So it’s October and in my little Type-A over-achiever brain, I’m already way behind on ordering my holiday cards. WAY BEHIND!
Why? Because at one point in my life the holiday cards would be done by now– stamped, sealed, ready to go.
Of course at one point in my life, I only had to coordinate outfits with one malleable little baby, as opposed to playing hostage negotiator with one opinionated boy who insists on dressing like a “ninja” (read: monochromatic green sweats and tee shirt) and one very sassy little diva with an affinity for leopard print and “matching” navy socks with pink sandals.
” ‘Ook. Pretty sandals!” she squeals.
After all of the work required to get the family dressed, to keep the crumbs off their faces and the fingers out of their noses, I put all of my faith that the photographer will not let that effort go to waste. So, I try to invest wisely. Here are the things I look for in a family photographer:
1. A Style that Matches Our Own
Posed photos get the job done, but they certainly don’t capture a family at its best. This is why I will never again pay for studio sessions at the mall. EVER. For approximately the same price as I would pay at a chain, I get much better quality photos and my kids are all the more happy and relaxed when not constantly coached to “Look here. Look here. Okay… smile!”
I look for a photographer who can capture the real smiles rather than coax the creepy fakey ones. I look for equal amounts of silly and serious, but entirely effortless and completely natural. I look for someone who gets our sense of humor.
A great photographer will be willing to work with you no matter your style– formal or casual, whimsical or straight forward.
2. Overall Quality of Work and Range of Talent
It’s a shame that anyone can call themselves a “photographer”, because that is simply not true. It takes a good eye and proficiency to produce quality photos, and I tend to be picky. Basic photography skills aside, I look for the tiny details.
Do they capture the small moments or the seconds after a smile has faded? Do their indoor photos look as stunning as their outdoor ones? Do they capture the light in eyes? Do their images tell a story, or are they just flat?
3. Must Like Children
This one speaks for itself.
It takes a special talent and extra patience to work with children. They’re unpredictable, moody, and don’t like to sit still for very long… if ever. A great family photographer should be able to work quickly and make the best of it. But an even better photographer can create a good rapport with the kids. They have to be willing to engage with the kids at their level- be silly, answer tons of “why” questions, and tell funny jokes.
It’s all about making the kids (and the parents) comfortable and making the photo session lots of fun!
4. Image Files over Prints
Every photographer seems to operate under a slightly different business model. Some only ask to be compensated for their time and are happy to give you the image files as part of that fee or for a nominal charge.
Others make their money from prints, which I find completely impractical. I presently have no room in my house for large prints, but that doesn’t mean I never will again. Nor do I like the idea of only having a day, a month, a year… to commit to ordering images in “just these sizes” and never again having the opportunity to order more.
5. Offers a variety of shots
The whole reason we take family photos is to order holiday cards at Tiny Prints. I like the flexibility to try different designs, to play around with colors and fonts, and mix and match the images. Point is, I like options and Tiny Prints has options to spare!
Last year I couldn’t decide on just one, so I ordered two different cards– one for close friends, the other for acquaintances.
I was so very pleased with how my holiday cards turned out. I found both to be equally as stunning… not just because it heavily features my family and my inlaws’ friends and my extended family sent THANK YOU cards in response to it.
6. A Great Recommendation from a Friend
Preferably a good friend with good taste.
Image credit: Jillian Kay Photography
Disclosure: I am receiving 50 Tiny Prints Holiday Cards, but am not otherwise being compensated for this post. The thoughts and opinion in this post are my own, and do not reflect those of Tiny Prints.
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I tend to take the kids pics myself but this year I’d love to have them done professionally and NOT in the mall.
Loved the pics from last year. They really captured your family. Can’t wait to get your card this year! Not sure what we will be doing about pics with our fam. I guess I need to figure out something soon!
These are great recommendations and insights, thank you for taking the time to put this together and publish!