Welcome to part 2 of the series on How to Hire a Family Photographer.

In part 1 of my series on How to Hire a Photographer, we talked about editing styles, but posing style is equally clutch to find the right family photographer!

Important question: Are you drawn to lifestyle or posed?

Think back to the photos you find yourself looking at over and over again.

Are the subjects precisely posed with everyone smiling at the camera? Or are they interacting with each other?

If “perfectly posed” is what you’re looking for, find a photographer who does more directed posing.

If you prefer the interactions, find a photographer who shoots lifestyle images. (I categorize myself as a lifestyle photographer.)

How can you know what style a photographer uses?

The proof is in the pudding portfolio.

No matter what a photographer claims as his/her style, their portfolio reveals what they actually produce.

Go to their website, or their Instagram, or Facebook, and look at the photos there to find your answer.

DO NOT assume you can push your photographer toward the style you want, even if their portfolio says different. What you see in the portfolio is what you will get, and if that’s not what you want, you’re bound to be unhappy and that’s going to be your own fault.

What if I want a little of both styles?

Many family photographers, me included, capture a mix of posed and lifestyle images. Every photographer is different, so ask up front about their typical mix.

Pro tip: If you want a mix of both styles, but a photographer’s portfolio shows only lifestyle images, don’t count them out; just ask! Most photographers stack their portfolio with images in the style they prefer. (There are very few “look at me and smile” images in my portfolio; they’re not the images I find compelling.)

You can ask to see a sample gallery for a session like the one you’re considering. This will give you a very clear idea of what they deliver. (Some photographers aren’t comfortable with sharing a full gallery, but you can ask. Just be kind with your request.)

You know the kind of photos you want… now how do you find the photographer?

Welp, lucky you, because I wrote an entire post on just this topic!

Here are the Cliff’s notes:

1. Google it

I live in North Liberty, Iowa, so I’d search for “North Liberty family photographer.” Browse through websites, Instagram feeds, Facebook pages, and pricing to start making a shortlist of local photographers who fit the editing and posing style you like.

Not all photographers publicize their prices (which encourages shopping based on product rather than price), so you may need to inquire to get pricing.

2. Ask your friends and neighbors

This is a great way to go about it, but you’ll get recommendations that run the gamut as far as style goes. Be specific with your ask and you’ll get better suggestions.

3. Ask randos on social media

Strangers are always hit or miss. Mostly miss.

Someone’s idea of a great photo might be completely different from yours. They may love a desaturated, posed style while you want a colorful lifestyle vibe.

PRO TIP: Include a photo with your request, and ask for photographers that shoot in a similar style. You’ll have much better luck.

Next time…

You, my friend, are off and running! In part 3 of the series, we’ll talk about questions to ask while vetting a photographer to see if they’re the right fit for you.

RELATED POSTS: How to hire a photographer
Part 1: editing style
Part 3: digitals, prints, turnaround, and backup plans
Part 4: editing expectations
Part 5: wardrobe and styling
Part 6: locations