Indianapolis Family Photographer | casey and her camera

Being in this business, I find myself sometimes assuming things… things I wouldn’t even know if I weren’t a photographer. I assume that my clients already have all of the answers – or that they at least know what questions to ask. I take my knowledge and experience for granted and I’m here to put myself in check.

About a month or two ago, Brad and I were talking about booking a hypothetical photo shoot. We don’t really have anything to document, right now, so we’re not booking at this exact moment, but I asked him what he would look for if booking a photographer, and he responded without hesitation that he wouldn’t… he would refer that task out to me.

So I probed a bit further – what if it was a surprise, what would you look for, etc.

This all came around the time I was planning for 2015 and trying to decide whether I should stop including digitals and move to packages and prints.

Yep. True story.

Those of you who have worked with me probably have an eyebrow raised as this has never been my philosophy, just like limiting ‘poses’ or the number of images I will edit. It’s just not in me. It doesn’t fit my style.

But it might fit yours.

If you’re in the market for a family photographer and are trying to figure out how to narrow it down further than liking their style and cross comparing their fees to your budget, here are some suggestions of ‘what to ask’ before booking!

1. What is the best time of day for a family session?
2. How many people can I include in my session?
3. Are our pets welcome?
4. Where do you recommend shooting? Can I pick a location?
5. We have young children, what do you recommend for keeping their attention?
6. We have teenagers, what do you recommend for getting them involved and interested?
7. What does your investment/session fee include?
   1. Are digital images included?
   2. Are there any print products or print credits included?
   3. Will I receive a print release?
   4. What size digital files will I receive and how will I receive them?
   5. How can I order prints?
8. How long does a session last?
9. How long after the session will I receive my images?
10. How many images will I receive? Do you limit the number of images you edit?
11. How do you edit – what is included in your post processing?
12. Can you photoshop out a rash/scratch/bruise?
13. Can you make me look thinner/taller/change my hair color, etc?
14. Will my images be in black and white?
15. How much is this going to cost me in total?

Of course, these are questions you can ask after you’ve explored their portfolio and are loving their shooting style (candid, posed, lifestyle, documentary, etc.) and their editing style. These are pieces that are typically readily available on the photographer’s website. If their session or investment fees aren’t included on their site, this is something good to inquire over, as well.

Some photographers offer session fees (includes the sitting fee only – all other products (digital and print) are at an additional cost) and some offer investment fees (includes the sitting fee and some other products – be sure to find out what, exactly!). Keep in mind, that it’s worth it to keep a semi-flexible budget until you have asked some of these questions and have all the pros and cons so you can determine which photographer will have you exactly what you want.

Of course, once you’ve narrowed it down and booked, you can get around to the fun questions like ‘what should we wear’ and ‘what can we expect’ and ‘what should we bring?’! You can work with your photographer to plan your ideal session – they’re likely to have lots of ideas and suggestions!

casey and her camera is an Indianapolis Family Photographer specializing in family, couple, lifestyle, senior, and wedding photography for Indianapolis and the surrounding areas.