Finding the Right Fit
Choosing a photographer is about more than finding someone who is available on your preferred date. It is about finding someone whose work, style, and approach feel right for you and your family.
There are a lot of photographers on the Outer Banks, and we all have our own way of doing things. Some photographers are very posed and traditional, some focus almost entirely on candid moments, and others fall somewhere in between. Editing styles can be very different too. Some photographs are bright and colorful, some are soft and airy, and some are darker and more dramatic.
None of these styles are necessarily better than the others. The important thing is finding a photographer whose work you genuinely like.
Look at More Than Just a Few Favorite Images
When you're looking at photographers, I recommend looking through more than just the images they use on their website or social media. If they have full galleries available, take a look at those too.
A photographer may have a handful of beautiful photographs that caught your attention, but what you really want to know is what an entire session looks like. Do you like the way they photograph different ages, different family combinations, and different situations? Do you like the way they handle photographs where everyone isn't looking directly at the camera?
Pay attention to the things that matter to you.
If you love photographs that feel natural and relaxed, look for a photographer who regularly photographs that way. If you prefer more traditional portraits, look for someone whose portfolio reflects that. You don't want to hire someone hoping they will change their style just for your session.
Think About How You Want Your Session to Feel
The photographs are important, but I also think the experience matters.
Family pictures can be a little stressful before you even arrive. You've got everyone dressed, you're trying to get out the door on time, someone can't find a shoe, somebody is hungry, and there is usually at least one person wondering why you thought taking family pictures was a good idea in the first place.
I don't want your actual session to feel like more of that.
You don't need to know how to pose or worry about whether you're doing everything correctly. I'll give you direction when you need it, but I also want you to have time to interact with your family without constantly thinking about the camera.
Some of the photographs I love the most are the ones that happen when nobody is really thinking about having their picture taken.
Your Kids Don't Have to Be Perfect
Actually, please don't spend the week before your session telling your children to “smile for the pictures.”
I know it is tempting, but it usually doesn't help.
Kids are kids. Sometimes they cooperate beautifully, and sometimes they have absolutely no interest in doing what we had planned. I've learned not to fight that too much.
If a child needs some time to warm up, we'll give them some time. If they want to run around, we'll find a way to work with that. If they need a break, we'll take one. Sometimes playing or exploring gives me much better photographs than trying to get a child to stand still and smile.
There is no prize for the child who sits still the longest.
Make Sure You Like Your Photographer's Personality Too
You are going to spend a little bit of time with this person, and you're trusting them with photographs of your family that you will hopefully keep for many years.
You should feel comfortable asking questions and telling your photographer if there is something you're worried about. If your child has a particular personality quirk, if there is a family member who really doesn't like having their picture taken, or if you have something specific you'd love to capture, I want to know.
I'm not going to promise that every session will go perfectly because, honestly, they don't. Someone will probably get sandy, the wind will probably do something interesting to someone's hair, and there is always a chance a child or a dog will decide they have other plans.
We'll work with it.
Ask Questions
If you're comparing photographers, don't be afraid to ask questions before booking. Ask about their style, how they handle children, what happens if the weather changes, how long galleries take, what is included in your package, and anything else you are wondering about.
You aren't bothering me by asking questions. I'd much rather you know what to expect and feel comfortable with your decision.
Ultimately, Choose What Feels Right
I don't think I am the right photographer for everyone, and that's okay.
There are a lot of talented photographers on the Outer Banks, and we all have different styles and personalities. My goal isn't to convince everyone to book with me. I want the people who look at my work and think, “Yes, this is what I want.”
If you like photographs that feel natural, relaxed, and personal, and you want your session to be enjoyable rather than something you have to survive, we might be a really good fit.
And if you have questions before deciding, just ask. I'm happy to help.
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