Choosing a photographer can be a daunting process.  You may think that price and the quantity of images are key - you may want to think again.

Why are you looking for a family photographer?  It could be any number of reasons, but I bet that it includes wanting to remember your family, exactly as they are at this moment.  If you have young children or grandchildren, it could be the way you cuddle them and the way they smile at you, or to remind you of the feel of their tiny hand in yours.  For those with older children, you may want to hold onto them a little bit longer before they leave home by putting photos of you all as a family on your walls.  Having beautiful photos around your home of you as a family will bring those memories to life for many years to come.  

So how do you choose a photographer to do this for you?

1.  Personality:  You are going to be spending an hour or two with your photographer, so you should immediately gel with them.  If you want relaxed photographs, find a photographer that is easy going, fun and friendly.  Is there time given to see to your children’s needs?  Will the photographer listen to you and work with you and what you want?  

2. Style and Taste: What type of photographs do you want?  There are a variety of styles out there.  Always, always, always look at their portfolio.  Does the photographer suit your style?  You can look at the types of photos (studio or outdoor, posed or natural).  Is the end processing of the photographer’s portfolio what you are looking for (photographs can be processed in fairly natural colours, black and white, brightly coloured, sunset coloured, or a little ‘washed out’).  Do the people in the photographs look like they are relaxed and having fun? 

When it comes to the end products, does the photographer provide products in a format(s) that suits you?  Are there packages or do you want to pick and choose your products? 

3. Experience: is the photographer a member of any associations - and if so, do you know what these associations mean for you?  Are they local (some charge travel expenses)?  Do they have good reviews?  Reviews will often and should answer some of your questions.

If you are contacting a photographer, this gives you a little more information to ask of them.  When you have contacted a few, you can then make a more informed decision based, not solely on price, but on which photographer will be the best fit for you and your family, within your budget.