In today’s age of smartphones and social media, it’s easy to get caught up in the habit of taking quick selfies and snapshots. While these photos may serve as a quick reminder of a moment, they often lack the depth and quality that professional family photography can offer.
Investing in a professional photographer to capture your family’s memories may seem like a luxury, but it can be a worthwhile investment in the long run. Not only do professional photos provide a higher level of quality, but they also offer a unique perspective and style that can truly capture the essence of your family dynamic.
In this article, I’ll delve into the reasons why professional family photography is worth the investment and how it can provide a lifetime of cherished memories for you and your loved ones.
I’m Holly Lund, a child photographer in Monmouth County, NJ. I offer fine art portrait sessions for families & specialize in museum-grade, heirloom artwork for your home.
The Value of Family Photography
Every family has its unique dynamics & capturing those moments can be priceless. Family photography allows your to freeze time & capture an era you want to cherish. Your photos serve as a visual representation of your family’s history & can be passed down from generation to generation.
Moreover, family photography can also help you see your loved ones in a different light. Through the lens of a professional photographer, the beauty & love that exists within our families will be preserved for all time. These photos remind you of the joy you share with your loved ones & the love that binds you together.
The Difference Between Professional & Amateur Family Photography
While amateur photography may be good enough for capturing everyday moments, professional photographers have a unique set of skills & expertise that make a significant difference in the quality of your photos. Professional family photographers have a keen eye for detail & can capture the essence of a moment with precision. They also have the technical knowledge & equipment to produce high-quality photos & finished artwork that can withstand the test of time.
Important to note: it is not just the quality of equipment that makes a photographer professional. It is the experience & skill of the person utilizing the equipment. You pal may have just picked up the latest camera, but the camera is not creating the work. It is just a tool - the same way a baker uses an oven.
Professional photographers also have a distinct style & approach to their work. They can capture the unique personalities of each family member & create a cohesive set of photos that tell a story. Professional photographers can also offer creative ideas & unique perspectives that can make your photos stand out from the current (or outdated) trends.
Professional photographers also have systems in place to provide a top notch client experience. Your photos should not only remind you of a special time period, but also the experience in creating those photos. Excellent communication, pre-shoot guidance, a comfortable & fun photoshoot, effortless photo selection & gorgeous artwork delivery should make you feel well looked after.
How to Choose the Right Photographer for Your Family
Choosing the right photographer for your family is an important decision. Here are a few things to consider when making your choice:
Style
Every photographer has their own unique style & it’s important to find a photographer whose style resonates with you. Look at their portfolio to see if their style aligns with your vision for your family photos.
I like to call my style “vintage-modern” – I blend a mixture of the past & present to make the time period indistinguishable. It is more about the story of your family than what is currently trendy.
Experience & Skill
Experience matters when it comes to family photography. Look for a photographer who has experience working with families & can handle the unique challenges that come with working with children. Just because a wedding or fashion photographer is talented in those genres does not mean they excel with families.
Be sure to also inquire about a photographer’s experience & methods of working with family members who have particular needs, should that apply to you. Not only should they have the personality & patience to capture your loved one in the way you envision, but don’t hesitate to ask about any physical requirements. For instance, the Holly Lund Imagery studio is fully accessible & I have a plethora of beautiful outdoor locations that are suitable.
Personality
The right photographer for you should be someone who you feel comfortable around & who can make you feel at ease during the photo session. Look for someone who is approachable, friendly, & easy to communicate with.
This make take some time & effort, but it is well worth it. I do not have a direct booking system on my website for this very reason. I hate phone calls as much as any other Millennial, but spending a few minutes chatting will help us both determine if we are a fit for one another! Photographing your family & telling your story can be an intimate relationship – you want someone you can trust.
Budget
Professional family photography can be an investment, so make sure you know ahead of time if you are on a budget or you are okay to splurge on yourselves. Don’t be afraid to ask photographers about their pricing, but also consider what they include in that pricing.
It is more than just the time spent in front of the camera & the number of photographs you will receive. Photographers with many years of experience & dedication to their craft, the amount of planning, the level of service, the quality of editing & final artwork, will all factor into a photographer’s pricing.
If you value skill, service & presentation, be prepared to see numbers in the 4-5 figures. But don’t fret! Most artists in this realm want you to have exactly what you want, so payment plans or financing are very common.
It truly is a good rule of thumb: you get what you pay for.
The Importance of Printing & Displaying Your Family Photos
Printing and displaying your family photos is an important part of cherishing your memories. Here are a few reasons why:
Tangible Memories
Printed photos provide tangible memories that can be experienced & cherished for years to come. Allowing them to live on a computer drive often leads to letting them be forgotten about or even lost if your technology fails.
They also serve as a visual representation of your family’s love. Studies have shown that children raised in homes with prominently displayed family photos have a stronger sense of belonging & self-esteem than those who do not.
Home Decor
Displaying your family photos in your home can add a personal touch & create a warm & inviting atmosphere. Whether it is a large format art piece or a smaller display on a bookshelf, your photos should look like they are thoughtfully incorporated into your space.
Conversation Starters
Family photos can be great conversation starters & help bring back stories from the past. This is especially true if you have a statement piece that creates impact – no guest will ever be able to walk by without saying something!
Conclusion
Investing in professional family photography may seem like a luxury, but it can provide a lifetime of cherished memories. Professional photos offer a higher level of quality, unique style & perspective that can truly capture the essence of your family dynamics. By choosing the right photographer, preparing for your photo session & following a few tips, you can ensure your family photo shoot is a success. So capture those priceless moments with your loved ones & cherish them for years to come!
Want to learn more about hiring Holly?
Holly Lund Imagery is a New Jersey family photographer serving the Jersey Shore, Central NJ, and Monmouth County.
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