I originally sent this out as a series in my newsletter, but thought it would be interesting to others as well.
I bought a fig tree recently.
It was a purely impulse purchase and I bought it because it seemed unusual and I was curious.
I started researching fig trees in Montreal, and it's pretty clear that if I want it to live beyond a year there are several things I need to do.
It felt overwhelming and I wished I could just get a slow drip of info to take in gradually.
I know a lot of you are also overwhelmed by family photography, and with busy season not so far away (really!) I thought it would be fun to give you a slow drip of information to finally get those photos.
This is not about being the camera operator, but the person being photographed.
How do you get those family photos you love without stressing out?
I'm going to go step by step one week at a time!
And yes, I encourage you to start thinking about all of this now so you are prepared and ready to go this fall.
Step 1: Find out what type of family photos you love
There are SO MANY styles of family photography and photographers. What speaks to you?
Start by looking at Pinterest or Instagram. What type of images do you love?
Different styles include:
-formally posed studio photography
-creative in-home photos including parts of your life like eating a snack or reading a book
-photos with themes (like a Christmas set or for younger kids balloons, etc.)
-some images feel like they are out of a magazine (editorial), some have a retro-filmy vibe, and others are crisp and clean
A big misconception is that if you are a photographer you do all styles of photos. But that's not true. Every photographer has their own style and vibe. It's just like a singer - they may be able to sing opera but specialize in jazz. Or a fashion designer.
I believe that the largest difference in styles between photographers is for newborn and maternity photos. If you are considering one of those sessions, PLEASE take a dive into the photographer's portfolio.
Something else to think about
Do you like a certain photographer? I so, where do they usually take photos? Are they always in-home or at a studio? If they are outdoors do they have more of an urban or rural vibe?
What are their reviews like? I am HUGE on reviews and almost always read reviews before I buy anything.
Do they offer any extras? Are you maybe looking for a short family film, or wardrobe?
Budget
Yes, budget is important but I really hope that you are not picking your photographer based on who is the cheapest, without at least taking a look at their portfolio and making sure you like what you see.
If your preferred photographer is out of your budget, considering other ways of working with them. Do they do minis, or model calls?
That's It!
It may seem simple, but knowing what you like is the hardest part.
It's like you are remodelling your kitchen. Once you know what you like, the rest is just fitting in the pieces.
I'll be back next week with a deep dive on location and things you may not have thought about.
Interested in a session? Contact me!
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