family photography investment, so let’s dive in.
So, how much does it cost to hire a family photographer?
This is a tricky one because it depends on many factors, but let me try to narrow it down for you. Like many other services, the price of a family photo session can vary greatly. Depending on your area, the photographer’s expertise, the session’s duration or the type of service offered, family photo shoots can range from €100 to well over €2500. On average in Dublin for exemple, a session with a professional family photographer will cost between €350 and €1500 depending on package (shooting time, number of digitals, prints…)
Keep in mind this is only a ballpark. Luxury services including wardrobe options and/or bespoke albums or wall photo gallery designs often start at €1000, because they require much more planning for your photographer.
As a natural light, documentary, session fee + collection family photographer, my prices start at €600, with “day in the life” sessions being priced at €1500.
The price of a family photo session can vary based on several factors:
The duration of the photoshoot
The time spent during the photo session will affect the price. A quick 10 minutes mini session is ideal for smaller budgets, for a gentle introduction to family photo shoots, or for keeping impatient young children engaged. On the other hand, a longer session (1.5 + hours) allows for more activities, a wider variety of photos, and a relaxing experience where you’ll be pampered by your photographer. Some photographers will also offer “a day in the life” sessions that last for half a day or a whole day, and they are great options if you are ready for a complete, immersive experience that captures the authentic and unscripted moments of your family’s daily life.
The delivery of your family photos
Will your photos be delivered on a USB drive, via email, or through a dedicated gallery, often with an integrated shop? These delivery options affect your overall client experience. An online gallery with private access provides ease and a luxury experience. Additionally, a gallery with a store offering prints from professional labs and products personally vetted by your photographer is very convenient and adds peace of mind. These features contribute to a higher service price, but they ensure a more refined and enjoyable experience.
What will be the turnaround time for receiving your photos? I know you’re eager to receive your beautiful memories! The processing time, whether it’s three months or a week, will also play a role in the overall cost. Getting your photos fast means they’re top priority for your photographer on their daily to-do, which is nice!
Your photos: digital files or prints?
Few families have a high-quality photo printer at home, and even fewer have access to professional printing studios.
If you only receive digital images at the end of your photo session, I bet those lovely HD files will sit on a hard drive for at least 6 months, or never get printed at all. And I totally get it! Searching online for a reliable print lab is a real headache, I’ve been there myself. Every lab promises printing will be easy, but the truth is, you haven’t tested it before, and what if the quality isn’t that great after all? Plus, you’ll need to upload your images into their software and choose from a dizzying range of products. If your photographer offers prints, don’t hesitate and grab the opportunity! This is their way of saying “hey I’ve got you, you’re not doing this alone”.
If your photographer offers bespoke, made for you albums and wall designs, it will also affect the price because you get a luxury experience. It’s perfect if you don’t want/don’t have time to handle it! They will manage it from design to delivery, and some will even come to your home and install the frames. In some cases, they will also come to your home with a selected range of albums, prints and frames so you can see for yourself before you buy.
If you love to fill a cart and shop online, design your own albums and think it’s a fun part of the experience, then you might like a DIY print credit more. Personally, I offer a print credit in a carefully curated shop within the families’ galleries. They get to choose what they like, in the comfort of their home, when they can clear time on their busy schedule. I am just a phone call away if they need assistance!
The finer details
Will your final images be carefully edited, or left as they are, straight from the camera? It’s important not to overlook the finer details when choosing a family photographer. Be cautious of budget offers with a very low price. If it looks too good to be true, then it is. In most cases, you won’t get your money’s worth, and you’ll be left thinking you could have done better yourself with your phone.
Is your photographer specialized? Compare it to dining out, if you will. If you come across a menu offering “crepes-pizza-seafood-couscous-burgers-pad thai-breakfast”, you’ll likely question whether the variety reflects average quality dishes. Typically, a photographer specializes in a select number of session types, within a defined area (such as family/weddings or newborn/baby/maternity), to ensure mastery in that field. If a photographer offers absolutely everything from family portraits to real estate, fashion, weddings, sports events and food, they are likely not a specialist (because realistically, you can’t be everywhere at once).
And that’s fine! Beginner photographers often start by offering a very wide range of services just to test the waters and see what they love most. Just keep in mind that expertise adds value and impacts pricing.
Be cautious and recognize that certain points are red flags you should steer clear of
For example, your family photographer should provide you with a contract, which signals that they are serious. In case of any disagreement, you’ll be protected!
Similarly, a high-quality family photo service will ensure proper preparation. Whether through a questionnaire, a call to chat, or a PDF with advice, preparation is crucial. It allows your photographer to get to know you and tailor the session, while giving you the confidence that everything will run smoothly. On the day of the shoot, you should feel well-prepared and at ease. Good preparation leads to family photos you’ll love!
How to plan a family photo session within your annual budget?
You probably already take a lot of photos of your family with your phone, and that’s great! But professional images, with a fresh perspective, where you’re also in the picture, are important. To document your family regularly and avoid regretting not having enough beautiful photographs to display at home, consider scheduling at least one family photo session per year. Just like your vacation budget or home redecorating, family photography should be planned. “When” is up to you: in spring, to enjoy nature? In winter, for a cozy indoor session? In November, to create beautiful holiday greeting cards? Or in summer, to capture memories of ice cream by the pool?
Many photographers will offer you the option to pay in installments or to receive a gift voucher from your loved ones. Don’t hesitate to plan your next session at the start of each new year! Also, take advantage of mini sessions with special themes, if your photographer offers them. These short sessions are perfect for quickly updating your family photos at a special rate.
The vibe check: don’t overlook your gut feeling
I think it’s important to finish by discussing the vibe. Yes, it’s very personal and subjective, and everyone has their own perspective, but I highly suggest you trust your instincts.
To determine if your family will connect with your photographer, the best approach is to reach out and talk! You’ll quickly get a sense of how you feel through your initial interactions. You can also explore their website and soak in the overall vibe. Check out their “About” page and get to know them better. What makes you think you guys will click? Is it their humor? Their warmth? Their empathy?
During the perfect family photo session, you should feel cared for. Patience, active listening, and personalized ideas are essential. This approach ensures that your family photos will truly represent how unique you are, making you look at them and say, “That’s us!”
Read more on the blog
