It’s Springtime! With chilly weather firmly behind us, lots of parents are considering hiring a family photographer in Boston for this year’s family images. Sifting through google results, websites, and portfolios can feel very overwhelming for a prospective client. I’m here to help make this process easier for you!

5 Things To Ask Yourself Before Hiring A Family Photographer in Boston

I. What is My Budget? Does This Photographer Fit That?

In my opinion, this is the first question you should ask yourself! There is no sense falling in love with a photographer who is well outside your budget range. When figuring out what your budget is, it’s important to think in terms of a whole year. Are you the type of family who wants to do one special yearly session? Or do you prefer a series of smaller milestone sessions that yield a few photos each? Does the photographer you’re considering offer your ideal yearly scenario?

II. Does This Photographer Specialize in the Type of Photography I am Looking For?

You wouldn’t go to Italy for French food and you wouldn’t hire a pet photographer for photos of your human family members! While this example is fairly obvious, you want to think about this in a more nuanced way. If you have three kids under the age of 5, you probably don’t want to hire a family photographer with a gallery of all teenagers. Besides experience with the ages of your family, there’s more to consider! Does this photographer shoot in the locations I am picturing? A pro at downtown Boston photography might not be as comfortable shooting in a wooded setting. If you’re looking for an in-home family session, does this photographer display that in their portfolio? If you dream of a golden-lit sunset session, do you see images displaying this?

III. What Kind of Experience Am I Looking For?

Family Photographers provide a wide range of services within their packages. Some offer in-person viewing appointments with separate print package options. There are some who offer one all-inclusive digital package. Some are a hybrid! Some photographers have styling services and props to utilize during their sessions. 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.

IV. What’s The Photographer’s Vibe? Does it Match My Own?

This one is a little trickier to determine! I recommend checking out the photographer’s About Page. If they say they’re all about Birkenstocks and sweatpants and you’re more of a Gucci + Prada person, you might not be a good fit. If you like a traditional, posed portrait and the photographer you’re considering is all about movement and snuggling, consider moving on with your search. Another great way to get to know the personality of the family photographer in Boston you’re considering is checking out their Instagram. Many photographer share more personal stories in their posts and stories.

V. Do You Like Their Portfolio as a Whole?

Sometimes potential clients can hone in on one photograph that they love and forget to look at the photographer’s full collection of images. Try to ensure that you like the majority of their gallery! Sometimes a certain type of light or color clothing that a client wears can make 1-2 images look different than their typical style. Make sure the images you like are not the only ones that look “different”.

VI. Bonus Tip: Ask About Availability Up Front!

If you are someone who absolutely needs an October peak foliage family photography session, ask about the photographer’s availability first. This helps to not waste anyone’s time. As a family photographer in Boston, however, I encourage you to stay flexible! Finding the right fit between photographer and client is no easy feat. When you find someone that you connect with on a personal and professional level, they’re worth being flexible for! Consider weekdays, sunrise, or a season you may not have fully explored options for. Lean on your photographer’s knowledge of the area to make the most out of the dates available.

Happy Photographer Hunting!