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Finding a Photographer: what to expect and how to make sure you love your photos

By: Animal House Photography

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a smiling young girl lies with her head in her mother's lap on a soft bed

Everything you need to know about how to choose your photographer, enjoy your session, and love your photos.

Look no further, North Alabama: this is your complete guide.

We all want beautiful photos hanging on the wall. We want to see the best versions of ourselves immersed in precious memories, all preserved as keepsakes for years to come.

But that can feel like a lofty goal when there are so many types of photography, photographers, and products out there. 

How do you know what you like?

How do you decide who you should choose?

How do you make sure you like your photos?

I have good news my friend: I'm going to lay it all out for you so that you can walk into these decisions with confidence.

Let's get started.

Part 1: Discovering Your Style

The first step to get beautiful photos is deciding what style you like.

This part is pretty quick but SO important. There are many, many types of photography and to be honest, I'm not an expert in all of them - no one can be!

My expertise is in family-centered photography, so let's go through a few options for family photos.

You can read more about me and my style here.

Studio Photography

These sessions are obviously going to take place in a photographer's studio, which means your surroundings will be more neutral or even a blank slate. You may be posed with specific instructions. 

Your photos will look more formal and polished than some other styles. They will be traditional, well-lit, and likely minimal in terms of props.

Studio photography captures specifics well: the contours of your face, your wardrobe, and other details. Your wardrobe is VERY important in a studio because it will stand out in the stark setting.

Studio photography might be for you if you want a traditional and minimal look with an emphasis on appearance and polish.

A Black woman holds her baby girl and smiles at her

Lifestyle Photography

Lifestyle photography is a completely different approach to photography. In lifestyle photography, the goal is curated candid photos. These pictures are intended to capture relationships, the unique interactions between people in a family or a friend group. They can take place in your home or outdoors, usually in a place that has some significance to you.

Lifestyle photography gives a glimpse into the life of its subjects, but still has a little polish to it. You're going to look your best and your photographer will give you cues for what to do next. This is a great option if you're looking for polish without the formality of a studio.

Lifestyle might be for you if you don't want to be as formal as the studio but you aren't completely comfortable with the casual nature of documentary.

Not to be biased buuuuut...this is my favorite. For more about why I love it so much, check out this blog post.

A family of four sit together on a kitchen floor and hold up their youngest sun

Documentary Photography

Documentary is the most casual type of photography listed here. In documentary, you're just living your life and a photographer is following along to photograph you where you live. 

You should expect pictures that capture the mundane, normal parts of your life. Lifestyle and documentary are closely related but not quite the same. 

In lifestyle, you should expect some instruction from your photographer. You'll be given prompts and your time will feel like a photography session. 

Documentary, on the other hand, should feel like your life with a photographer following along. 

Documentary photography might be for you if you want to capture exactly what your normal life looks like.

A mother works at a kitchen counter while her young daughter sits on the counter and watches
A father holds his young daughter in his lap and reads her a story while his wife holds their newborn

Choosing a Style

Obviously this is not a comprehensive list. One type I haven't listed here is fine art photography because it's not my specialty. (If you want to read more about fine art photography, this article is a good place to start.) 

That being said, now that you've seen a few options, it's time to decide which type is for you. This is where you look at a lot of pictures. Pintrest is your friend here; make a board of pictures you like and then see which style they best fit into. That will give you a good idea of what style you most want to hang up on your wall.

Book Your Fall Session Now

Part 2: Types of Sessions

There are so many moments in our lives that are worth capturing for posterity. Below are some sessions I enjoy shooting. If you have ideas, I always love trying something new!

You can click on the photos to find out more about these sessions.

Pregnant woman seated with two children hugging her baby bump, wearing ripped jeans, maternity photo with family love
A Black woman sits on a hospital bed wearing a floral robe and holding her newborn
Sleeping newborn wrapped in beige blanket, wearing a cream bow headband, held in an adult's arms
A collage shows pictures of children meeting milestones like baths, senior pictures, and birthdays
Smiling child portrait in a striped sweater with a bow in her hair, black and white.
Backyard session with child and woman standing in grass, holding a baby.
Outdoor  wedding ceremony with bride and groom walking down the aisle, guests seated on both sides.
Couple holding hands on a city street crosswalk with buildings and parked cars in the background
Mother plays on the floor with her young children while her two older boys wrestle, text says day in the life
Motherhood: a mother in a white dress holding a baby girl in a greenhouse
Couple embracing and smiling outdoors at sunset
Five family members standing outdoors near a pond with autumn trees reflected in the water
Woman in a white dress seated on steps in front of open doors to a greenhouse with flowers and greenery
Family baking together in a cozy holiday kitchen with a decorated Christmas tree in the background
Tell me more about greenhouse sessions!

Part 3: Finding a Photographer

This is the part that may feel overwhelming. How much should you spend? Is this photographer really as talented as they say? What kind of things should I look for in portfolios? 

Not to worry - I can help you out.

You can also look through my portfolio here.

The Basics

Obviously everyone is looking for something different, but these are my personal basic requirements when I'm looking for a photographer.

- Do they regularly shoot the type of session I'm looking for?

- Do they have good experience and a broad body of work?

- If you have kids, do they often work with children?

- Do I like their editing style?

You're making an investment, so make sure you really look before making a decision.

Woman sitting on a chair taking a photo with a camera in a stylish room

 Editing is more important than you think.

There are so many ways to edit photos and most of the time there is no one "right" way. While you are looking at photos, you can look for some specific things that might help determine the experience and skill of the editor.

Please note: these apply to family photography, not editorial or artistic photography.

1. Can you see the faces of the intended subjects? 

2. Do the colors in the photo look natural?

3. Do the subjects of the photo stand out from the background?

4. Are the photos clear and in sharp focus (if intended)?

Again, so much of this is subjective and you might love a look that someone else would consider unfinished. Ultimately what matters is whether YOU like the way your photos look.

Woman holding three young children indoors with plants in the background
Family of four smiling and hugging, with a mother holding a baby and two children

Doing Your Due Diligence 

Obviously you want to see a portfolio (make sure you look at a portfolio). There are multiple ways to see a photographer's body of work, and each will give you different information.

Website: This is where they are making the sale, so this will be a photographer's most polished work. You can look at their blog to see how they describe their work.

Instagram: Social media, especially Instagram, is a more laid-back version of a portfolio. This is going to be the place where photographers post their favorite sessions, behind-the-scenes videos, and other information about how they do their job.

Reviews: Look on Google reviews or Yelp for other peoples' experiences. Obviously there will be outliers, so use the majority of reviews to form your opinion.

Father sitting on a couch, holding his baby daughter with a child beside him

Further Reading on Choosing a Photographer

"How to Choose a Newborn Photographer in Huntsville, Alabama"

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

"Finding a Photographer in Huntsville, Alabama"

"What Should You Look For When Hiring a Family Photographer"

Book with Animal House Photography

Part 4: Pricing and Packages

Dun dun duuuuuuuunnnn...

I know, this is an uncomfortable part of any interaction. But here's the thing: you should feel completely comfortable asking questions and wanting details. A professional photographer will answer you thoroughly and make sure you know exactly what you're agreeing to.

In fact, you should be signing a contract to make sure everyone knows what is expected.

I like to be transparent with my clients; you can read more about investment here.

You get what you pay for.

Remember that your business is your photographer's livelihood and that your session and final pictures are only a small part of the full picture (if you'll excuse the pun).

A photographer's pricing can cover:

- experience and skill of the photographer

- planning and communication

- wardrobe and location assistance 

- travel to the location

- time during the session

- sorting through photos

- editing

- final photo selection

- creation of products

- shipping and product quality check

So when you see a price, remember that a photographer's job is much more involved than just taking a few photos and sending them your way.

Woman working at a desk using a laptop and watching a video on a large monitor in a home office.
Take me to booking!
Mother holding and smiling at her baby outdoors in warm sunlight.

How to Plan for Pricing

You can go one of two ways in planning for your photo session.

One way is to decide how much you have to spend and then search for a photographer who fits in that description. The upside of this is that you will be able to get photos done sooner. The downside is that you may not get the photos you are hoping for.

 

The other way to decide is, in my opinion, the better one. Instead of choosing your budget first, choose your photographer first. Identify someone you really, really love and then find out what your session will cost.  Once you've completed this step, you can make a plan for saving that will get you to that session. You can set up your session far in advance if your photographer allows, or you can find out when their books open and make that your goal.

 

If you want those photos sooner, some photographers offer payment plans. Depending on whether you're comfortable with it, this option can get you the best of both worlds.

Further Reading on Finding a Photographer

Part 5: From Booking to Session Day

Once you've found your photographer, it's time to move towards that session you've been dreaming of. This part is a lot of waiting and some fun vision casting. Ultimately, you'll use this time to plan the details of your session.

Contact me about booking here!

Children riding scooters on a city sidewalk while an adult stands nearby.

The Booking Process

Every photographer has a process for booking, but there are a few basics you want to walk away with.

- pricing for product purchases

- date and time for session

- bad weather/emergency reschedule options

- time between session and receiving your photos

As stated above, you should be signing some kind of agreement outlining expectations for everyone involved, including prices.

A family of four stand together on an overlook at sunset in Huntsville Alabama

Choosing a Location

If you're having a studio or in-home session, this decision is in the name. However, if you are choosing a location, consider some of the following options:

- downtown setting

- local park

- activity location (zoo, aquarium, etc.)

- local creek or river

- overlook or mountains

- meadow or field

Your photographer will know what kinds of locations your town has to offer and will likely have favorites based on lighting, time of year, and age of kids.

If you are local to Huntsville, check out these locations, and these too, for some of my favorite spots.

Planning a Wardrobe

Honestly, this one is a blog post all on its own...so I've linked my wardrobe guides below. 

In the meantime, I've put some of my favorite family wardrobes below as well.

Ultimately, you should talk with your photographer, who will likely have suggestions. They may even have a client closet or favorite locations for purchasing clothes if that is your plan.

My one tip I'll put here?

I'd avoid black. It creates a hole in your pictures where there is no color or texture. Some people love black and some styles of photography are even better when you wear black, but generally choose a color instead.

"The Ultimate Fall Styling Guide: What to Wear and Why it Works"

"Holiday Wardrobe Look-Book: A Guide to Dressing for the Season"

"Your Complete Guide to Planning Your Spring Family Photoshoot"

I'm ready to start dreaming...
Family of five posing in a field at sunset, with one daughter on her father's shoulders.
Family of five standing together in a wooded area with warm sunlight and trees in the background
Family in vintage floral clothing posing outdoors in a wooded setting with three children
Smiling family of four hugging in a field at sunset, with a child on each parent’s shoulders

Part 6: The Photoshoot

Congratulations friend: you made it to the day. You've chosen your photographer, your location, and your wardrobe. Now it's time for the fun part.

A Note About Kids, Relationships, and Taking Good Pictures

So I'm a wife and a mom. I, too, look at my family and sometimes wonder how on earth I'm going to get these children and this sweet man I love into their nice clothes. I wonder how I'm going to convince my beloved little hoodlums to look their sweetest selves.

All of which is to say, I know how you feel and I understand the anxiety that can come with family photo sessions. It can feel so high stakes; you've paid for this and you want those sweet gorgeous pictures you've seen other people post. You want to capture all the sweetness so you never forget.

And here's what I'm going to tell you: pressure is the enemy of beautiful pictures.

Pressure makes us defensive and anxious. Pressure makes kids want to misbehave or shut down. Pressure brings an element of anger and stress into our space.

So instead of pressure, remember that this is my job. I've done this with so many families. I promise I can get at least a few lovely photos of you and your family. 

The most important thing is that when you look at these pictures, you remember a fun experience and NOT a stressful afternoon.

I've got you my friend. We can do this!

Smiling baby crawling on a wooden floor in a cozy home interior

What to Bring

Not too much, especially if you're going somewhere with a bit of a walk.

You'll want to bring along:

- whatever clothes you and your photographer have agreed upon (this includes changes of clothes and layers like sweaters)

- comfortable shoes for walking (if you are wearing nice shoes like heels)

- water and small, non-staining snacks for kids

- an umbrella for shade or rain

- a simple toy like a ball that won't distract from the photos

Two children running toward adults holding a blanket in a grassy field with trees in the background
Older brother holding a sister beside a smiling young boy in a cozy greenhouse with plants and flowers.
Mother in a recliner holding newborn triplets as her older daughter walks towards her
Family group seated on brick steps outdoors, smiling and dressed in colorful outfits
Let's get you pictures like these!

How to Prepare Your Kids

Preparing your kids starts all the way back during the scheduling stage. You'll want to make sure you plan your session during a time your kids are generally happiest. For example, if your kids take a nap at 1 PM, you probably don't want to plan a session for 1:30.

On the day, it helps to make sure your kiddos are well-fed and rested as much as you can. Obviously no one can control whether a child eats or sleeps, but we can all do our best.

Finally, you can frame the session in a fun way. "We are going to go play with Ms. Tiffany!" "We are going to take some fun pictures!" "We are going on an adventure."

P.S.

Sometimes giving yourselves something to do helps! Read here about including your hobbies in your photo session, and then talk to your photographer.

But wait, there's more!

I have so many resources for clients, and I've put them below. I'm pretty sure you'll find tips for any problems you could have while preparing for your session.

"Capturing the Magic of Toddler Photoshoots"

"First Days: What to Expect from a Fresh 48 Session"

"Mistakes to Avoid for a Beautiful Family Photoshoot"

"Behind the Lens: A Peak into a Fall Family Photoshoot"

"Why You Shouldn't Worry About Overcast Weather"

"How to Take Beautiful Candid Family Photos (and Avoid Meltdowns in the Process)"

"5 Activities to Bring Out the Magic During Your In-Home Christmas Session"

A father tosses his son into the air in a grassy field at sunset with mountains and clouds in the background

Part 7: Choosing Your Photos and Products

Now that you've had your session, all that's left to do is wait for your photos and choose how you're going to display them. Even though waiting is THE WORST, I promise it will be worth it!

What Your Photographer is Up To

If you've ever wondering what in the world is taking so long, this is the segment for you.

In the interim between your session and when you get to choose your final photos, your photographer is busy sorting through raw photos, editing, and creating a gallery for you to look at. 

Additionally your photographer is probably still going through this process with other clients.

With an experienced photographer, you should have some idea in advance how long you will wait for your gallery. So be patient; it feels like forever, but it won't be!

Person arranging scattered instant photos on a wooden table
Professional photographer helps a mother with a young daughter select photos from a gallery

Time to Choose Your Photos

They're finally ready! The day you receive your gallery is so exciting.

As you pursue your photos, consider which ones might be good to hang up on the wall or put into an album. Mark your favorites as you go, but definitely look through the photos multiple times.

You should know in advance your package purchase options, so all that's left is to choose what you want!

Why You Should Purchase Print Products

Beautiful photos like these are not intended to stay in digital form on your phone. I know it's tempting, but only having these pictures on a screen means you miss out on the magic of photography.

Children have been shown to have increased self-esteem when their pictures are displayed on their walls at home. Parents love having a timeline of their kids hanging up for all to see. And what better art to put on your walls than the beautiful faces of your loved ones.

Finally, a photo album or a canvas print makes for an absolutely beautiful gift that your family will cherish for years to come.

Woman in pink sitting on a bench in a bright room with framed photos leaning against the wall

That's a wrap!

You made it my friend. I hope you feel equipped and confident as you find a photographer. 

If you're in the Huntsville/Madison area, I would love to be your photographer! Use the contact form below and tell me what kind of session you've been dreaming of.

Yes! Show me how to book!
Black-and-white portrait of a woman beside handwritten quote text on a light background.

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Animal House Photography Logo
  • HOME
  • MEET TIFFANY
  • SERVICES
    • MATERNITY SESSION
    • FAMILY SESSION
    • NEWBORN SESSION
    • BRANDING SESSION
  • PORTFOLIO
  • INVESTMENT
  • Fall Sessions LIVE!
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT ME