Why A Consultation Is Important | Northern Virginia Photographer

Many potential photography clients wonder why should I have a consultation with my family photographer?  This is an excellent question.
 
If you’re not having a consultation with your photographer before your family or newborn portraits, you should and here’s why.  Your photographer wants to ensure you’re receiving portraits of your family you’ll love and adore.  The consultation is a fact-finding time for your photographer to learn about you, your family, and your wishes for the requested portrait session.  It’s also a great time to get to know your photographer and to determine if you’ll be a great match.  If you have kids, the photographer you like and want to hire may not be a fan of children or may only photograph children after a certain age. 

​This fact-finding meeting will also help your overall experience with your family photographer and your expectations towards the result.  It’s also a wonderful time to get answers to your burning questions.  
​

Newborn Portraits

​Over the last couple of weeks, there have been several parents requesting photographers to photograph their newborn.  I noticed a trend that seems troubling.  If you’re a parent of a newborn and you’re looking to hire a newborn photographer, it’s vital to have a consultation (whether it's via a telephone call or in-person).  You'll want to determine if your newborn photographer has insurance and has taken newborn safety classes to ensure you don’t experience a nightmare.  In addition, to they cost of the newborn session, these are some other questions that may be asked to your potential photographer.

• What training and experience do you have posing newborns?
• What sorts of props do you provide?
• If my newborn gets upset, what do you do during a portrait session?
• Do you offer composite images (see examples)?
• Do you have liability insurance?

​

Family Portraits

​The consultation may take place via a video conference (like Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime) or in-person at a location where you’re comfortable.  Your photographer may suggest a location where you won’t have distractions and you’ll be able to focus on the meeting.  I suggest to potential clients to meet at the favorite coffee shop or at their home.
 
Details are extremely important.  What does your child like or talk about?  A client mentioned her child is a big fan of wresting and the show American Ninja Warrior.  If we didn’t meet beforehand, I wouldn’t have known that information and it would have been a challenge to get him to interact with the session.  

​Or a wedding client mentioning she wanted to have a picture with her grandfather at her wedding.

I always leave time within the consultation for prospective clients to ask questions.  Regardless of whether a question seem unimportant; it’s important.  You’ll also be able to look examples of the different products you'll be able to have your portraits placed in such as an albums, prints, or framed portraits.  This is helpful, just in case you haven’t had the chance to look at the website before your consultation.  
​

Each portrait session whether it’s for a wedding, event, family, or maternity pictures is unique and important.  These are things to discuss during your consultation:

• Location and time for session
• Wardrobe ideas
• How many people will be involved with the session
• If children are involved, what are their ages and likes
• Style of photography (candid, posed, or mix)
• Pricing (what’s included with the session)

 
Having a consultation with family photographer gives you the opportunity to avoid miscommunications or misunderstandings after the portrait session has been completed.  The consultation gives potential clients a clear idea of what you’re wanting to have photographed and what you’re expecting. 
 
Are you in need of spring portraits?  I would love to schedule a complimentary consultation with you.  You may schedule your consultation with Tamieka by visiting the appointment page or calling (571) 250-5073.