What do you envision when you think about your ideal photoshoot for your family? What do you want the end product to look like? Is everyone looking at the camera important or are you drawn to intimate, connection-filled moments that tell your family’s unique story? I know that when I return to my favorite photos of my kids, it is moments where they are being themselves (in all their wild glory LOL), over the posed “say cheese” photos. These are the moments that resonate because they feel like “us”. Choosing a photographer who specializes in storytelling authentic connections, and timeless art requires thoughtful consideration. Check out this guide to help in your search. If you are drawn to my work and these words resonate with you, reach out, I would love to discuss your vision for your next session.

1. Identify Your Style Preferences: Look for photographers whose portfolios emphasize storytelling and emotional moments. Their work should evoke genuine feelings and highlight connections between family members. Things to consider: does their work lean toward candid, documentary-style photography or a mix of posed and natural moments? Do you love movement in photos? Is the creative use of light important or are you drawn to more evenly lit moments?

In the photo above, the use of highlights and shadows creates depth and drama while the wind blowing her hair and robe makes this feel more emotive feel. If she had stood in even lighting with no wind or movement, it would have stripped the photo of a lot of the emotion we see here.

In the photo above, the use of the light brings attention to this expecting mom’s belly. Once again the highlights and shadows work in tandem to create drama. The use of intentional grain gives this a nostalgic, soft, vintage vibe (as opposed to a more polished, smooth finish).

Here the use of intentional blur, movement, light, and grain all work together to give a dream-like quality.

2. Review Their Portfolio: Pay attention to how they capture emotion, body language, and interactions. Are the moments authentic? If you had to describe a session in their portfolio, are they characteristics that you would want to apply to your own session? Look for consistency in their ability to create timeless images -paying attention compositions and editing style. Are you drawn to warm images or cool? Smooth and polished or softer/grainer images? Can these be found in the photographer’s portfolio?

3. Read Reviews and Testimonials: Client reviews often review how photographers make families feel during their sessions. Look for feedback about creating a comfortable environment and bringing out genuine smiles and emotions.

“I like to keep our kiddos faces off of social media but I like to find different ways to share them still. After a year of following this particular photographer online, we finally took our family photos with @annieduniganphoto and I couldn’t be more proud of the moments she captured. We had such a great time just…being. She captured funny, sweet and special moments. It was such a different approach in comparison to other photographers, it was an experience in the best way possible. We were able to create moments, not just poses. Annie, you’ll never truly know how incredibly grateful I am to have these memories to keep forever. Thank you, Annie!!!!” -Sneha

4. Discuss Their Philosophy: Ask about their approach to storytelling. Things to look for include: prioritizing capturing your family’s unique dynamic rather than focusing solely on posed shots. Many photographers will include questionnaires during the planning stage to get to know your family’s preferences, interests, traditions, or personalities in order to tailor the session to you.

5. Consider Their Editing Style: Choose someone with an editing style that complements your vision for timeless art. For example, my editing style gravitates toward warm tones, can be colorful or emphasis brown/neutral tones depending on outfit choices, and is a mix of smooth/polished and grain/vintage vibes.

In the photo above, it has a more neutral, brown vibe due to the overcast day, fall foliage, and neutral outfits. In contrast the photo below is colorful and bolder due to the styling and golden hour from the sun setting.

6. Schedule a Consultation: A phone consultation is a great way to help make sure you and your photographer are a great fit. Connection with the photographer matters, they should make you and your family feel at ease. Annie Dunigan Photography offers phone consultations. In addition, a questionnaire and What to Expect Guide is provided for all full sessions (mini-sessions are excluded).

7. Budget and Value: While budget is important, prioritize the value they offer. A photographer who captures authentic connections and timeless memories is worth investing in.

Best of luck as you search for your family’s photographer. If capturing connection through movement, light, and authentic interactions with your family excites you, reach out! I would love to capture you and yours in 2025!