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How to Choose the Perfect Family Photographer for a Stress-Free Session

Monday, September 15, 2025 | By: Animal House Photography

A collage of photos shows a family of five playing by a creek.

How to Choose the Perfect Family Photographer for a Stress-Free Session

So you've decided to do it: you're having family photos taken. You're excited to hang those gorgeous shots on the wall, but now you're faced with the daunting task of finding a photographer. This is a financial investment, so you need to make sure you choose the right person. You want to be relaxed and confident the day of the pictures.

How do you make sure you've found the right photographer for a stress-free session?

Look no further my friend. This is your guide to finding the perfect photographer to leave you footloose and fancy-free from start to finish.

A family of five stand together and smile in a path by a creek.
A boy stands in front of his parents and spreads his arms out in front of them.
A family of five sit in tall grass next to a creek.

Finances Matter

Remember that a good photographer isn't just showing up day-of and taking the pictures, then emailing them to you.

Your photographer also acts as:

  • brainstorm partner
  • scheduler/planner
  • location scout
  • wardrobe advisor
  • photoshoot director
  • editor
  • product provider
  • order fulfillment 

With that in mind, know in advance how much you want to spend on pictures. Consider both the cost of hiring the photographer as well as purchasing the final product.

Make sure you have the full financial picture (pun ABSOLUTELY intended) before you make a choice on a photographer so that your experience can be worry-free.

Check Out Their Socials

One way to avoid tension is to make sure you choose a photographer whose style matches the final product you have in mind. Instagram, Facebook, and website galleries will give you an idea of a photographer's style.

You'll want to consider a few different elements. Do they generally edit more cool or warm? Do they use traditional posing or favor candid lifestyle shots? Are their pictures mostly in a studio, or are they in-home or outdoors? Do the pictures they take look like what you want on your wall?

The answers to these questions will help you determine whether your styles are going to mesh well together and make for an easy-breezy session.

A zoomed in image shows a mother's arms holding her baby daughter on her hip.
A baby girl wearing a large pink bow touches her father's face as he holds her.
A couple hold hands on a path next to a creek.
A man holds his smiling baby daughter.
A woman in an orange dress with long dark hair holds her young daughter on her hip.
A man holds his wife's chin and kisses her lips.

Experience and Professionalism

This one is SO important. What is going to make you comfortable?

Maybe you are a seasoned expert with photoshoots and you'd love to give a younger photographer a chance. In this case you *might* have less of a financial investment, a lot of excitement, and sometimes more flexibility with their schedule. 

If this is your first time, or you tend to be nervous, I'd encourage someone with a lot of experience. They'll know how to get the shots they want, and they'll know how to troubleshoot if you run into issues. Generally, they won't be phased by anything your session throws at them.

Whichever you choose, remember to set your expectations accordingly so you aren't surprised day-of.

Don't Forget the Kids

If you have kids you're including in your session, you NEED to consider whether the person you're considering regularly photographs children.

A photoshoot with kids is its own (wonderful and fun) beast entirely. You want your photographer to know how to play with them, get their attention, make suggestions, and role with the punches. During your session, your photographer should be the calm leader of the group, regardless of tears or angst from your little ones.

As you check out social media and websites, make sure that the photographers you consider have clients that look like your family so that you don't spend your session worried about your kids.

A young girl in green overalls smiles at the camera.
A family of five sit next to a creek and gaze at the water.
A young boy and girl embrace their mother from either side of her.
A family of five hold hands and walk in a field together.
A young brother and sister embrace and smile.

It Comes Down to Vibes

That's really it. Do you vibe well with this person? When you talk to them, do they put you at ease? Do you feel heard and valued in the conversation? Do you feel that they are prompt to respond and have answers to your questions?

Follow your gut. You know when a person puts you at ease, and that feeling of being relaxed will lead to a stress-free day with your photographer.

So let's find out: do we vibe? I'd love to be your perfect fit!

A woman holding a camera smiles confidently.
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