So you want to choose a photographer…

North Dallas Family & Child Photographer

You have decided it is time to update those family pictures! (yay!) Does the task of choosing a photographer seem a little daunting? You might do a google search looking for the “best photographer” in your city or area. You browse some of those… Then you turn to the ever faithful Facebook mom group to ask your question. ….and you get no less than 40 – FORTY – answers. Then maybe you Google it, and that brings up a list of more photographers. So how do you choose a photographer that will be what you want?

Here are four pointers to help you narrow down what you are really looking for.

A mom holds her daughter's hand in the sunshine at a spring photo session at Lake Grapevine with Anna Roorda Photography.

Know your budget.

Often times I see people asking for a photographer that “won’t cost an arm and a leg.” Ok friends – photographers are not in the business of dealing in limbs. We are not the mafia, and we don’t require that type of payment. LOL. Okay, but seriously. Know a ballpark of how much you want to spend on family photography before you start looking. Everybody has a budget, and there is nothing wrong with a budget. So, decide those parameters before you begin your search to choose a photographer. Then once you have a budget range, you can search within your range.

Determine the type of photographer you are looking for.

There are a lot of photographers out there, and with that everyone has an area in which they shine. And even more broken down than that, every photographer has their own style of editing and shooting. Choose a photographer that has a solid portfolio with the type of work you have in mind. Think of it this way – if you had a problem with your knee, would you go to the eye dr and expect them to be able to help you? Of course not! The same is true with photographers.

If you know that you want something that is edited light and airy, search or ask for light and airy photographers. Are candid moments are the ones that speak to you the most? Then you are looking for a lifestyle photographer. If you want branding headshots – that is exactly what you are going to look for – a branding photographer. Also, it is worth mentioning that a photographer’s website is their highlight reel. Ask to see a full gallery for a session.

Mother and daughter laugh in the sunshine at a photo session at Lake Grapevine with Anna Roorda Photography.

A little girl gives her mom a kiss in the sunshine at a photo session at Lake Grapevine with Anna Roorda Photography.

Personality matters!

The fact is we don’t all mesh well with every person out there. When you are looking for your photographer, look at their website, Instagram, Facebook etc. Send them an inquiry. You can get to know a lot about a person from how they show up on social media, and how they answer emails. Does this seem like a person that you will work well with?

Your photographer will spend anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour with your family at the session. (That doesn’t even include the time before and after the session communicating and then delivering the gallery!) It isn’t like a store where you might speak to the person 5 minutes and then be on your way. As a photographer, I am talking to my clients, engaging with their kids, giving instruction on how to pose or not pose, etc. We are going to HANG OUT for the duration of the session. So, it is important that the photographer you choose is a person is someone you feel will hang well with your family.

Don’t let price be THE determining factor.

I know, I just told you that your budget matters. And it does! But if price is your number one thing that leads your decision, you might be disappointed by the end. Whether you are spending $200 or $600, nobody wants to feel like they didn’t get what they wanted for the price paid. Let all of the factors I have mentioned – style, price, and personality all weigh equally.

I hope these tips help you narrow down your choices. I hope your family photo session is the best you have ever had. There are many great photographers out there. Many of them are my friends. :o)