One of the biggest challenges in finding the best family photographer for YOU is finding one that works for you and your family, at this particular season in your life. Photographers by no means are a one-size-fits-all and here at Desiree Hoelzle Photography, I would never pretend to be! Photographers showcase small tidbits from shoots on our websites and social media as an invitation for you to see what we offer, but just as in many services industries, there will be a perfect fit for you in exactly what you’re looking for while there’s a saturated market with many others that are not so perfect fit.
Want to play on a colorful farm? This is one of my go-to locations for families!
Let's say you love very moody, serious images or a session in a studio with lots of newborn props. Would I be the photographer for you? Heck no. But I can help to refer to some friends I know that do! We all have specialities & niches and offer different experiences and products. Not every photographer is going to be your cup of tea and guess what? THAT’S OKAY! If you find however that you want more information from Desiree Hoelzle Photography on a newborn, maternity, baby, family shoot be sure to contact me today as my calendar is already filling up this year!
Truly happy kids and untraditional portraits here!
If you're overwhelmed by the choices and not sure where to start, here are two tips to help you narrow down your search and find the absolute perfect photographer to help you get exact what you want from a shoot! Join me for Part II next week on how to find the best photographer for you for some other tips.
1. What is the photographer's shooting and editing style?
Us photographers have spent hundreds if not thousands of hours learning, practicing, and honing in on our specific art. The way one photographer uses their camera will not be the same way that someone else offering the same type of sessions does. And even more, the way in which they edit their images may not appear the same. Just because your friend used a photographer that they love, doesn't mean that you are necessarily going to love the style that they shoot in. Do you want everyone well posed, looking directly in the camera and smiling? Do you appreciate more of the candid nature of family shoots? Or do you want somewhere in the middle-- a mix of some portraits looking at the camera but also some candid details?
Document their joyful their little spirits!
Then there are the types of shoots that exist out there: newborns, maternity, birth, fresh 48, family, baby milestones, personal branding for business owners, boudoir, weddings and more! These are ALL areas that photographers may work but just because a photographer offers one type doesn't mean they offer, or specialize, in another. To add to that, we typically term less posed but somewhat directed sessions as “lifestyle,” (ie what I offer!) while formal portraits are more of the traditional posed shots and documentary is a step back and capture-purely photojournalistic style. Think through the shoot style you’re looking for!
Want to capture your newborn in a more casual, outdoor session? These are ALL the rage this past year!
Does your local photographer also travel? While Im based in Bucks County, PA and service the whole Philly area, most of my summer is spent photographing families down the shore!
And then there’s editing! Just as there are colors in a color wheel, there are soooo many ways that photographers edit. Moody, contrasty, bright, dark, warm, cool, vibrant, desaturated--- there are so many ways we can term it but the reality is that not every editing style will be for everyone. When looking through a photographer's site and social pages, be sure that you don't just love the way they shoot but also the way their images will be delivered. A large part of our art is editing-- it's by far the most time consuming part of our job and often where our artistic voice is expressed. A photographer's editing style should be consistent and the images delivered reflect that style. Don't hire someone with a dark or moody editing style and expect bright and airy look to images delivered.
For my own style, I always describe my work as a great mix of portraits, candids, with a lot of prompted, lighted-hearted, playful images in between. I have spent years honing in on an exact way that I deliver my images editing-wise too. I love vibrant color, true-to-life skin tones, and just the right mix of contrast for images to pop but still give a natural vibe. My editing is reflective of the joyful, sweet images that I love to capture of your family.
A downtown shoot in your own town makes for a great, meaningful backdrop for your shoot!
2. Service: Time & Product Inclusions
If you haven't had a family photo shoot before then starting the process can be daunting. The terminology may be confusing, every photographer's packages may vary. Some may only charge a session fee but then each digital or print product is purchased separately. Some may be all-inclusive of a digital gallery for you to keep. Some may offer mini sessions (which that definition alone may vary!) and others may only offer full sessions. It. Is. A lot. Of. Information. A lot.
We can squeeze in the perfect short shoot with your family in a mini session, which I offer in various seasons!
If you're confused-- just ask! Have your photographer be clear on what exactly you're purchasing in terms of the length of time and what is included in the session.
Is there a specific location that this photographer uses? A studio? A permit included or will you need to purchase that? Is there a travel fee for them to come to you? Do they include props if you're wanting them? Do they even use props? How long or short is the session? Does it include any digital images? Can you print the images yourself or does it have to be printed through the photographer and their lab? Is there a specific product you're hoping to have the photographer create for you-- like a photo book or a canvas-- and do they offer that? Are there packages you can choose from and what is included in them if so?
A first birthday session can be for the whole family! It’s a great reason to schedule your updated family photos shoot!
Desiree Hoelzle Photography offers both digital and print products!
Understanding what is offered and how exactly your photographer can help you achieve what you want in a session but also with the product that you’re hoping to walk away with is essential to helping you select a perfect fit photographer!
Stay tuned for Part II of “4 Things to consider when choosing the Best Family Photographer for you” next week!
Desiree Hoelzle Photography currently specializes in family, baby/kid milestones, newborns, and maternity sessions in the Philly, Bucks County, PA and other suburban areas, as well as New Jersey and the Jersey shore.