3 Keys to Being a Successful Family Photographer

Okay- you have decided to get into family photography. Congratulations! This career, yes career not just a gig or hobby (don’t diminish this decision by playing small!), is incredibly rewarding. As family photographers, we serve our families as their historian. When my grandfather passed away, I had a great time going through the collection of photos he had (he was a photographer too!). That is where the stories of our families are- not social media, but in printed photos.

Your job as a family photographer important. Don't let that importance crush you though!  Your creative eye is what makes you unique and likely why you have received enough praise that you have made this big step.

So let me help you share a few things that will set you apart from the crowd, gain lifelong clients and grow your business.

1. Compassion.
Hands down, this is the most important thing you can have towards families.  This does not mean to let people push you around and do every little edit they ask for- that is definitely not the same thing. It does mean to treat the families you serve how you want to be treated.

If you get stuck in traffic and text your dentist that you are running late, do you love that they charge you a late fee or tell you that you will have to reschedule? No... You likely don't. So I have to ask you, what is your reaction if you have a family text you that they are running late? My recommendation is to always build in a good amount of cushion between sessions so you aren’t panicked about being late to the next session.

Do you take photos during golden hour only? Then you need to educate your client after they book the session about how small of a window golden hour is. If they know that their photo time is literally limited by how long you have light in the sky, they will understand how important it is to show up on time.

You can also send an email the day before and let the family know they should aim to leave their house 15 min earlier than they would typically - just in case things go sideways. Be positive about it, not rude. Let them know how excited you are to see them and how much fun they will have! Remind them they will have so much more fun if they arrive early instead of late.

If a child is misbehaving during the session and you just want them to do what you are telling them to do, step back and think- don't get frustrated! Is the child trying to misbehave intentionally? Some do- but they even do that because they are trying to get your attention. It is also possible that the child may be stressed or as ADHD, or may even be on the Autism spectrum. I have some great ways to help guide you through working with neurodivergent children! Check out these blog resources: Working with Neurodivergent Families.

2. Provide great communication.
When you are interacting with a business, don't you like to get a response right away? What do you do if they wait too long? I know what I do. I reach out to another company and get a quote from them. But if I get a response from a company right away and their tone is friendly and politely informative, then I won't bother getting a second quote. I will just use the company that has great customer service!

Remember that you want this family to work with you. Be kind and address things in their e-mails. In your replies, say things like, “That is a great question!” , “I am so excited to work with you!”, “Let’s work together on creating great memories!”

I would encourage you to not just say, “You are on my calendar. See you May 20th at 2 p.m.” Instead, say, “Great! I have you and your amazing family booked for May 20th at 2 p.m. We will have such a great time! Let me know if you have any questions between now and then.” Doesn’t that sound so much more inviting?

Family photos are emotional. Make your communication emotionally and positively charged. That will help the whole family relax before you have even met them. You and the person setting up the photos should feel like they are getting together with a friend when you do finally meet.

3. Praise the family at the session
When was the last time you had to perform in front of someone or give a talk to a group? Did people nod, smile, or laugh as you went along? They hopefully engaged with you and that encouraged you to keep going with confidence. Well, family photos are a sort of performance too. The whole family is likely in a coordinated outfit and were told to "Be good and behave". That means they aren't acting naturally- they are performing for you, the photographer. (Has anyone seen Zoolander? "Dance Monkey! Dance!")

To help them feel more comfortable, tell them they are so amazing! You love their eyes, their clothes, their smiles- whatever genuine compliment you can think of, give it. As you are taking photos, keep saying things like, "You nailed it!" "You all are doing great!" "I love the connection you all have!".  Be genuine about your compliments. Don’t force them.

Silence is creepy and unnerving. Don't be a silent photographer.

Okay, I hope that helps you! Yes, there is the whole technical side to learn. Posing, lighting, editing. But if you make people feel great before, during and after the session, they will want to work with you again. You will get good Google reviews. You will get client referrals. This is one authentic way to grow your business!!  I believe in you!