Let’s be real. Looking for a family photographer can feel like a lot. You type it “into”photographer near me” into Google and suddenly you are staring at dozens of websites, all with different styles, prices, and options. Some look way too formal, others feel too trendy, and it is hard to know who will actually get your family. All you want is someone who makes the whole process easy and maybe even a little fun.
If you are starting your search for a children’s photographer or planning your very first family photo session, here are a few things that will help you find the right fit.
Pick Someone Who Actually Likes Kids
I know, it sounds obvious, but just like not everyone is a dog person, not everyone is great with kids. You want a photographer who is okay with snacks, energy, emotions…and pretty much things veering away from the plan. Someone who can sense when to step back and when to jump in with a silly face that gets a real laugh. Most importantly, you want someone who can handle the chaos and is understanding that sometimes kids just need a break, a little time to reset, before continuing.
It is so much easier when the person behind the camera knows how to keep kids engaged without forcing it. No “say cheese,” no stiff posing. Just a few tricks up their sleeve to get those pure, genuine moments.
Pay Attention to Their Style
Scroll their portfolio and pay attention to how the photos feel. Do they feel warm, playful, classic, bold? Can you imagine your family in them? Would you want those images on your wall for years?
Be sure to go beyond looking at a few photos. Check what happens after the session. Some photographers hand you a gallery of files and leave you on your own with what to do next. Others help you pick favorites and turn them into something you can actually see every day.
That is why I hold in-studio photo reveals. Instead of being left on your own, overwhelmed by an online gallery, , you get to see your images big, relive the emotions from your session, and decide together how you want to enjoy them. It turns choosing photos into part of the experience, not an afterthought.
Avoid the “Book Now” Button
I know it is tempting to just click a button and lock in a session. Here is the thing: A family photo session is personal. Your photographer should want to hear about your kids, your vision, and what kind of memories matter most to you.
This step is really huge. Reach out and ask questions. Tell your photographer what you want from your family photo session. Share the details. Do you have a shy child who takes a while to warm up? Do you prefer candid, in-the-moment photos over perfectly posed ones?
The more your photographer knows, the better they can plan a session that fits your family. And when you feel relaxed with them, your kids will too. That comfort shows up in every single photo.
That is why I do not ask families to book blindly online. I would rather connect first. We talk, we make sure it feels like the right fit, and I learn what makes your family unique. That way, by the time you step into the studio, we already have a plan that matches who you are.
When you feel comfortable with your photographer, your kids feel it too. And that comfort shows in every photo.
Choose a Photographer Who Works One on One With You
This part matters. If you have ever been rushed through a mall studio, you know how impersonal it can feel. You are in and out in fifteen minutes with a handful of stiff shots that do not say much about who you are. I used to work at one of those places and honestly, I absolutely hated it!
When you work one on one with a photographer, the focus is all on your family. There is no rushing, no back-to-back appointments. You have time to settle in, laugh, and get comfortable.
That is exactly why I built my Sinking Spring studio to feel calm and welcoming. You are not just another name on a list. You get time, space, and attention. You have access to the studio closet, snacks when you come back to see your photos, and a real conversation about what matters most to you.
