How to choose the right photographer for your family...8 questions that actually matter

Choosing a family photographer is not just about finding someone who takes beautiful photos. You are trusting someone with your child, your family, and a season of life you will never get back. That can feel like a lot. These questions are here to help you move past surface-level decisions and choose someone who truly feels like the right fit.

1. Do they specialize in the kind of session we want?
Not all photographers work the same way, even if their images are beautiful. Look for someone whose portfolio mostly reflects what you are hoping for. If you are booking family photos, do you see children interacting naturally? Families connected, not posed stiffly? A consistent feel across sessions? Experience in a specific type of work matters because it shapes how confidently a photographer can guide you and your child.

2. Does their style feel like us?
Style is more than editing. It is how a photographer sees moments and how they guide a session. Some photographers create very polished, traditional portraits. Others focus on movement, connection, and in between moments. One is not better than the other, but one will likely feel more aligned with your family. When you look at their work, imagine your child there. If it feels familiar and comfortable, that is worth paying attention to.

3. How do they work with children, especially when things do not go as planned?
Every child is different. Some are energetic. Some are cautious. Some warm up slowly. Ask how the photographer builds trust with children and what they do when a child is shy, overwhelmed, or simply not interested. The answer should sound calm and confident, not rigid or scripted. A photographer who truly understands children expects these moments and knows how to work through them without pressure or embarrassment.

4. Will we be guided through the planning process?
Most parents want help here, even if they are not sure what kind of help they need yet. Ask if the photographer offers guidance with clothing choices and the overall vision for the session. You should feel supported and confident going in, not like you are guessing or making decisions blindly. Good planning creates space for you to be present, not stressed.

5. How do they capture personality, not just smiles?
Smiles are wonderful, but they are only one small part of who your child is. Ask how the photographer looks for connection, emotion, and those fleeting details that make your child uniquely themselves. That might be laughter and movement, or it might be quiet focus, curiosity, or a more serious expression. Not every child is smiley, and that is more than okay. A thoughtful photographer knows how to honor who your child truly is.

6. What happens after the session?
This question often gets overlooked, but it matters. Ask how and when you will see your images, and whether the photographer helps guide you through choosing favorites or artwork. Understanding this part of the process ahead of time helps set clear expectations and avoids feeling overwhelmed later. Photos are meant to be enjoyed, not forgotten on a screen.

7. Are printed photos and artwork part of the experience?
Think about how you want to live with your photos once the session is over. Some photographers focus only on digital files, while others help families turn images into tangible artwork for their homes. Neither approach is wrong, but knowing what is offered helps you choose intentionally. Printed photos often become part of everyday life, not just something stored away.

8. Do we feel comfortable with this person?
This is the quiet question underneath all the others. Do the families in their photos look relaxed and connected? Does the photographer communicate clearly and kindly? Do you feel heard when you ask questions? You are inviting this person into something meaningful. Feeling comfortable is not a bonus. It is essential.

A Final Thought
The right family photographer is not the one with the trendiest images or the biggest following. It is the one who understands children, values connection, and makes the experience feel supportive from start to finish.

Trust your instincts. When it feels right, it usually is.

welcome

I’m Stefanie —
I live in the Milwaukee metro area and am a mom, photographer, and believer that every child deserves to be seen as the masterpiece they are. I’m so glad you’re here.