​Our families are important! When it comes to having family pictures taken most Moms (including myself) look for a professional photographer who will be patient and kind to our children.  Taking pictures can be nerve racking (will your children cooperate, will my husband smile, etc). 

That’s why I have compiled a list of questions to help hire the photographer that will be a great match for your family.

1. How long have you been a photographer?
 
This is a great indicator of a business’s success.  The longer a photographer has been in business, the more likely it is the photographer is not a hobbyist.  Also for parents of newborns there are additional questions you may want to ask. 

• Do you have insurance?
• Have you taken and been certified in newborn safety?

Many newborn parents overlook these things, but they are vital.  Please don't settle on a photographer for your newborn just because of a low price.  The safety of your new little one is critical.  
 
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2. Do you specialize in a specific type of photography? 
 
It’s uncommon for a photographer to specialize in several different types of photography as they often only specialize in one or sometimes two/three genres. For example, a photographer who specializes in newborn photography might not be the best candidate to shoot wedding photos unless they have previous experience.  You may also want to ask why they chose that particular area to better understand if/how they will be able to connect with you. 

​A photographer's style is reflected in their portfolio, so asking them to produce a radically different style is a recipe for disaster.  Definitely look for portraits you can image your family being in.  You can rest assured my passion is aligned with your needs.  I want you to receive a gorgeous family portrait you’re able to adorn on the walls of your home.
 
3. What does your fee include?
 
You’ll want to understand what you’re getting for your money:  how much time will you receive you’re your portrait session, how many images, album types, the format for delivering proofs, do you offer packages (what’s included), etc.  Professionals will always include these details and more in your portrait agreement.  This is a great litmus test of not only the quality of a photographer’s work but of their customer service too.
 
4.  Where can I find you online?
 
Photographer’s websites are a great place to view their portfolios.  Determining whether your photographer is a hobbyist or professional is determining if they have a website or just social media pages.  Similarly, like resumes, websites often put the photographers best foot forward.  Also review the photographer’s social media pages as well as customer reviews.  Many professional photographer also are members of other professional organizations: i.e., local Chamber of Commerce, Professional Photographer Association (PPA), etc.

5. How will I obtain the portraits you take of my family and when should I expect to receive them? 
 
Professional photographers have a reliable system for delivering photos to you.  This may include a private, online portal or displaying them on a large television or projector screen.  Each photographer has developed a system that works best for them as well as their clients.    
 
6. Have you had any experience with (name your specific concern)?
 
If you have any specific concerns regarding your photo session such as the photographer’s ability to work with a special needs child for example, find out if they have ever handled that type of situation before. Do not dismiss a photographer and their abilities based on their answers to your concerns. If given adequate notice, an experienced photographer should be able to deal with any situation you present them. This is the hallmark of a true professional.
 
7. Insider Tip:
 
Use your gut to judge their personality and rapport. Capturing emotions and moments are a photographer’s main job.  If your photographer doesn’t mesh well with you on the phone or in person, chances are you and your family will not mesh well with them at your portrait session and this will show in your photos.
 
Other things you may want to ask your photographer:

• Clothing Tips
• Location Ideas
• Best time of day for portraits

​Please note: many photographers will not provide location ideas or clothing tips unless they have been selected and hired to photograph your family.
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The most important thing in life for many people is our family.  So, why entrust those important moments and memories to anyone other than a professional photographer who will deliver what you’re looking for and more?  If you’re in the Los Angeles or Northern Virginia area and you’re in the need of a professional family photographer, I would be thrilled to photograph your family.  I maybe reached by telephone at (213) 212-2251 or by email at tamieka@tamiekasmithphotography.com.
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