1. Where can I see your work?

       When choosing a family photographer, seeing their work is extremely important. How do you know if you are a good fit unless you see what the photographer produces? If you like light, airy, outdoor, more lifestyle photography, then a studio photographer might not be your best fit. Ask to see an entire gallery of images, as well. Most photographers only put their best 10-20 images in their portfolio, which is good, but if you see an entire gallery, then you see all the variety that a full session has.

2. What do you specialize in?

       Most "family" photographers specialize in family portraiture and also photograph weddings, headshots, and perhaps even events! And, a "family" photographer can encompass the whole family-offering children's sessions, high school senior sessions, and tweens in addition to the entire family. If a photographer specializes in one thing, though, that means they usually are more honed and skilled in their craft. By focusing on one genre only, they are able to focus on becoming more skilled in that one area and can provide a premium service to you. Think of it like this-if you needed surgery on your foot, would you go to a general practitioner who did one rotation in surgery in medical school and might be able to do it for you? They would do an "ok" job, MAYBE. Or, would you go to the surgeon who went to additional years of school to learn how to do his or her job? If the general practitioner is wise, he or she will give you a referral and not attempt to do the job themselves. And, you would most likely go to that surgeon anyway! 

Also, you might see work by a photographer and love it, but they might not photograph families. Perhaps they only want to focus on newborn, or high school seniors. So, it is a good question to ask!

3. What does your "fee" include?

In the photography market today, most photographers have an all inclusive fee that covers certain things. Some, like our studio, do not operate that way. So, it is always a good idea to ask a potential photographer this question, and have them explain in as much detail as possible.

For example, when we mention our session fee, we also mention what is DOES include and what it DOES NOT include in order to make the clarification. When I mention that our session fee includes the time at the session and my time to edit some of the imagery, but does not include digital files or any other product, I often get asked this question, "Oh, so I can get all my digital files for that price?" So, then we talk some more to be sure we are on the same page.

4. What is your process?

We believe this is an extremely important question to ask. In other words, how does the potential photographer handle everything with your session? Does this photographer have a consultation with you so all the details can be understood? Basically, understanding how much contact and how much the photographer will help you with everything is important to know.

We are a full service studio, which means, we just want you to sit back and relax. We do the work so you do not have to. Having a process where communication is clear so everyone is on the same page is very important. Getting surprised with anything during the session, or after is not a pleasant thing.

5. When will I see my images?

      Many photographers offer online options that include being able to see your images in a gallery and being able to download them to a device. Other photographers offer a meeting at your home or in the studio, where that photographer will be your trusted advisor and guide you through the choosing process and helping you plan how you want to display your images in your home.  Either way, when will you get to see them? One week, two weeks, three weeks?