Finding a family photographer in Philadelphia is kind of like online dating; you browse alllll the socials, screenshot and send to your friends to get their opinions, and eventually slide into their DMs (email is just fine in this case 😂) to see if there’s any interest in taking things further.

I really do believe that finding the right family photographer should be a relationship that lasts, and I’m here to share some of my top tips for finding the best family photographer in Philadelphia for your family.

What to look for in a family photographer in Philadelphia: tips from a top Philadelphia family photographer!

How much experience does the photographer have with young families? Are they primarily a family photographer in Philadelphia, or focus in other areas?

I can’t stress this enough: find a family photographer in Philadelphia who has extensive experience photographing young children and who focuses in family photography. Photographing children and babies is truly like no other type of photography; personality of your photographer is just as important as their work. Your family photographer should be engaging, high-energy, and able to think on a dime.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve coaxed a shy kiddo into portraits by playing games or bringing out puppets! Taking beautiful portraits is one thing when your subjects are adults, but photographing children is a much different experience and finding a family photographer in Philadelphia who is well versed in children ensures beautiful portraits no matter what might pop up during the session.

Veronika Paluch has over 10 years of elementary teaching experience, 7 years of experience photographing children, a Master’s in Education, and focuses solely on photographing young families. 

What perks does the photographer have available to families?

There are a whole slew of perks that photographers in Philadelphia might offer to families; some offer select weekend hours or a weekday discount, while others may offer a Client Closet and styling services. You’ll want to consider what is important to your family and how these services might make your portrait session stress-free and enjoyable.

Veronika Paluch Photography clients have access to the Client Closet, with over 200 dresses and hundreds of options for children, along with styling services for the entire family – as well as hair and makeup services and priority scheduling for Santa Portraits. 

What packages are offered, and how are portraits selected?

What comes after your family session is just as important for what happens beforehand. Ask your photographer for detailed information on their packages and offerings. Will you be able to select your portraits in the comfort of your home, or will you need to schedule a meeting or go to a studio to choose your portraits? Will you able to tailor a package to fit your needs, or are you required to purchase artwork? Will your photographer design albums that can compliment your digital images?

How does the photograph approach photographing families? Does the style align with yours?

Family photographers in Philadelphia come in all different flavors; your job during this process is to figure out what style most aligns with yours. If you’re looking for a very traditional photographer, I’m probably not your girl.

While I always take the “for grandma” portraits (i.e. everyone looking at the camera and smiling – the ones that grandmas always put on the fridge!), most of your session is much more candid. Parents are very much an active participant in the session, and you’ll be playing games, chasing your kiddos around, and maybe even barefoot in the creek bed.

I am a big believer that the portraits where you are having fun with your children are the ones that you’ll love most; you’ll see the most genuine smiles, and joy-filled faces.

What do the reviews say?

Google reviews don’t lie, y’all. If you search for the family photographer’s name, does their Google Business profile pop up? What does it say? I always tell families that the best sense of what it’s like to work with me is reading through the words that other families have written about their experience during our session.

While you’re reading reviews about your family photographer in Philadelphia, keep your eyes peeled for words that keep popping up.

Are you able to view full galleries? Is their work consistent throughout?

It’s easy to take gorgeous portraits when the light is just right, and everyone is in a pleasant mood (have you ever encountered a hangry toddler before?) – but what really sets the best family photographers in Philadelphia apart are those who can work with any environment and any child.

Ask to view some full galleries in a variety of scenarios – outdoors, indoors, and maybe even studio sessions. Is the work consistent throughout? Is the editing consistent? Knowing that your Philadelphia family photographer is able to work under a variety of scenarios will be key to beautiful family portraits.