Family photography has changed since the days of dark studios and uncomfortable posing stools... more and more people want a freer approach to their sessions.
With the advent of cheap digital cameras, people are starting to believe that there is no need for a professional photographer - for holidays and day to day photographs of the kids covered in ice cream or the youngest coming down the stairs with make-up all over their face saying, "Look mummy, I'm pretty!" a digital camera is perfect and you will be the best person to capture these moments. I recommend you buy the best you can afford! These moments are to be treasured and they shall be, just remember to get them printed! Don't leave the pictures on the computer or camera, these things can lose your pictures if something goes wrong with them.
These moments are precious and I'm in favour of the growing consumer digital market, on the other hand I can also see and understand the need for professionally taken photographs, the relationships between the whole family can be shown in a professional portrait, it can be difficult to get everyone in front of the camera when you are taking the picture!
Professionals know how to make you look good in a picture and kids tend to behave better for someone they don't know - hiring a professional family and children's photographer will bring that element of behaviour into the session.
I've heard parents from all walks of life say that their child just won't look at the camera, no matter how hard they try. A professional child & family photographer, apart from being a 'new person' also has had a lot of experience with children and knows the best way to encourage them to participate fully in the session, from great big smiles to cute grumpy frowns.
Another advantage with hiring a professional portrait photographer is all of the work they do 'behind the scenes.'
Professionals have bought the best processing software available (Photoshop, Lightroom/Aperture) along with a host of various upgrades and plug-ins.
The programs that they use to process your images not only cost quite a bit of money but a lot of skill to use well, enabling the photographer to give your family a portrait with that 'oooh' factor which will make you proud to display the finished print on the walls of your home.
So you have decided on getting a family portrait taken by a professional photographer...
Most studios are now bright and cheerful, I'm sure you have seen the family photographs where they are sitting or standing on a white background, these types of photographs look much more fun than the traditional family photographs of years gone by.
This trend in all white background photographs is pretty popular at the moment and is a good, economical solution for families on a budget, (beware, however, that these pictures will look dated very quickly, as they are a trend) the sessions tend to cost no more than £30 and usually include a free print as part of the deal. Some studios now offer free sessions and you only pay for the print itself which can be as little as £10!
If you are on a limited budget and don't mind a photograph that will look dated in about a year's time, then this solution is perfect. Have a look around your town or city for these studios, there is usually at least one where you live.
For families who have more disposable income, hiring an independent photographer is a much better idea if you want long lasting family portraits that will still look good on your walls in ten years time. (Independent family photographers are sometimes known as freelance photographers.)
Independents are not restricted to a studio, they tend to work from home and can offer a better session experience. The session usually takes place out side in a park, garden or in the woods. This is a more natural backdrop for both family portraits and individual portraits and the classic nature of this type of photography will surely last the test of time and will not go out of fashion in a year or two.
When you call to book with your independent family photographer, discuss the available options for location and let them know if you have a particular favourite place or anywhere special that you would like the photographs taken.
A good freelance/independent family photographer will cost more than a high street studio but in terms of long lasting satisfaction and fun, they are well worth it. Expect to pay from £60 to £150 for a session and print prices will vary depending on who you book and the sizes you want. Some photographers will offer packages and some will offer per item/a la carte pricing.
Research your photographer on the internet and by word of mouth before you book, take a look at their images and make doubly sure that what you see is exactly what you want, if you can't imagine keeping one of their pitures on your wall then it's probably a better idea to keep saving up until you can afford a better photographer.
All prices are approximate to the time of publishing.
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