5 things you should ask a Boston Family Photographer before you book

It’s March, so with chilly weather (hopefully) behind us, it’s a busy season for booking family photographers.  If you are considering hiring a family photographer in Boston for this year’s family images, there are a few important questions you should know before pulling the trigger. I’m here to help make sure you get the RIGHT Boston Family photographer for you!

 I: What kind of experience am I looking for from a Boston Family Photographer?  What style of photography am I drawn to?

Lifestyle, posed newborns, candid, documentary, styled sessions.  Do you want to shoot in a field with tall grasses?  Or maybe sunset on a boat?  Perhaps the beach is more your vibe.  Make sure the photographer vibes with what you re hoping for.  If you prefer a lifestyle approach, hiring someone whose studio has a backdrop won’t work for you.  If you want your baby in a basket surrounded by a gorgeous backdrop, hiring an in-home lifestyle photographer won’t match.  Be clear in what you are hoping for and make sure to ask (or check their website/IG accounts) your photographer what they specialize in.

Are you hoping to receive all digital images?  Or would you rather have print credits or a personalized album as part of your packages.  Maybe you are completely indecisive and want your photographer to sit with you to do in person sales?   Be sure to chat with your potential photographer about the packages they offer (and bonus, many are hybrid and offer some of all those things!). Services and offerings vary widely so it’s always a good idea to ask these questions up front to ensure you and the Boston photographer you are considering are on the same page.

 II: Will the energy or vibe of the photographer match my family?

Think to yourself, are we a low key family that just wants to sit and cuddle?  Or are we a sport loving, high energy family that wants to focus on energy?  Finding a photographer whose energy, whose images portray the energy your family has is key to finding the perfect photographer for you! Perfectly imperfect is my vibe.

III:  What will you do to help me feel comfortable in front of the camera during my family session? 

Most people aren’t used to having their photo taken, and it can sometimes cause a little anxiety. If you’re worried about how you’ll feel during your portrait session, ask your family portrait photographer how they will help put you at ease. Every professional photographer should have a plan for helping clients feel comfortable. If they put all the responsibility on you to prepare, that’s a red flag, and you will want to work with someone else. 

One of my biggest compliments is how prepared my clients feel, from the initial information about my sessions, through curating outfits, choosing locations and what to expect on the day of the sessional.  I pride myself on these things and any Boston family photographer you hire, should as well. 

 IV: The photos on your website are amazing, but I don’t know how to achieve that look – can you help?

Often a client looks at a photographers website and thinks “yeah, but look at those perfectly behaved children in a perfectly curated outfits” – I can guarantee you that behind that image is not perfection.  It is a multi layered conversation between the photographer and client.  Time spent educating a client on what photographs well (and what does not!), a client giving input on who their family is and what they are comfortable wearing.  And as a photographer for over 7 years, I can promise that there are no “perfectly behaved children” at a session but when a child feels comfortable, they can be perfectly themselves. 

V: As a photographer, do you have a lot of repeat clients?

 This is one many people don’t ask but I truly think this says a lot about your potential photographer.  If they are offering a quality experience, a fun for all the family session, clients come back.  If your photographer has a high percentage of repeat clients, I would bet their client experience is top notch.

Bonus Questions:  How flexible are you if weather changes or my child is sick?  How much do you cost and what does it include?  Where do you shoot?  These are all incredibly helpful to know before signing up with any photographer.

My best advice

Be upfront with your photographer and ask all the questions before booking.  This way you can be sure you and your Boston Family Photographer are on the same page.