In the life of every family, there are moments that beg to be captured. These moments seemed to pass in the blink of an eye. It can be overwhelming trying to be the family manager, ensure everyone is having a good time AND ALSO responsible for documenting it. Kind of a lot if you ask me. So let me tell you a short story that might help mentally navigate this process with you:

Meet Sarah. Sarah is an overwhelmed mother just trying to remember “these are the days.”

Between juggling school schedules, meal preps, and her own work commitments, Sarah realized it had been years since the family had taken professional photos. Determined to remedy this, she decided it was time to book a session. Little did she know, choosing the right photographer would become a monumental task.

The Spark of an Idea

The idea hit Sarah one evening as she scrolled through social media, seeing a stream of beautiful family portraits posted by friends. Each photo seemed to tell a story, capturing the joy and essence of family life. Sarah envisioned a photo of her own family hanging above the mantel, a snapshot in time to cherish forever.

But where to start?

The Search Begins

Sarah began her search online, quickly finding herself in a sea of photographers’ websites, portfolios, and social media pages. Each photographer’s style was unique, ranging from candid lifestyle shots to meticulously posed studio portraits. The options were overwhelming.

Lifestyle Photography: Sarah loved the candid, natural feel of lifestyle photos. These pictures told stories and captured real moments. However, she worried that her young children might not cooperate in an unstructured environment.
Studio Photography: Studio sessions promised a more controlled setting with perfect lighting and backgrounds. But would they feel too stiff and posed for her lively family?
Outdoor Sessions: The idea of an outdoor shoot in a picturesque park or at the beach was tempting. Yet, she fretted over potential bad weather and the unpredictability of outdoor elements.

The Decision Paralysis

Sarah’s list of potential photographers grew longer every day. Each photographer she found had stellar reviews and stunning portfolios. Some specialized in newborns and children, while others excelled in capturing family dynamics. The more she looked, the harder it became to make a decision.

In her quest for the perfect photographer, Sarah found herself deep in the rabbit hole of photography blogs and forums. She read endless tips on what to look for in a photographer:

Style and Aesthetic: Choose someone whose style resonates with you.
Experience with Kids: Ensure the photographer is good with children and can handle their unpredictability.
Client Reviews: Look for photographers with positive feedback and testimonials.
Budget: Determine your budget and find someone within your price range without compromising on quality.

Despite all this advice, Sarah still felt stuck. Each time she thought she’d found “the one,” she’d stumble upon another photographer’s portfolio that left her questioning her choice.

The Aha Moment

One evening, after yet another marathon of comparing photographers, Sarah’s husband, Mark, suggested something simple yet profound: “Why not choose the photographer who makes you feel most comfortable? It’s not just about their pictures but how they make you feel during the process.”

Sarah realized he was right. She had been so focused on the technical aspects and visual styles that she forgot about the human element. She needed someone who would understand her family’s dynamics and make them feel at ease.

The Final Choice

Armed with this new perspective, Sarah revisited her shortlist, this time paying attention to how each photographer communicated. She reached out to a few, asking questions about their process, how they handled kids during shoots, and what their sessions were like. One photographer, Emily, stood out. Her responses were warm and detailed, and she offered to meet for a coffee to discuss Sarah’s vision.

During their meeting, Emily’s genuine interest in getting to know Sarah’s family shone through. She shared stories of previous shoots and how she managed to get even the most camera-shy kids to smile. Sarah felt an immediate connection and knew she had found the right person.

Capturing the Moment

On the day of the shoot, Emily’s calm and friendly demeanor put everyone at ease. She guided the family with gentle prompts, capturing candid moments and genuine smiles. The session felt less like a formal photo shoot and more like a fun family outing. When the photos were finally ready, Sarah was thrilled. Emily had perfectly captured the essence of their family, with all its quirks and love.

In the end,

Choosing a photographer can indeed be overwhelming, but Sarah’s journey taught her that the right choice goes beyond technical skills and portfolios. It’s about finding someone who understands and connects with your family, making the experience enjoyable and stress-free. In the end, the most important thing is capturing the beautiful, fleeting moments of family life — moments that Sarah now has beautifully preserved, hanging proudly above her mantel.

The Overwhelmed Mother’s Dilemma: Choosing the Right Photographer for Family Pictures