“We need family photos … does anyone know a good photographer?!”
If you’ve ever asked this, you’re not alone!
Choosing the right family photographer is a big deal—you want someone who can capture your family’s personalities, make the process fun (instead of stressful), and create photos you’ll actually want to print and frame.
The good news is that finding the perfect family photographer doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Whether you’re booking your first session or looking for a new photographer, I’m breaking down everything you need to know—so you can feel confident in your choice and get the beautiful family photos you deserve.
Q: What should I look for when hiring a family photographer?
There are so many to choose from!
Not all photographers are the same, and family sessions require a special skill set!
When searching for a photographer, consider these key factors:
- Experience with Kids: If you have little ones, choose a photographer who knows how to make sessions fun and natural (not stiff and awkward).
- Personality: If your photographer can make you feel comfortable, it will show in your photos. Find someone who feels like a good fit!
- Style: Do you prefer light & airy, warm & earthy, or true-to-life colors? Look through portfolios to find a style you love.
- Location Options: Do they shoot outdoors, in-home, or in a studio? Pick what works best for your family’s vibe.
Q: What can I expect during a family photography session?
A great family session should feel fun, relaxed, and natural—not like a formal
school portrait.
Here’s how it typically flows:
- Before the Session – We’ll plan a location, time, and outfit ideas so you feel totally prepared.
- During the photo session – Expect movement, laughter, and some prompts to get genuine smiles! Don’t worry about making kids “pose”—I’ll guide them in a natural way. I even have fun and silly props to help!
- After the Session – I’ll hand-edit your images, and we will meet in person to complete the ordering appointment. You will get to sit back and relax as I share your images in a beautiful presentation for you to be in ‘awe’ of how stunning they look. I will be there every step of the way throughout this process, from choosing your most loved images to selecting your wall art that was custom created to perfectly complement your home. I want you to leave with timeless wall art that will give your home a look you’ll love for many years to come.
Q: What should we wear for our family session?
The #1 question families ask me is: “What do we wear?!”
Here are my top tips:
- Start with Mom’s outfit. Pick something you feel confident in, and build everyone else’s outfits around it.
- Choose a color palette, not matching outfits. Think 3-4 neutral coordinating colors instead of everyone wearing the exact same thing.
- Avoid logos & neon colors. These can be distracting and take attention away from your faces!
Need more outfit ideas? My style guide is provided after you reserve your date for your session.
Q: How do I prepare my kids for the session?
Parents always worry about their kids not cooperating—but I promise, we’ll make it awesome!
The key is to set the tone before the session even starts. Talk to them ahead of time and let them know it’s going to be fun, not a stiff “stand-still-and-smile” kind of thing. If they think of it as an adventure instead of a chore, they’ll be much more relaxed.
Make sure they’ve had a snack beforehand—nothing derails a happy mood faster than being hungry.
If they need a little extra motivation, bringing a small reward for after the session can be a game-changer.
And don’t stress if they want to run, jump, or explore. Some of the best images are captured when kids are just being themselves!
Q: How is a location selected for our family portraits?
Most photographers have their go-to locations for photo sessions and you’ll often have a choice from a list of options. Your photographer should be familiar with locations in your area that photograph best at the best times of day (Golden Hour – Sunrise or Sunset). While location is important, the way a photographer interacts with and guides your family session matters even more. You want to make sure that you are happy with the look of their locations as well as the general feel and emotion that you see in their images. I love photographing families in locations with gorgeous wildflowers, winter wonderland areas or stunning lake and mountain backdrops. I also love a good in-home and studio session. I have a list of locations you can choose from for your session, which I send to you after you reserve your date for your session.
Q: Do you help us create artwork for our home with our images
from the session?
If you’re looking for help with printing your images so you can enjoy them up on the walls of your home in custom wall art pieces, make sure to ask your potential family photographer if they help with this process. Some photographers will simply provide you with digital files and leave you to handle the printing/framing on your own. Unfortunately, for many people, this
often means their photos never get printed. If you think you want a next-level experience that provides not only digital but also beautiful artwork for your home, be sure to inquire about how your photographer can help.
I work with a top-tier print lab to provide you with the highest quality heirloom artwork, ensuring you can enjoy your images in your home for years to come. I’ll also help you visualize how your images will look on your walls and assist in designing stunning albums that beautifully capture the story of your family’s memories.
Q: How much does family photography cost?
Family photography is an investment in your memories, and pricing varies based on experience, session type, and what’s included.
Most professional family photographers charge between $300–$2,500, depending on what they offer. Price will vary depending on if you are selecting digitals or going with heirloom artwork: albums and fine art framed prints.
If you’d like full pricing details, you can find me here!
Family photos aren’t just about smiling at the camera—they’re about capturing love, connection, and the stage of life you’re in right now.
Whether your kids are tiny or growing fast, these moments deserve to be documented in a way that feels natural and timeless.
Want to learn more about booking a Vernon family session?