Family Photo Albums

Time for a new family portrait? Feeling a bit overwhelmed? You Google 'family photographer near me' and you get some options so at least that gives you a place to start. The next best steps are to look at some actual websites to determine two or three professional photographers that look to be a good match for you in terms of their style of photography, what they offer and maybe even price.

So, let's digress for a minute and talk about those delineators for a moment.

1) Two or Three Professional Photographers -

If they have a Google business page or have a Facebook page doesn't that mean they are a professional photographer? Not necessarily. Charging for one's services does not make them a true professional nor does it mean that they can deliver consistent, high quality results, as well as great service.
Check to see if they list any professional organizations, are they a "mom with a camera," how long have they been in business professionally? etc. A true professional photographer will belong to one or even several professional organizations, they will likely be "Certified" meaning they have passed a national test to demonstrate their knowledge and skills and the certification must be renewed periodically. Also, memberships in professional organizations, especially if they are active, means they are constantly learning and improving their craft/skill, they are regularly exposed to new concepts, and they are challenged and therefore improving their skills by seeing the work of other professionals.

2) A good match based on their style of photography

Do you like your portraits light and airy, modern and edgy, dark and mysterious, etc. When you view a good cross section of their images, you will get a good feel of what you can expect from that photographer for your portraits.

3) Price

While price is almost always important, it doesn't need to be the primary or sole determining factor. Asking for the session price & what it includes or the price of an 8x10 is a common first question when we don't really know enough to know what else to ask. Often, we let that be the determining factor, but there is so much more that needs to be considered.
It is always a wise idea to keep in perspective that when you hire a professional photographer, you are most likely getting an experience customized for you and the outcome will be the result of their knowledge of composition, lighting, styling, editing, professional equipment and their ability to help you make the best choices.

Well, now back to the topic of family photo albums. Let me answer a few common questions:

1) Do most people order one? It depends on several things (doesn't everything!). Some people schedule their session knowing that they want the family album. Others decide to add it once they see their images and they want to have more of their images and the album or folio box is a great option to get more of their images.

2) Does this replace a wall portrait? It can, but it doesn't have to - you can always have both!

3) Does it replace prints? Again, it can, but its a good idea to consider the purpose of prints versus an album. Prints, and I'm referring to smaller prints such as 8x10 and 5x7 are really too small to be hung on a wall unless they are in a collection and should be matted and framed. Or, you are purchasing prints to give as gifts to grandparents, aunts and uncles, etc. If you are wanting the images for yourself, an album is a great way to preserve your finished images in a high quality album that will last many, many years and become a treasure for your family to enjoy each time they revisit it.

4) What is a folio box? A folio box is typically available in a few sizes and holds finished prints. The prints can be matted or mounted (for protection). Some folio boxes have a "window" in the front of the box where you can display the box on a shelf and rotate the print on display. The rest of the prints are safely stored in your folio box to be enjoyed just like thumbing through an album.

To Recap:

1) Look at several photographer websites (not social media posts) and then talk to them.

2) Choose a professional photographer whose style and personality is a good match for you.

3) Don't choose solely based on price (or location).

4) Get your images printed and on archival media so they will last and can be enjoyed for many, many years.

5) Yes, it is an investment, but isn't your family worth it. And sometimes, that's all we have left of those who are no longer with us!

Ultimately, I like to suggest to my clients that they start with a family wall portrait or a family wall collection that can hang in a prominent location in their home. Then, because there are usually a number of other images that they loved but they can't hang everything, a custom photo album or folio box is a great way to get the rest of their favorite images and not have to leave any behind.

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