When to Book a Photographer for Family Photos
Bloomfield Family Photographer
You’re ready to get your family’s summer photos done, but all of the photographers in your area are booked solid or have very limited availability that does not work with your family’s schedule. Most photographers are booked out well in advance for the summer, and you might be wondering when should you book your session for the summer or any season for that matter. Here are five tips to remember when looking for the perfect photographer.
1. Plan Ahead for Special Occasions:
If you have a specific occasion in mind, such as a birthday, anniversary, or holiday gathering, it’s best to plan ahead and book your photographer well in advance. Popular photographers tend to have busy schedules, especially during peak seasons, which are pretty much spring, summer, and fall, and definitely during the holiday season at the end of the year. Booking ahead allows you to secure your favorite photographer on your desired date.
Bonus tip: Always plan ahead for printed products: if you’re getting pictures done for a special occasion such as a birthday party or engagement party and want to have your pictures displayed on the special day, factor that into your timeline when booking a photographer. Most photographers offer printed products and are usually printing them through professional labs to ensure that your pictures are printed on high-quality materials with archival quality ink so that they will last a very long time. These labs all have different production and shipping times so giving yourself that extra time helps ensure you’ll get your prints on time.
2. Consider Seasonal Factors:
Many families opt for outdoor photoshoots, taking advantage of the beautiful backdrops each season offers. Certain seasons, such as spring and fall in Northern New Jersey, are popular for family photos due to the pleasant weather and vibrant colors. Many photographers offer mini-sessions for the holiday season and those spots are usually booked as soon as they are announced, so plan ahead for those as well.
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3. Take Family Availability into Account:
Coordinating everyone’s schedule can be a challenge, especially if you have older children with school or extracurricular activities. Consider the best time for your family when everyone can be present and relaxed during the photoshoot. It could be during a school break, a weekend, or when everyone has a day off work. By finding a time that works for everyone, you can be sure that everyone is available to be present and that no one is double booked and rushing to leave because they have somewhere else to be.
4. Allow for Photographer’s Availability:
Professional photographers often have busy schedules, balancing various photoshoots and events. It’s crucial to reach out to photographers early to discuss their availability and secure your preferred date and time. By doing so, you can ensure you have ample time to plan the photoshoot details, like location or outfits, with your chosen photographer. Also keep in mind that editing takes time, as that photographer is likely editing multiple sessions in addition to yours. Be sure to discuss turn-around time with them before booking. You may be charged a rush fee if you need your photos back sooner.
5. Be Flexible:
In cases where your preferred photographer is unavailable on your desired date, consider being flexible with your timing. If you are not locked into a specific date for a specific reason, it might help to be open to discussing alternative dates or consider weekday photoshoots, which tend to have more availability. Flexibility allows you to work around your photographer’s schedule and still capture beautiful family moments.
By being proactive and reaching out early, you can find the ideal time to book a photographer for your family photos. If you’re considering working with me as your family photographer here in New Jersey, I usually try to book photoshoots 3-4 weeks in advance. This gives me time to effectively communicate with you what it’s like to work with me and allows you enough time to plan outfits and get everyone on board for a fun-filled photoshoot!
