Choosing a family photographer is often a decision you make once every few years. That is why it is worth taking a moment to prepare for it properly. Online portfolios look similar for many photographers, but what happens during the session itself can differ greatly. Here is what to look out for when searching for a family photographer in Warsaw.
Portfolio — look for sessions similar to yours
Rather than judging a portfolio in general, look in it for photos from sessions close to what you yourselves are after. That means sessions with small children, with a baby, with three siblings or with grandparents. A photographer who regularly photographs families with children of different ages knows how to work with a grumpy three-year-old or how to catch a baby’s attention. That makes a huge difference to the final photos.
Photography style — natural or posed?
Some photographers work in a highly directed style, with arranged poses and symmetry. Others go for a documentary approach — natural interactions, laughter, spontaneous mess. Neither style is better in itself. It is worth choosing one, however, that matches your sense of aesthetics and the way you want to remember this moment. I myself work in a style that combines both approaches — I take care of composition and light, but I let children be themselves.
Studio or outdoors — what suits your family?
A studio session gives full control over light and background. It does not depend on the weather and works brilliantly with small children, who tire quickly of moving from place to place. An outdoor session means more space to run around and a natural, changing backdrop — but also more variables (weather, time of day, travel). A good family photographer should be able to advise what will work better for your family set-up and your children’s ages. They should not offer just one option.
A conversation before the session
A short consultation before the session — by phone or email — lets both sides set expectations. How many people are taking part, whether there are any limitations (e.g. a child with separation anxiety, allergies to props) and what kind of photos you are interested in. If the photographer does not ask about any of this before the session, it is a bad sign. The approach may then be more of a “production line” than tailored to you.
What is included in the price?
Prices of family sessions in Warsaw vary considerably. That is why it is worth asking exactly what a given package includes: the number of edited photos, the format (digital files, prints, album), the length of the session and any extra charges for additional people or the location. A clear, written scope of the service before the session saves misunderstandings after it.
Experience matters
I have been photographing families with children in Warsaw for 12 years. Over that time I have developed my own way of working with the little ones: how to catch their attention, when to take a break and how to help the whole family feel at ease in front of the camera. If you are looking for a family photographer who knows not only about cameras but also about working with children, do get in touch.
