AI Meets Photography: 3 Key Factors to Consider When Hiring a Family Photographer
Hi, friends!
Today I thought it would be fun to play around with AI. Like it or not, AI is used in many facets of our lives and is undoubtedly here to stay. I began using AI a bit to enhance my lessons at school and thought it would be interesting to challenge one of the platforms with a photography prompt. I asked AI to list the top 3 most important things to consider when hiring a photographer for a family photo session. Following are its suggestions and my feedback about the computer’s work!
According to AI, the top 3 most important things to consider when hiring a photographer for a family photo session are:
Style and Portfolio
Experience with Families
Packages and Pricing
Style and Portfolio
AI said, “ensure their photography and editing style match your preferences by reviewing their portfolio. This guarantees you'll be happy with the final results.”
I could not agree more with this suggestion! This is *surprisingly* infrequently mentioned when I speak with clients. However, it is essential to be familiar with a photographer’s style before selecting her as your family photographer. Because photographers are also human, style can change slightly (or dramatically!) over time, but generally photographers present a consistent style throughout their portfolio. Unsure what to call the style you’re looking for? A good place to begin is by taking a look at the photographers’ portfolios you are considering. Once you’ve found one that speaks to you, ask the photographer what their style is called and use their response as a jumping off point for further research. Or, skip that step all together and hire someone whose photos you can envision on the walls of your home!
Experience with Families
AI said, “choose a photographer experienced in working with families and children. They’ll know how to create a comfortable atmosphere and capture authentic moments.”
This is also an excellent suggestion and one I often see overlooked when families inquire about a session. Each photographer has her own speciality and area of expertise. For some of us, that’s weddings. For others, it’s newborns. For others, it’s seniors. If you want the best experience during your family photo session, select a photographer who specializes in working with families and, specifically, young children. She will know how to pose you so every member of your family looks great and how to keep kiddos’ attention throughout your session. Though your wedding photographer may have captured stunning photos of you on your big day, it’s possible she isn’t comfortable working with children or large extended families. Hire a professional whose focus is what you’re looking for to have an excellent family session experience.
Packages and Pricing
AI said, “Understand what’s included in their packages, such as session length, number of photos, and deliverables, and ensure it aligns with your budget and needs.”
I’m thrilled to see this point mentioned in the Top 3. Once you’ve identified a list of photographers who specialize in working with families and whose styles match what you’re looking for, this consideration may be what helps you make the final decision about which photographer to hire for your session. Budget is typically a key factor clients consider when hiring a photographer. However, it’s important to consider how both items (fees and what’s included) work together. It’s possible one photographer’s fee might be slightly higher than you intended to spend but how the session will occur and what you receive after aligns with what you’re looking for. All of this to say, considering your budget when choosing a photographer is essential but it should be balanced with your preferences and needs for your session.
Overall, I give AI an A+ for identifying 3 key factors to consider when researching and selecting a photographer for your family photo session. Want to hear more about how each of these factors looks when booking a session with EK Photography? Reach out HERE and I’ll be in touch soon to chat about your family photo session needs.
