Five Things to Remember When Choosing Your Northern Virginia Family Photographer

Finding the perfect Northern Virginia family photographer to capture the magical moments of your family is very important. You can’t just go with an amateur photographer, you need a professional; unless you want to take the chance of your family pictures not being quite right.

But with so many photographers in the Washington D.C, Northern Virginia, and Maryland area, which one should you select? The struggle is real. You want someone whose work you fall in love with, someone who will bring out the wow factor in your family portraits, as well as assists you in creating albums or wall portraits to hand in your family’s home that you’ll love.

There are several factors you must keep in mind when you choose the best photographer to capture your beautiful family moments.  Here are 5 things you must remember when choosing a family photographer:
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1.  Work with Referrals
Referrals are a great way to find the perfect family photographers. It means your friends, family members, or co-workers have experienced the technique of the photographer and have their seal of approval on their work. Of course, if your friends approve of them it doesn’t always mean you will too. But you can get tips from your friends and family on what the photographer did right, and what they thought was lacking. 
 

2.  Ask to See Their Portfolio (Website)
Even if your friends liked them, you may end up not liking their style. That is why it is essential that you shouldn’t just go with the referral.

When choosing the best family photographer, you should always look at their portfolio or body of work.  Many professional Northern Virginia Family photographers have websites, and this is where you’ll be able to see their most recent body of work.  That way, you can make an informed decision.

By seeing the portfolio, you can see if the photographer is consistent. You can also see the quality of their work and if the retouching is up to your standards. 

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3.  Style of Photography
Another thing you must remember when choosing a family photographer in Northern Virginia is their style of photography.

Can they photograph your portrait outdoors? Do they know how to utilize the available light? Do they have the art of capturing a candid moment?

These are all the questions you must get answers to before you select your family photographer.
If you end up selecting one is unable or can’t do either of those things, your time and money will go down the drain.

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4.  Are They Experienced?
Having a degree in photography is not a requirement or even necessary when it comes to capturing family portraits. That is why it is vital that you don’t just go with the degree alone, because you might end up disappointed.  Can your NOVA photographer assist you in picking out the perfect outfits based on your family's portrait location?  For example, as a wife and mother, you'll want to look great in the picture.  If the Mom doesn't look and feel great, the picture will not be great.  

Are they experienced in working with children? If the photographer is not experienced, they may have a problem connecting with people. And when that happens, your portraits pay the price.

The best photographers learn their work in the field and by gaining experience. If your photographer isn’t experienced, your pictures will show it.


5.  Prints or Digitals?
One of the most important things to remember when choosing a family photographer is how will your images be delivered.

Will they be digital or you will get the printed versions? What about printing rights? Are you allowed to upload them to social media?  If the images are digital will you receive a cd by mail or download from an online gallery?

With the rise of Digital Media, many families resort to just having Digital Files, however, what will happen if you lose those digital media files?  Does your photographer have the ability to assist you with Wall Portraits or designing your family a custom album? 


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These are the questions you should have answers to before you choose a photographer so that you will not be caught unaware.
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The photographer you choose must have an art of capturing the inner beauty of your family and put that in print for the world to see. 

If you're looking to schedule your family next portrait session, contact me directly via telephone at (571) 250-5073 or by email at [email protected].