If you’re a parent like me, one day you’re spending time with your family and realize that you haven’t had new family photos taken in a while. It’s the start of the New Year, so there’s time to plan, but the next thing you know, it’s December, and you ask yourself, where did all the time go? School, events, and commitments always come up, so if you don’t already have a photographer you know and trust, you’ll have to start looking around to see who you connect with and want to start documenting your family.
With this in mind, I thought it might be helpful to put together a quick guide of my best tips on how to find a family photographer in New York City so that you don’t miss another chance to capture your family. Let’s jump in…
What to Look for in a Family Photographer in New York City
No. 1 - Someone Who Knows Your Location and Area
New York City is not one single backdrop. It is dozens of neighborhoods, parks, and pockets of light, each with its own personality. A photographer who knows the city well can help you choose a spot that actually fits your family, whether that is a quiet corner of a park, a favorite stretch of sidewalk, or somewhere that feels like home. As a native New York (yes, born and raised) I have several locations that I love to visit with my families and am always up for exploring new neighborhoods.
I created this blog post about my ultimate guide for family photos in Central Park in New York City.
No. 2 - Find A Photography Style You Connect With
Before you reach out to anyone, spend a little time looking through their portfolio and asking yourself if it feels like something you would want hanging in your own home. Do the images feel light and airy, or warm and moody? Are the moments candid and in motion, or more classic and posed? There is no wrong answer here. The right answer is simply the one that feels like you. My clients often tell me that they connect with the timelessness and authentic feel to my images, which of course couldn’t make me happier!
No. 3 - Someone Who Guides You From Start to Finish
Booking a family photographer in New York City should not feel like one more thing you have to figure out entirely on your own. Look for someone who will walk you through the whole process, from the very first conversation to the moment your gallery arrives. Someone who understands your vision and helps you create the photos you have been dreaming of, not just for an hour on the day of the session, but through every step that leads up to it. I send all of my clients a few helpful guides with tips and tricks that I’ve picked up along the way as a New York City Family Photographer.
No. 4 - What type of Family Photography Do They Provide?
A great question to ask is what type of family photography does that particular photographer provide. Some family photographers only photograph newborns, or seniors, or only work on-location vs .in your home. I think it’s a great question to ask because if you are thinking of making your sessions a yearly tradition, it’s a good idea to work with someone who will be photographing families in the future.
The Questions Every NYC Parent Asks Before Booking
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions I receive when talking to parents about their family photos in New York City.
What is the best time to book a session? Between school schedules, activities, and everyone's energy levels, it can feel hard to know when to plan a session. I always recommend scheduling your session during school breaks, early on the weekends, or later in the afternoon to catch the prettiest light. There is never a wrong time to book or schedule your family session.
How long in advance should we book our session? With family sessions, there is a very short lead time, anywhere from 4-6 weeks. However, with that being said, for holiday photos and especially photos for your holiday cards, you would want to book your fall photos sometime in September to ensure you will meet all printing deadlines.
What if the kids melt down? Every parent has pictured it: the tears, the meltdown, the moment nothing goes as planned, but don’t worry because we planned for that! Depending on the length of your session, it can go pretty quickly, and once the kids warm up to the photographer, it can really be a lot of fun. I like to treat my own sessions where the baby or kids lead the way. This way they feel like they are “in charge,” (this is really great for toddlers and up), but in reality, I’m guiding the family to a fantastic family session, and they are none the wiser!
What do we wear to our session? Coordinating outfits for the whole family can feel like it’s its own project on top of everything else, which is why I like to help guide my families with what to wear. I send them a few client guides to help them figure out their color palettes and what looks good on camera. I also created a free downloadable PDF guide that anyone can get on my website here. Basically, I become their personal stylist, and I love to help ensure everyone will look incredible on camera.
What if someone gets sick? This is such a valid question, and we all know that kids get sick the minute you make plans (am I right, or what?), so it’s important to talk to your photographer and understand their rescheduling policy before you book your session.
How to Book Your Family Session in New York City
Once you’ve found your photographer and picked out the perfect date, the last thing that is left is booking your session. I hope you found these tips helpful, and for details on booking your maternity, newborn, or family session, please visit our contact page.
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