Reunion Family Photography: What You Need to Know Before Hiring Someone
Expert Tips for Choosing the Best Reunion Family Photographer
“ISO a family photographer”
I think we’re all too familiar with this post in the local Facebook group.
Choosing the right family photographer is a big deal—you want someone who can capture your family’s personalities, make the process fun and simple (instead of stressful), and create photos you’ll actually want to print and frame.
Finding the perfect family photographer doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Whether you’re booking your first session or looking for a new photographer, I’m breaking down everything you need to know—so you can feel confident in your choice and get the beautiful family photos you deserve.
Q: What should I look for when hiring a family photographer?
There are so many to choose from!
Not all photographers are the same, and family sessions require a special skill set!
When searching for a photographer, consider these key factors:
- Style: Do you prefer bright & airy, warm & bold, or true-to-life colors? Look through portfolios to find a style you love.
- Experience with Kids: If you have little ones, choose a photographer who knows how to make sessions fun and natural (not stiff and awkward).
- Location Options: Do they shoot outdoors, in-home, or in a studio? Pick what works best for your family’s style and time of year.
- Personality: If your photographer can make you feel comfortable, it will show in your photos. Find someone who feels like a good fit!
If I were to record a family session with a young child that wanted nothing to do with me and compared that to the finished gallery, you would be shocked! I lost track of the number of times a mother has been surprised that I “actually got a decent photo” of the child who didn’t sit still for a second.
Q: What can I expect during a family photography session?
A great family session should feel fun, relaxed, and natural—not like a formal school portrait.
Here’s how it typically flows:
1. Before the Session – We’ll plan a location, time, and outfit ideas so you feel totally prepared.
2. During the Shoot – Expect movement, laughter, and some prompts to get genuine smiles! Don’t worry about making kids “pose”—I’ll guide them in a natural way.
3. After the Session – I’ll edit your images and deliver them within 2 weeks. You’ll receive a private online gallery where you can download, print, and share your favorites!
Q: What should we wear for our family session?
The #1 question families ask me: “What do we wear?!”
Here are my top tips:
- Start with Mom’s outfit. Pick something you feel confident in, and build everyone else’s outfits around it.
- Choose a color palette, not matching outfits. Think 3-4 coordinating colors instead of everyone wearing the exact same thing.
- Avoid logos & neon colors. These can be distracting and take attention away from your faces!
Q: How do I prepare my kids for the session?
Parents always worry about their kids not cooperating—but I promise, we’ll make it awesome!
The key is to set the tone before the session even starts. Talk to them ahead of time and let them know it’s going to be fun, not a stiff “stand-still-and-smile” kind of thing. If they think of it as an adventure instead of a chore, they’ll be much more relaxed.
Make sure they’ve had a snack beforehand—nothing derails a happy moodfaster than being hungry.
If they need a little extra motivation, bringing a small reward for after the session can be a game-changer.
And don’t stress if they want to run, jump, or explore. Some of the best photos happen when kids are just being themselves!
Q: When will we get our photos?
After your session, I’ll carefully edit your images to bring out the best colors, lighting, and details. You can expect your final gallery within 2 weeks, where you’ll be able to download high-resolution images and order prints.
Q: How much does family photography cost?
Family photography is an investment in your memories, and pricing varies based on experience, session type, and what’s included.
Most professional family photographers charge between $300–$1,500 depending on the package.
My sessions start at $350, and all packages include:
✅ 10+ fully edited images
✅ Session prep guide, location guidance and a private online gallery
Click here to see full pricing and package details.
I offer custom payment plans, seasonal mini-sessions, and several a la carte options.
Family photos aren’t just about smiling at the camera—they’re about capturing love, connection, and the stage of life you’re in right now.
Whether your kids are tiny or growing fast, these moments deserve to be documented in a way that feels natural and timeless.
I hope reading Reunion Family Photography: What You Need to Know Before Hiring Someone has given you some direction for booking a session! If you’re still looking for a Reunion Family Photographer, click here to see my portfolio of family images.
