8 questions to ask when hiring a family portrait photographer
( BPT ) - What are the most important moments of your life ? For most , it ' s rarely a big promotion or a sports championship season . Instead , it ' s quality family time that is most often cherished .
Nothing captures these moments better than family photos . If you ' re looking for a photographer to capture those memories , make sure you ask prospective photographers these eight questions .
1 . Can I see some of your recent work ?
This is the most common question asked , and for good reason . But how do you distinguish between an amateur and a professional photographer ? An amateur may be able to take a few great shots every now and then , but professionals know how to consistently create great results . Ask to view an entire session in images or a compilation from different sessions to get a sense of depth of the photographer ' s work . Based on what you see , if there ' s only one or two shots you ' d consider framing , then you ' re probably not dealing with the right photographer for your family .
2 . Are you a PPA ( Professional Photographers of America ) photographer ? of mind , but always , always read the contract and don ' t be afraid to ask questions about the fine print and the contract itself .
5 . How should I prepare my family before the session ?
Pros will give you tips so your family can feel comfortable and have fun while being photographed . They might even ask for things you would not have thought . PPA photographers will also be able to answer questions such as : What colors and styles of clothing are best to wear ? Should you bring a change of clothes ? How do you handle a fussy child or plan for nap times ? Trust them : they have their timing down and know what works .
6 . Where can I find you online ?
Photographers ' websites are a great place to view their portfolios , read client testimonials and get a better sense of their personality . Of course , like a resume , websites often put " their best foot forward ," so be sure to dig a little deeper . Look at their social media pages and read customer reviews , as these can be very telling . You can also identify PPA photographers near you at PPA . com / SeeTheDifference / Family .
You want to work with the best , and PPA photographers do more than just snap pictures . They have the technical expertise and artistry to get that one shot - that one look - that captures your family ' s unique personality . PPA photographers also abide by a strict code of ethics and work constantly to create beautiful images that meet your expectations . Watch the video below to see how PPA photographers capture families ' unique personalities .
3 . Do you specialize in any one type of photography ? What ' s your photographic style ?
Photographers often specialize in one genre over another . If they mention solely working with family portraits , then you can rest assured that their passions are aligned with your needs . You may also want to ask why they chose that particular area to better understand if / how they will be able to connect with you . A photographer ' s style is reflected in their portfolio , so asking them to produce a radically different style is a recipe for disaster . Look for images that you can see your family in , then think of three words that describe your family and share those with your photographer . You ' re counting on their knowledge of composition , lighting , posing and more to create images that fit your vision .
4 . What does your fee include ?
You ' ll want to understand what you ' re getting for your money : how much time , how many images , album types , the format for delivering proofs , what ' s included in your package , etc . Pros will always include these details and more in your contract . PPA photographers ' code of ethics should also give you peace
7 . Can you take a picture like this one ?
Find pictures similar to ones you would like to display on your mantel and show them to the photographer . This will help them understand the style and genre you want , and they will be able to determine if you are a good match . Real pros will always refer you to someone they feel will better accomplish your vision if they are not the right fit . PPA photographers should be able to explain why and how they can or cannot create the same effects . So go ahead and ask if they are capable of taking the same kind of picture ; do not settle for a simple “ yes ."
8 . How will I obtain my photos and when can I expect them ?
Professional photographers have a reliable system for delivering photos to you in a timely manner . This may include a private , online portal where your photos are stored , cloud sharing , uploading to social media sites and may even offer an app for that . However , your photographer should accommodate your needs - so state your preference upfront to avoid any false expectations !
The most important thing in life for most people is family . So , why entrust those memories to anyone other than a professional photographer who will deliver what you ' re looking for ... and more ? Find your PPA photographer at PPA . com / SeeTheDifference / Family .