You’ve made the decision to book a session with a New Jersey family photographer – yay! Now comes the hard part…how do you find the best photographer for your family? I’m here to help with 5 questions to ask before you book a family photographer!
“How long have you been a New Jersey family photographer? Do you specialize in photographing families?”
Every photographer has their niche; real estate photographers are experts in the images that will sell your home, just like a wedding photographer is an expert in couples portraits and photographing a dance party at the end of their night. Family photography, particularly with little children, is a niche that is so important to have experience in.
Children are so much different than any other subject; playfulness, flexibility, the ability to problem solve, and organization are all key to being a New Jersey family photographer. The best way to get a sense of what it’s like to work with a photographer is to check their reviews – that will give you a great starting point from past families! 
“Do you offer styling services or advice?”
Wardrobe is such a critical aspect to portrait sessions; in all of my years as a New Jersey family photographer, I would say it’s the one thing – maybe tied with “I don’t know if my toddler will cooperate!” – that families mention as a stressor during our initial phone call. This aspect of your family session really runs the gamut; some photographers offer a full service Client Closet and styling services (like I do!), some offer premade styling boards, and some leave it up to you to decide.
I personally think that my Client Closet is such an amazing perk for families; you’ll be able to schedule a wardrobe appointment with me, and I’ll be there the entire time to help you choose an outfit that you’ll love for yourself AND the rest of your family!
“Do you provide location recommendations?”
I can’t tell you how many times I see families post on Facebook with the following question: “Do you have any recommendations for locations for our family session?” – and I’m here to tell you that unless you REALLY want to do the research, your New Jersey family photographer should have recommendations for locations based on your preferences or at least a vibe that you’re going for.
I have plenty of clients who request a particular beach block because it’s meaningful to their family, and that’s all good! However, ask if your photographer is able to send ideas for locations after you book; there are many spots that require permits and your photographer will be able to help you decide based on your location and personal preferences.
“How do you approach photographing families as a New Jersey family photographer?”
Different photographers approach photograph families in different ways; you’ll find everything from very traditional photographers to pure lifestyle photographers. Nailing down what style of photograph you prefer is going to be something that only you can do! Like I tell my kids – “different strokes for different folks”. While very traditional posed photography may be for some, it might not be for you – and that’s completely fine. A great place to get started is to browse Instagram using hashtags that might apply to what you’re looking for (like #philadelphiafamilyphotographer), or by asking friends and family what photographers they’ve liked working with.
“Can you send some full galleries of family sessions for me to look at?”
Say it with me: Instagram is a highlights reel. It’s very easy to post the best of the best portraits and leave it at that. But those snippets? They’re only an extremely small portion of what the full gallery actually looks like. Aside from reading reviews (which I’d argue is the most important thing to do when hiring a New Jersey family photographer), looking at full galleries from family sessions is key. I like to send prospective clients galleries that make sense for their family; it would be silly for me to send a studio family session with a young baby to a family who has three kids and wants an outdoor session at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
“I’m sold – where can I find more information on reserving a family session with a New Jersey family photographer?”
Yay! The first thing you’ll want to do is contact me; you’ll have the opportunity to schedule time to chat on the phone and share more about your family and the vision for your session, and ask me anything family session related (I promise I’ve heard every question!).
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Awarded “Best Main Line Maternity Photographer” & “Best Main Line Newborn Photographer” by Main Line Parent
Veronika Paluch is an award-winning and highly sought after maternity, newborn, baby, and family photographer offering luxury, organic fine art portraits and an impeccable client experience. She specializes in documenting authentic connections and simple moments of children & families and the quiet beauty of motherhood. Stripping away all of the extras – the costumes, the props, the rigid posing – leaves room for her to capture classic, timeless images that showcase love & family connection.
Veronika serves clients in her beautiful natural light studio, as well as on location throughout the Greater Philadelphia area including the Main Line, Wayne, Plymouth Meeting, King of Prussia, Devon, Malvern, Paoli, Exton, West Chester, Swarthmore, Media, South Jersey, and Northern Delaware.
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