Snapshots Vs Timed Moments
Can you spot the difference?
I’m sure you’ve seen them advertise on Facebook and Instagram offering Family portrait Sessions, where you meet up with a photographer, they take a few photos and charge $50-$100.
This is an intentional, posed photo shoot.
Other people seek family portraits the cheaper, often non-professional route. Where you may hear the usual, “Hey, can you bring your camera?”
Often to those who want more than the quality of a cell phone photo.
Are they asking for the quality of the camera?
Or the quality of the Photographer?
Often people don’t distinguish the difference, and far too many times plunge into a risk.
An Impromptu Photo Often Resembles a Genuine Moment
You just can’t purchase these. Often moments like this are day-to-day. But in the eyes of a photographer, this is a precise moment which can be reflected on for years to come. In this case, my nieces first fish.
Know What You’re Purchasing
Some folks might prefer the “Studio Innovations” Say “Cheese” group family portraits. Others might prefer the candid moments. Much of Photography comes down to preference. But a lot of it is misguided in my opinion.
Let’s say you book me for a Family Portrait Shoot. Here’s things I’d compose and charge for.
~ Time of day : I can say “Morning is best” or “Golden Hour is preferable” But lets face it, weather changes and so does the families interest in the shoot. You’d book me for the day and favorite time that your Family spends together.
This may be Dinner, a Sports Game, Video Games, or Jumping on the trampoline. It doesn’t even have to be your house. Say your family LOVES going to the bowling lanes. Utilize the connection your family has, when its best. I’ll be there, and charge accordingly.
~ Gear: Honest truth, Photographic equipment costs WAY too much. If I broke down how much some of this gear costs, you’d be alarmed that I could pay a years worth of rent, and put a down payment on a new vehicle. So this is where I have to consider what I’m bringing, and the cost to include it. This could be a portable studio light, a couple Prime lenses, Batteries, the Camera itself. All tools for the job at hand.
~ Time on edits: Even after I leave, There’s still work to be done. I don’t feel like its necessary to spend hours in Photoshop for clients where you’re trying to capture authentic moments. Keeping things natural sets a better tonal contrast. The magic is in the story and the portraits captured. Not the edits. But it still is part of the shoot. Up until the prints are delivered, I don’t stop working the job.
~ Natural Moods, and personality traits: If Grandpa doesn’t want to smile that’s okay. My job is not to force a moment. But to capture it. I may encourage people to embrace the moment, But you wont be expecting any poses, or silly props and cheesy backdrops. I fully back the “Fly on the wall” approach.
In order to accomplish genuine feeling, It’s best to treat me like a light you forgot about in the corner. You know what that light provides, You find comfort in it, and appreciate it.
Maybe it’s too much effort.
Maybe the family isn’t Happy.
I’ve found some of the most authentic and memorable photos have been during periods where families feel broken because of heartache. This can go both ways. Let’s analyze this scenario.
When you force several people into a scene, and you’re trying to capture all their moods into one, You’re getting mixed results. But if everyone is devastated because of a family members passing, or they are moving from their home of 12 years, this can create the most gripping and unique story to look back on in the future.
The Instagram Effect
Let’s think about how people want their Instagram to look. A happy life, the perfect life (i.e. wedding photography). People are so afraid to show their personal moments. Why cast a shadow on those emotions? If you’re hiring a professional photographer, it’s their job to create that authentic look.
We let our pride and ego get in the way of a moment we don’t want to reveal. Remember that not everything is to be shared to the world, but be open enough to hire someone to be there for it, and rely on the fact you’ll look back on the photograph and relish in the emotions captured.
Even if it’s just for the family. Often it makes you uncomfortable. We’re in an age of sharing everything.
It’s okay to pay someone to capture something private and personal
(Ala boudoir photography). Even those often get shared for personal gain.
Some of my favorite photos to capture are when one of the kids is crying, or Mom is stressed out. It’s the day to day things we so often take for granted. We don’t see ourselves in the mirror or through the viewfinder as much as we should. So, we project different emotions when we’re in control.
I truly applaud those that can give up control.
That’s where I start pressing the shutter.
You don’t have to “get what you pay for”
You may consider asking the family photographer to capture some portraits because you trust them. Perhaps they are just talented. That talent can vary as we all have different levels of experience.
Give them the chance, but consider compensation. We all start from somewhere. Where some don’t have a set approach like me, others are still finding that. Some photographers love posing and using props. Hey, it works. People have been requesting that kind of photography for years.
But is it what you want? Lead them if they are new. I’ve always said your family are your biggest fans, and your biggest critics. Guide their approach in a way that makes you all comfortable. If that family photographer is seeking to do this professionally and get paid, help them get there.
No one should work for free. That’s not proper encouragement. Regardless of experience.
Compare the difference.
I have my own style, which I’ve honed over 15 years and been paid for.
Others are more textbook with posed photo sessions.
Both are professional methods. Either can suit your needs for a dedicated Family Photographer
I hope you analyze these points when you decide what kind of Photographer you need. Don’t pressure a Family photographer or friend because you don’t know which you want. Either way, you’ll need to hire one.