How to Choose the Right Family Photographer | Ponte Vedra & Jacksonville
Choosing a photographer is about so much more than scheduling a session and snapping a few pictures. These images become part of your family’s story and you’ll treasure and look back at these photos for years. With so many photographers out there, how do you know who is the right fit for you? Here are five important things to consider when choosing your family photographer:
1. Look for a Style You Love
Every photographer has a unique style, whether it’s light and airy, bold and colorful, or warm and documentary-inspired. Take time to browse portfolios and galleries. Ask yourself: Do these photos feel like something I’d want on my walls? Do they reflect the way I want to remember my family right now? Finding a style that resonates with you is the first step toward photos you’ll love forever. My own style leans toward candid, connection-filled moments with lots of laughter, snuggles, and movement. I want families to look at their gallery and feel the love in those little in-between moments. I also tend to edit bright and vibrant as opposed to muted.
2. Experience Matters
Working with kids can be unpredictable—and that’s part of the magic! It also requires patience, flexibility, and creativity. An experienced family photographer will know how to make sessions fun, relaxed, and stress-free, even when little ones aren’t cooperating. Look for someone who understands how to engage kids and make genuine moments happen. With over 15 years of experience working with kids as a teacher and over 10 years in the photography business, I know how to keep sessions relaxed and fun so your children feel comfortable being themselves.
3. Check Reviews & Testimonials
Hearing from other families can give you valuable insight into what it’s really like to work with a photographer. Reviews often reveal how well the photographer communicates, how comfortable families felt during the session, and how they felt about the final images. A pattern of positive feedback is a great sign you’re in good hands. One of the biggest compliments I receive is that sessions feel calm and enjoyable, even with little ones in tow. Families often tell me that their gallery feels like a true reflection of their love, not a series of stiff poses. I’m grateful that my Google Business profile is filled with 5-star reviews from families who share their experiences in their own words — it’s the best way to hear directly from people who’ve been in your shoes.
4. Communication is Key
From your first inquiry to gallery delivery, your photographer should make you feel supported and at ease. Do they answer questions clearly? Do they help with styling or location guidance? Do you feel like they’re listening to what matters most to your family? Good communication makes the entire process smoother and more enjoyable. I guide families every step of the way, from styling advice to helping kids warm up at the session, so you never feel like you’re left figuring things out alone.
5. Value Over Price
It’s tempting to choose the lowest price, but remember—these photos are an investment in your family’s memories. Consider the full experience a photographer offers: guidance, expertise, editing, and the overall way they care for their clients. The right photographer will give you images that feel like heirlooms, not just pictures. That’s why I offer all-inclusive sessions — so you don’t have to choose favorites or worry about hidden costs. Your family’s memories are worth preserving in full.
Final Thoughts
Your family deserves photos that make you smile every time you look at them. Choosing the right photographer is about finding someone whose work speaks to your heart and whose process makes the experience enjoyable. When you find the right fit, the result is so much more than a gallery—it’s a piece of your family’s story you’ll treasure forever.
Contact Me To Chat About a Family Sesson
If you’re looking for a family photographer in Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Augustine, or Jacksonville who values connection and creating a relaxed experience, I’d love to connect with you. Let’s create something beautiful together!