Am I Your Family Photographer? Part I
Hello, friends! If we haven’t yet met, I’m Elizabeth of EK Photography! If you’re reading this blog, you may be considering hiring me as your family photographer. First, thank you so much for taking the time to read more about what makes working with me a special experience. I know there are MANY talented photographers in the Lehigh Valley region to choose from and I’m very grateful you’re considering trusting me with your family memories.
Today I want to tell you more about my approach to family photography. This is Part 1 of a two-part series: Today’s post focuses on the “before session” experience (have you ever even considered this part of your client experience?!..because it sure is and an important part at that!) and Part 2 will focus on the “during and after session” experiences. It’s my hope you learn more about my philosophy and why booking a session with me is more than just digital image files in an online gallery.
Far too often I see posts on social media requesting referrals for family photographers with a focus on budget, session length, and image count. To me, photography, and family photography, in particular, is so much more than these three things. Your session should be a stellar experience from initial inquiry to final gallery delivery. You should feel like you’re my only and most important client and that you have my full support and guidance along the way. Your session should be comfortable, easy, and natural and your images should convey emotion and authenticity. You may be thinking, “Wow, that all sounds great but how can you achieve this when I’m a busy mom of several children and my two-year-old doesn’t like to cooperate for photos?” Read on, I got you mama. :)
Let’s begin with…the beginning! When you complete the contact form on my website, I’ll reach out to you with some information about my family session offerings. At that time I’ll also ask you to complete a detailed questionnaire about your family. The answers to these questions are essential as they help me better get to know your group and how to plan our experience together from start to finish. Do you have a kindergartener and a high schooler participating in your session? That’s great for me to know as interacting with little ones and teenagers is completely different. Is someone in your group physically impaired? I’ll be sure to suggest locations to shoot that are easily accessible and plan ahead for props and poses that are comfortable for that person. Does your child take a bit of time to warm up to new people? You’ll help guide me in your answers to know some of your child’s likes and dislikes ahead of time so we can get started on the right foot when I meet your child for the first time. The questionnaire is just the beginning of our conversation, but it lays the solid foundation for our experience together.
Once we’ve gotten to know each other a bit, I’ll help you choose a location for your session. Oftentimes clients think wardrobe choices are the only way they can express their personal style. However, the location you choose for your session is just as important as the wardrobe pieces you’re wearing. I provide all of my clients with a location guide with several of my favorite spots to shoot in the area. The guide features photos taken by me at each of the named locations so you can get an idea of what the background of your photos might look like, too. If none of the spots in my guide speaks to you we can go back to the drawing board and I’ll look into some additional options for your session. Have a place in mind that isn’t on my list? We can accommodate that, too. Ultimately, the location of your session is an expression of you. Choosing just the right spot is a key step in the process and one I prioritize!
After we’ve selected the perfect location, my work begins in helping you plan and prepare for your session. I’ll send you a detailed styling guide with wardrobing tips for every member of your family as well as a comprehensive description of what to expect before, during, and after our session together. In addition, I’ll check in several times before your date with a variety of additional tips and suggestions about how to take your session from good to great! Finally, I’m always available to consult about what to expect during the session, outfits, accessory pieces, and color palettes. We can chat on the phone or via video call about anything you’re concerned about so you go into our time together knowing I’ve got you covered and things will be picture perfect on the day of your session.
Phew, a lot of effort, love, and care goes into planning for your family photo session and it hasn’t even happened yet! If I haven’t convinced you yet I’m the woman for the job, stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog series about my unique approach during and after your session.
