Looking for a great family photographer in Melbourne? Family photography is quite an investment, not just in terms of money, but also in time and effort. Here are 35 top tips to get the best results when working with your family photographer.
The first thing you need to do is Choose the right Family Photographer Melbourne for your family
Tip #1 Choose the right family photographer to suit your style
Photographers have different styles so you need to decide on someone who can help you achieve the end result you are looking for. This applies to everything from wedding and maternity shoots to family and corporate shoots.
If you would really like black and white photos of your family laughing and interacting with each other, you want to make sure your chosen photographer has photos like that in her portfolio (that looks good to you), so that you can be confident that she can deliver the end results you want.
Choosing a photographer first then ask her to photograph in a different style, is like walking into Tiffany's looking for a heavy gangster style gold chain. Yes, they might be able to supply it, but it's not what they excel at.
Tip #2 Who's in the photo?
Photographers have different specialized skills in posing and interacting with different subjects, gender, and age groups. The success of your photoshoot hugely depends on your photographer's skill in 'controlling' her subject.
One photographer might be amazing with posing pets, but have no idea how to pose women in a flattering way.
If you're a family with toddlers or preschool-age children, it's super important to find a family photographer in Melbourne who specializes in photographing young kids, because she will have tricks and games up her sleeve to make your kids feel relaxed and happy. The same photographer might not have the same rapport with teenagers. So it's incredibly important to choose the right family photographer for your children's age group.
Tip #3 Big studio or small?
The advantage of working with a big studio is that it's usually in a lovely big commercial location, with a large team of photographers. You can have the peace of mind that the business set up is legitimate and that their work process is smooth and delivery timelines adhered to.
The advantage of working with a small business is that there usually is only one photographer so that you can be confident that everything you see on the webpage and social media is produced by the same photographer who will be photographing your family.
It's also easier to determine whether that photographer has the right skills to pose and interact with your family, whereas with a large studio you might get assigned a photographer who is great with pets but doesn't know how to deal with toddlers.
Tip #4 Read the reviews.
Before you invest in a professional photographer you need to do your homework.
Get on Google to find a few customer reviews, browse around their website to view their latest work, and have a look around their social media pages to find out what others are saying about them.
These platforms will also give you a good idea of the photographer's personality and style.
No matter how beautiful a photographer's work is, if her google business is filled to the brim with negative reviews, steer clear.
Tip #5 Make Sure They're Legit
Make sure you work with a family photographer in Melbourne who has a legitimate business set up. Even though photography is an extremely low-risk service, if you invite a photographer to do a lifestyle session in your home, and her tripod tipped over your candle and set fire to your carpet, it would be far less stressful if they have the proper insurance to cover the damage.
In Australia, the professional association for photographers is the AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photography).
To receive accreditation, the photographer must have a legitimate business set up, the right insurances, and submit a body of work for review that meets professional standards.
Always look for an AIPP accredited photographer logo when choosing your family photographer, so you can have the peace of mind that her business is legitimate, her insurances are in place, and that her work meets professional standards.
{Click HERE to see my qualifications}
Tip #6 Location.
Are you looking for a family photographer in Melbourne based in your area, or are you willing to travel to her studio?
If you're looking to do a photography session in your home or a specific location, is she willing to travel?
If you have a particular park/beach in mind for your family photo session, are there any permits required for that location? Is your photographer willing to contact the council to find out and arrange permits on your behalf?
Tip #7 Quality of work
Ok so you like the style of this photographer, and she's in your local area. The next question you need to ask yourself is: How large are you planning to print your photos?
Is the quality of this photographer's photos good enough? This has very little to do with 'megapixels' and EVERYTHING to do with the photographer's skill.
If a photograph is tack sharp, you should be able to see individual eyelashes in your child's portrait. If you're planning a large centerpiece framed canvas above your couch, then you need to select a photographer who is able to produce work that is high enough quality to print to such a large size. If you're only ever going to show your photos on social media or print them to no larger than A4 size, then whether a photograph is tack sharp or not becomes less important.
Tip #8 Price
It is never a good idea to choose your family photographer based on price alone. The term: 'you pay for what you get' is spot on when it comes to photography.
For family photography, it's less risky because if you don't like the photos/experience, you can try again. (Even though it's so much effort you're probably not going to try again anytime soon).
For Weddings, Maternity, and Newborn, there's a very small window for photography, so you want to make absolutely sure you hire the photographer who can provide an enjoyable experience and produce work that you'll love for a lifetime, rather than just the 'cheapest one'.
There are two ways photographers often charge for their services: by packages or a-la-cart. Narrow down a list of Melbourne photographers you like based on their work and review and accreditations FIRST, then look at their pricing to find the ones that fall within your price range.
Most photographers will have some sort of pricing guide on their website. Some photographers will want to talk to you to find out specifically what you're after so that they can give you a more precise quote.
If you come across a photographer who refuses to give you any indication of until cost until after your session, RUN AWAY from them as far as you can! There are some companies using unethical bait'n'switch techniques to 'hook' people in, then hard-sell after they fall in love with their photos. They are rare, but they give photographers a very bad name.
{click HERE to see my session types and product pricing}
Tip #9 Expertise
If you're looking for a dramatic black and white 'high-fashion-look' maternity portrait, make sure you work with a photographer who uses studio lighting because outdoor natural light photographers may not be able to create the dramatic contrast required for such a portrait.
If you're in love with photos of chubby naked newborn babies asleep on their tummy with their arms and legs all tucked in, make sure you work with an experienced newborn photographer because posing newborn babies is quite a specialized skill that not every photographer can do.
If you're looking to design a beautiful wall gallery for your home, make sure you work with a full-service photographer who has the design experience, access to professional labs, and the digital tools to help you create a virtual wall gallery and calculate the right sizes of frames/canvases to order so you can see exactly what they'll look like before you make the investment.
In short, make sure your selected family photographer has the right expertise to give you the results you're looking for before you make your booking.
Tip #10 What Quality Are The Print Products?
Most of the top photography print labs in Melbourne will only work with professional photographers. This is because to get the best results, digital files have to be prepared in specific ways and specific crops before submitting to the lab. (e.g. a lab might require files to be in AdobeRGB colourspace 300dpi cropped to 30"x20" with 50mm allowance for gallery wrap). These labs don't work with non-professionals because when files aren't prepared correctly, colours will look wrong and parts of photographs may be unintentionally cut off.
Most professional photographers will only ever with professional labs, because pro labs fine-tune their machines to produce colours that exactly match the photographer's calibrated monitors, and all the print products are made using archival materials and processes, so they won't fade or warp over time.
Ask to see your photographer's print product offerings. A high-quality canvas should be 35-45mm deep, its frame should be made of hardwood and not pine. You can usually tell by the weight, it should be heavy and not light. The canvas should be firm and not 'bouncy' (ie saggy). The edge where the canvas wraps around the frame should have a slight curve (and not sharp) so that the canvas won't split over time. Ask your photographer what guarantee do they offer on her print products.
Once you have chosen your family photographer Melbourne, here are some tips on how to work with her to get the best results.
Tip #11 Communication is key
Talk to your family photographer about your vision, where you want to hang the pictures, your home decor style, and your colour /style preferences.
Show your photographer the photos you like from their own website/social media account so that they can visualise exactly what you want. (screengrabs or create a Pinterest board.)
The more information you can give your photographer about what you want, the more likely she is able to fulfil your vision.
Tip #12 Timing is everything.
If you have younger children involved in the shoot, try and arrange the photoshoot at a time when they would be well-rested. A rested child makes for happy photos.
Morning is usually good for babies and young children. Don't rely on your baby's 'afternoon nap', because...well, Murphy's law: they will skip their nap on the day you most need them to sleep!
Make sure that all family members drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the session, and have gotten enough sleep the night before. Hydration and sleep make you look your best, and helps with the fun and relaxation aspects of the session.
Tip #13 Plan ahead
Discuss all of your requirements with your photographer beforehand so that the family photo session can just flow.
Let your photographer know if you want specific pictures taken so that she can plan them into the 'flow' of the session. Don't surprise your photographer with requests during the session.
Tip #14 Give your photographer a heads up
Most family photographers will send their clients a questionnaire before the session or schedule a phone call to get to know your family better. It is worth the time and effort giving your photographer detailed answers because this will help your session go smoothly. If your little girl loves Spiderman and hates Elsa, let your photographer know this ahead of time will help her build rapport with your daughter quickly.
Volunteer information that isn't on the questionnaire. If you're keen on a photo of your children with their grandparents who are visiting from overseas for the first time in years, it's important to let your photographer know this, because your shy 2-year-old's relationship with the grandma who babysits her once a week would be quite different to the grandma who she met for the first time a few days ago.
Now it's time to plan your wardrobe for the photo session.
Tip #15 Keep the location & temperature in mind.
Where is the photoshoot taking place? Choose an outfit that will keep you feeling comfortable and confident. If it is winter, don't dress your children in light summer dresses. If you’re photographing in a bushland setting, casual whites, florals, pastels, and khakis look great, whereas formal blacks will look out of place.
Tip #16 Avoid neon colours
Avoid neon colours, they will be the brightest part of the photo and draw attention away from faces.
Neon colours reflect coloured light onto faces, giving them a funny colour cast. Also, they look terrible on prints because the neon colours in photographs tend to cause colour shift.
Tip #17 Mix and match.
Don’t be afraid to wear patterns or prints for your photoshoot but keep them to a minimum and try to pair them with solid colours.
If you’re having a family photoshoot, for example, have two family members in printed items and two in solid colours. Play with different colours to match the mood and setting of the shoot.
Tip #18 Make your photos timeless.
You might love that trendy top or pair of pants now but will your photos stand the test of time if you wear that item of clothing?
Will your daughter love the dominate Peppa Pig picture splashed across her top in a couple of years time?
If the aim of your photoshoot is a documentary of your family at this particular moment in time, then, by all means, include elements that define your family at this time. But if you're after something that will be on your wall for a long time, perhaps avoid elements that will 'date' the photograph in an embarrassing way.
Tip #19 What to do about makeup.
This would depend on the type of photos you are taking.
Fashion shoots will call for more dramatic makeup but for your everyday maternity, family or portrait shoots, keep your makeup natural and to a minimum.
Avoid make up that is high-shine or glittery or 'dewy', these will make your skin look oily and sweaty. Stick to matte makeup wherever possible.
Tip #20 Fit is more important than you think.
If you already have an outfit in mind for your shoot, try it on before the time to make sure that it fits correctly and compliments your body type.
Well fitted clothing tend to be more flattering, clothing that is one size too big will make you look bigger.
Ensure the clothing you have chosen does not hinder your range of movement. Can you sit on the floor comfortably? Can you pick up your child without your clothes hitched up in all the wrong places? If you're wearing the type of clothes that need constant adjusting/smoothing, it's probably not the right choice for a casual fun family photo shoot. But it might be ok for a more formal type portrait session where everyone is much more posed and static.
Tip #21 Soft is better than stiff
Soft textured fabric ALWAYS looks better in photos than stiff fabric.
Clothing with stiff fabric tends to bunch and crease in an unflattering way, stiff collars often ride up and make your child's neck disappear. Choose soft fabric clothing wherever possible.
Tip #22 Make sure your kids are ok with your choices
If you have young children, it's even more important to make sure they've worn the clothing before the session.
Some children are sensitive to tags or rough seams, having this all tried out and sorted before the session will reduce chances of meltdowns at the session.
Tip #23 Try not to go brand crazy
Wearing too much clothing with prominent brand names just makes you look like a walking ad.
Clothing with large graphics on it also doesn’t work well as it will end up being the focus of your photos.
Tip #24 Dress to suit your decor
What colours do you have in your home decor?
If your home is filled with rich brown leather furniture and dark timber panels, then opt for slightly more formal style clothing.
If your home is modern, white, and bright, then the more casual style clothing with bright colours might work very well in that space.
If your home is Scandinavian style with natural timbers, then dressing in neutral creams and light browns with lots of knit textures will create photographs that look great in that space.
Don't forget to take photographs of your home decor style and your planned clothing and send it to your photographer well before your session. She will give you advice on whether your clothing will complement your decor or clash with it. Also, the style of photography and the backdrops & lighting the photographer uses will need to be adjusted to complement your clothing and decor. So the more she knows, the better she can plan your session.
The day has finally arrived. You feel well prepared and are super excited about the session. The only thing you need is for the rest of your family to cooperate.
Tip #25 Dos and don’ts of bribery.
Get your family excited about the photoshoot instead of offering a reward in return for their cooperation. This tends to lead to forced smiles and an irritated bunch of people.
If you do have small children coming along it’s not a bad idea to very subtly give the photographer some bribery options (out of view of your kids) in the form of toys or small food items to make those difficult moments a little easier.
Tip #26 Dressed and ready
The night before your session, layout everyone's 'photo-clothes', including underwear, shoes, and socks. So that you don't need to fumble around in the morning for any missing items.
Pack your bag with water, snacks, and 'backup' clothing in case of accidents. If you're photographing near water, pack some towels just in case.
On the morning of your session, get everyone dressed in their 'photo-clothes'. If you have multiple changes of clothing, ask your photographer which set she would like you to arrive in. I usually photograph the whole family first, then siblings, then individual kids. But every family photographer is different, so check with her first.
If you're worried about your children getting their 'photo clothes' messy on the way, you can always pop a larger t-shirt on top to keep them clean for the journey. Rushing to get everyone dressed after you've arrived at the session creates a panicky atmosphere which sometimes causes children to be more anxious.
Tip #27 Well-fed and happy.
Make sure everyone had a good solid breakfast before the session.
If your session is a long time after a meal, some snacks in the car on the way might help.
If everyone is well fed, the photoshoot will also run a lot smoother.
Pack your bag with snacks and water for before / after the session.
Avoid bringing snacks that can stain skin and clothing, remember to bring wet wipes for a quick face clean after snacking.
Tip #28 Relinquish control.
As much as you’ll want to direct your children on where to stand and how to pose, it’s best to leave that to the photographer as they know what works best.
Avoid giving your children instructions. If you have a specific pose in mind, tell the photographer BEFORE your session starts. Do NOT try and run the show, and definitely DO NOT tell your kids off during the session because if they try hard to 'perform', the photos won't look natural. And if they get angry, embarrassed, or burst into tears, the session is over.
Take a deep breath, 'let it go'. Not having this pressure will also make you feel more relaxed too.
Tip #29 It’s not just about the posing.
In most cases, the photos that my clients absolutely love, are the ones where their kids' personalities shine through. And that only happens when they're relaxed and having fun.
As an experienced children's photographer, I select the right 'scene', then create an environment for my clients to have fun, joke, and play with their children.
It's not just about the posing. The best photos happen when you forget about the camera and just let the moments happen.
Tip #30 Show it, don't just store it.
After your photo session, you'll most likely end up with lots of really beautiful photo.
Even though we all want those gorgeous digital files to keep and show the grandparents and friends, nothing quite beats displaying beautiful photos of your family around your home.
A gallery wall can be a great focal point in your home but in order to get the perfect end result, your photo wall will need some planning.
Tip #31 Choosing Your Wall
The wall that you see when you first walk into a room is often the perfect spot for a photo wall if you’re looking to make it the main focus of the room.
If you would prefer a more subtle option then look for an area that doesn’t have any décor or space where regular artwork might not work, such as the area next to a stairway or the narrow part of a wall that divides two rooms.
Take a photo of the wall you want to use for your photo wall. Take this photo front on, from as far back as you can to include more of your furniture. Send this to your photographer so that she can digitally put together some design mockups to make sure your wall art suits your space.
Tip #32 Layout preference: Hero, sets, or story?
Do you prefer one large hero piece on the wall, or a set of three large photographs, or lots of smaller pieces that form a creative layout on your wall that tells a story of your family?
If you have your heart set on a layout preference, it's best to let your photographer know beforehand so that she will make sure to capture the right photographs to suit.
For example, for a hero piece, 'zoomed out' photos with a bit of space around the subject tend to look better. the photograph also needs to be very high resolution and the subject needs to be super-sharp because when it's printed that large, any little mistakes will show up.
For a set of three, we want to make sure the three photos work as a sequence and look great together.
For photo wall with lots of photos that tell a story, the photographer needs to shoot a good range of photographs with different subject combinations with the same background & lighting to make sure all the photos go together.
Most people don't know what they prefer until they see the photos. If that's you, just ask your photographer to shoot a wide range of photographs then show you some wall design mockups at your viewing/ordering appointment.
Tip #33 Canvas, acrylic, metal, wood, stone, or traditional glass framing?
Most photographers offer a wide range of medium for wall art. This decision should be based on your home decor style, the style of your photographs, how large your wall art display is, and of course what you like.
In general: canvas-wrap, acrylic and metal are great for a modern house. Wood and stone are great for a shabby-chit or Scandinavian style home. Framed canvas and glass frames can fit any style home by selecting the right frames to match.
Ask your photographer to show you examples so you can see and touch them and make sure you know exactly what you're ordering.
Tip #34 What if you only ordered the digitals?
Many photographers only work with pro labs which means the prints and wall arts cost quite a bit more than Officeworks and Harvey Norman. If you can't afford to order wall art from your photographer, you might be able to purchase the digital files and print them out yourself.
Many of the retail labs like the two mentioned above have very inconsistent print quality because the chemicals in their machines aren't changed as regularly, and the staff operating the machines are not experienced professional printers.
I personally find that one of the best alternatives to ordering prints from your photographer is through Memorable Moments App. This company is run by a local Melbournian mum who is passionate about creating an app for fellow busy mums to print affordable wall art easily.
Tip #35 What If You're Not 100% Happy?
What if you're not 100% happy with the results? Before 'killing' your photographer's business by leaving negative reviews, talk to your photographer first (email, text message, messenger, or a phone call). Be clear about why you feel that your session was not a success, whether it is something within the photographer's control which she could have done differently, and whether you honestly feel that a re-shoot or product replacement is required.
However, if you have had a great experience and now have amazing photos on your wall to make you smile every morning, don't forget to thank your photographer by writing a Facebook or Google review for her, and by tagging her business when you post your gorgeous photos on FB or IG, and by referring her to your family and friends. Small businesses like mine don't have a large marketing budget, and we hate to stoop to unethical bait'n'switch tactics to 'fish' for clients. We rely heavily on word of mouth to survive so that we can continue to provide a high-quality ethical business for families like you.
I sincerely hope these tips are helpful in helping you get the best results from working with your family photographer in Melbourne.
If you would like to work with me, please check out my website to see if I'm the perfect Melbourne Family photographer for you!
xx
Jina