Denver Family Photographers
There are some really talented Denver family photographers out there so let me help you narrow down the field a little by telling you what I love about photographing families, and how I approach my shoots.
As a professional family photographer with more than 20 years experience, I have to be honest. I get bored quickly with traditional family photo shoots. I always have. In fact, I can confidently say that the less formal and stiff a photo shoot is, the better it will be. So, while I may coach and lightly direct my families when we’re doing a shoot, I also love to sort of play it loose, let go of the reins, and see what happens. Why is that? Because I love catching moments. Honest ones. Authentic ones. Catching little pieces of time with my camera that tell an expansive story… a story that sometimes the subjects of are not entirely aware of or have somehow forgotten about amidst all of the hubbub of day-to-day life. So, while not all Denver family photographers are going to be as loose and candid as I like to be, I think you can see from my work that there’s a great mix of more typical family images mixed with those that are looser, more candid, and documentary.
Top 5 Things to Look for Before You Book Your Denver Family Photographer
When scouring the web for the best Denver family photographers, there are several key factors I encourage you to consider before you book:
- Experience & Style – Every photographer has a unique style, from classic and posed (not me) to candid, documentary and lifestyle-oriented (me, me, me!!!). Look through their online portfolios to find a style that resonates with your family’s taste and style.
- Personality & Connection –Since family photography sessions involve working closely together, finding a photographer who makes your family feel at ease is essential. It’s important for the chemistry to be right with your photographer.
- Location Expertise – If you’re wanting a shoot on location, a great family photographer will know the best spots around the city for stunning backdrops, accessible parking, as well as the best time of day light-wise. Don’t hesitate to ask your photographer questions related to location and time of day.
- Reviews – Check out testimonials and reviews to ensure the photographer you select has a reputation for making families feel comfortable and delivering exceptional images.
- Package Options – Consider what’s included in their packages, from digital downloads to custom prints and albums.
Pro Tips for The Day of Your Family Photo Session
- Relax – I know that not everyone enjoys having their picture taken. I don’t always like it either. That’s natural as getting your pictures taken can feel
performative and mechanical, especially if working with a stranger for the first time. But as in so many things in life, relaxing a little can go a long way towards achieving your goal (in this case, having beautiful images of your family captured). So, relax. Your pictures are going to turn out great. - Don’t match – Matching outfits are distracting and throw off the natural color scheme of your family photo shoot. Dress in complimentary colors that work well together but don’t match.
- Fake it until you make it – Ever hear the phrase, “if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy?” Well, it’s true. The mood mom or dad are in can be contagious and affect the overall vibe of everyone in your group. If you’re not excited about having your family photos taken (I’m looking at you fathers now :), FAKE IT! Belly laugh for no reason. Tickle someone (or allow yourself to be tickled). Talk in a silly voice or make funny faces in order to flip the script and turn that frown upside down. Trust me, the fake laughter and forced smiles will be genuine and true before you know it, and I’ll be there capturing the whole thing.
- Trust me, I’m a pro – I’ve been doing this for over 20 years, and I know how to please my clients the vast majority of the time. I’ve done a number of shoots where a client has resigned themselves to their perceived reality that the shoot was a bust only to be delighted by the finished product when they see the images a couple of weeks later.