I know that most people don’t have the high importance level for photography that I do… but they should! I know it tends to become an important investment when it comes to weddings, but it’s so much more than that.

Yes, spending good money on getting photographs of your wedding day is a big deal. I did the same thing, and I’m soooo grateful for the beautiful images we have of our day (thanks, Korie!).

But weddings aren’t the only big moment in life. Sometimes a regular Saturday can be a big moment if it’s the first time in years (or months) you’ve gotten photos taken of your family. Kids grow soooooo fast, and even in my first year as a parent I’ve realized how quickly all those little details can slip from your memory – they may still be there, but not in that crystal-clear way that photographs can preserve them.

I am guilty of it too – the “We just can’t find the time.” and the “We’re trying to save money.” and the “Maybe after I find a hairstyle I really love.” and the “After the next few pounds.” But those are all just excuses. If you make it a priority, you’ll find ways to save enough money. You’ll be able to carve out an hour or two. You’ll be content to document yourself and your family just as you are right now. I’m so glad I pushed the excuses aside to get photos of my little family a few months ago. (Thanks, Lynsey!!)

Now one thing I’ve found to make this whole process so much easier??? THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER.

If you can find a photographer you connect with – someone you’d consider a friend – it’s going to make not only the experience but the end results even better!!! Your images will reflect a comfort and ease that comes from being comfortable with the person behind the camera. If you have common ground, or interest in the same things, you’re going to be able to relate to them. As a photographer, they will be able to connect with you and draw out those real emotions that make amazing photos.

Now I’ve been lucky to just so happen to know some amazing ladies from high school and college that I’ve been able to work with, they made this photographer comfortable being on the other side of the camera, which isn’t an easy thing to do!

That being said, I know most people don’t just have a pool of great photographers within their friends/acquaintances. So how do you go about finding the right photographer?? Here’s a few tips:

• Take a little extra time to really research. Sure, the results that pop up on the first page when you Google photographers in your area may be the best fit for you… or they may just have the best Search Engine Optimization set up to get them into that first set of results. Sometimes the right photographer for you may be on page 3 of the results – maybe page 23, but if you have the patience to click through and find the one that you connect with – it will be soooo worth the time!
• Take a little more time to click through their website. Go read a few posts from their blog (if they have one), ideally a mix of professional and personal posts so you can get to know them as a photographer, but also as a person. Check out their Facebook page – it is just straight business information, or can you tell what their personality is? Their online presence won’t tell you everything, but it should tell you enough.
• When you inquire about your shoot – call them. Yes, email is easier. But sometimes you get the best feel for that person and the way your experience with them will be if you actually talk to them.
• Don’t be shy about letting them know what you’re looking for. Now this doesn’t mean you try to do their job by detailing out every image you want – you’re paying them to be the photographer, so you don’t have to worry about that. But if you’re wanting to look like you’re straight of the page of a magazine and perfectly retouched, say that. Let them know. They’ll be able to (or should, at least), let you know if they are the right fit for what you’re wanting.
• Be a repeat customer. This business is hard, y’all… but it is amazing when you are able to work with the same person or family year after year. You continue to build that relationship, and each shoot just gets to be more and more fun! If you find the right one – let them know it by continuing to choose them to document your life.

All in all, remember… not only should getting good quality photographs of you (and your family) be a priority, it should be something you look forward to!! So go do your research and get in touch with the right photographer!