Part of what makes hiring a photographer so challenging is the sheer number of amazing family photographers to choose from. Also, the stakes are high. You’re looking to your photographer to capture a perfect moment in time with your family. Someone who can capture the essence of your family. You want photos that you can be proud of and look back on long after your children have flown the nest and started their own families.
Whether you’re looking to hire a photographer in Melbourne or anywhere else around the world, I share my tips for how to find the right one.
Check their portfolio
Every photographer should have a portfolio of work available on their website. If you’re thinking of hiring a particular photographer, the first thing I suggest doing is checking their portfolio. This is a showcase of their work and will give you an idea of their style, the quality of their images and their creative abilities.
Look for a photographer whose style matches your vision for the photos.
Do they specialise in candid, lifestyle photos or do they tend to take more posed, formal shots?
Are their images bright and colourful or moody and artistic?
Do they shoot in a studio or outdoors?
Make sure you connect with their style and that it resonates with what you want for your family photography.
If you’re looking for newborn photography or cake smash photography, also check their portfolio for specific examples of this. Working with tiny babies and boisterous toddlers takes a skilled professional!
Ask questions
Don't be afraid to ask questions when you're considering hiring a photographer. A good photographer will be happy to answer any questions you may have so you can make an informed decision.
Some questions you may want to ask include:
- How many years of experience do you have?
- What’s your photography style and approach during a family session?
- Can you provide references from previous clients?
- What’s your pricing structure and what’s included in your packages?
- What do I need to do to prepare for the photoshoot?
You may be able to find the answer to some of these questions on the photographer’s website. Or you may have other questions that specifically relate to the style or type of shoot you’re looking for.
Read the reviews
A portfolio of beautiful images is one thing. But customer service and how the photographer makes you feel are other factors to consider.
How do you measure these? By reading reviews or speaking with past customers. Look for reviews on the photographer’s website, social media platforms or Google. Check for comments about the photographer’s reliability, professionalism and how satisfied their clients were with their work. If you know someone who has used the photographer in the past, even better! Chat to them about the experience and if they would recommend hiring them.
I’m so proud that I was recently named as one of the top 10 family photographers in Melbourne. This was awarded based on the consistency of my reviews and a mystery shopper call to check my service.
That consistency is important when hiring a photographer. You want someone who will deliver the goods as you expect they will!
Go with your gut
At the end of the day, there’s no science behind how to choose a family photographer. Even the most highly-rated photographer with the most amazing technical skills may not be the right photographer for you if your personalities don’t ‘click’. Or if their pricing doesn’t fit within your budget. Or if you want a studio shoot and they only offer outdoor photography.
Over the years I’ve learnt that connection is so important when hiring a photographer. A family photo session should be fun and enjoyable. You want to capture those special moments of love and laughter between you and your children. If you don’t connect with the photographer, it’s going to be much harder to achieve that.
How does the photographer make you feel when you speak with them? Are you comfortable with how they communicate? Do you have a good rapport? Do you get a good vibe?
Trust your instincts. They’re usually right.
Let's chat about your family photos
If you’re hiring a family photographer in Melbourne, let’s have a chat. I’m a mum, ex-teacher and experienced family photographer. I want to fill your experience with fun and laughter so you can’t wipe the grin off your face whenever you look back at your photos.
Get in touch and let’s chat about your vision for your family photos and how we can bring that to life.
