What To Ask When Hiring a Family Photographer
Kearney Nebraska Family Photography—
What You Need to Know Before Hiring Someone
"We need family photos … does anyone know a good photographer?!”
If you’ve ever asked this, you’re not alone!
Choosing the right family photographer is a big deal—you want someone who can capture your family’s personalities, make the process fun (instead of stressful), and create photos you’ll actually want to print and frame.
The good news is finding the perfect family photographer doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Whether you're booking your first session or looking for a new photographer, I’m breaking down everything you need to know—so you can feel confident in your choice and get the beautiful family photos you deserve.
What should I look for when hiring a family photographer? There are so many to choose from!
Not all photographers are the same, and family sessions require a special skill set!
When searching for a photographer, consider these key factors:
Style: Do you prefer bright & airy, warm & earthy, or true-to-life colors? Look through portfolios to find a style you love.
Experience with Kids: If you have little ones, choose a photographer who knows how to make sessions fun and natural (not stiff and awkward).
Location Options: Do they shoot outdoors, in-home, or in a studio? Pick what works best for your family’s vibe.
Personality: If your photographer can make you feel comfortable, it will show in your photos. Find someone who feels like a good fit!
My sessions are all about connection, not perfection. I keep things light, playful, and tailored to your family's unique dynamic—because no two kids (or parents) are the same. Whether it’s a silly game, a tickle fight, exploring together, or just slowing down for cuddles, I guide you through moments that feel natural and true to how you love on each other in real life. It’s less about posing and more about presence... giving your family space to just be together while I capture it all.
Q: What can I expect during a family photography session?
A great family session should feel fun, relaxed, and natural—not like a formal school portrait.
Here’s how it typically flows:
Before the Session – We’ll plan a location, time, and outfit ideas so you feel totally prepared.
During the Shoot – Expect movement, laughter, and some prompts to get genuine smiles! Don’t worry about making kids “pose”—I’ll guide them in a natural way.
After the Session – I’ll edit your images and deliver them within 3-6 weeks of your session date. You’ll receive a gallery where you can download, print, and share your favorites!
When you arrive feeling prepared and relaxed, it changes everything. You’re not worrying about the little details—you’re with your family, soaking them in. That ease shows up in the photos… in the way you hold your child, in the laughter that feels unhurried, in the tiny in-between moments that become the most meaningful. A little prep beforehand helps create the space for you to be fully present—and that’s where the real magic lives.
Q: What should we wear for our family session?
The #1 question families ask me: "What do we wear?!"
Here are my top tips:
Start with Mom’s outfit. Pick something you feel confident in, and build everyone else’s outfits around it.
Choose a color palette, not matching outfits. Think 3-4 coordinating colors instead of everyone wearing the exact same thing.
Avoid logos & neon colors. These can be distracting and take attention away from your faces!
Need more outfit ideas? Check out my family session Pinterest board.
Q: How do I prepare my kids for the session?
Parents always worry about their kids not cooperating—but I promise, we’ll make it awesome!
The key is to set the tone before the session even starts. Talk to them ahead of time and let them know it’s going to be fun, not a stiff "stand-still-and-smile" kind of thing. If they think of it as an adventure instead of a chore, they’ll be much more relaxed.
Make sure they’ve had a snack beforehand—nothing derails a happy mood faster than being hungry.
If they need a little extra motivation, enticing with a small reward for after the session can be a game-changer.
And don’t stress if they want to run, jump, or explore. Some of the best photos happen when kids are just being themselves!
One of my favorite parts of photographing families is watching kids just be kids—running, exploring, collecting treasures, or getting completely wrapped up in a game. That’s when their real personalities shine through. There’s something so special about capturing the way they move through the world when no one’s asking them to sit still or smile a certain way. It’s the heart of childhood—and it tells a story that’s entirely theirs.
Years from now, when you look back at these images, you’ll remember exactly who they were in this season—the way they laughed, the way they led the adventure, the way they loved being little.
Q: When will we get our photos?
After your session, I’ll carefully edit your images to bring out the best colors, lighting, and details. Within two weeks you will recieve a proof gallery with all the best images from your session. You will then have some time to choose your favorite images you want to include in your package.
Once you have chosen your keepers I then fine tune the edits (removing blemishes, hair flyaway or any other distractions) You can then expect your final gallery within 4-6 weeks of your session, where you’ll be able to download your fully edited high-resolution images.
Q: How much does family photography cost?
Family photography is an investment in your memories, and pricing varies based on experience, session type, and what’s included.
Most professional family photographers charge between $300–$1,500, depending on the package.
My sessions range in starting price from $400 to $550 with the average client spending $750 to $900.
All packages include:
✓ Personalized pre-session planning
✓ Style guidance with an easy-to-use online styling and shopping tool
✓ Full sessions receive access to the studio wardrobe for the whole family
✓ Artistically edited, high-resolution digital images with printing rights
✓ Online proof gallery delivered within 7–14 days
✓ Professional prints included, with additional products available
If you’d like full pricing details, fill out my contact form and I will send over all the details!
Family photos aren’t just about smiling at the camera—they’re about capturing love, connection, and the stage of life you’re in right now.
Whether your kids are tiny or growing fast, these moments deserve to be documented in a way that feels natural and timeless.
I hope reading this has given you some solid ideas on how to approach hiring the best photographer for your family’s needs. If you’re still looking for a Kearney, Nebraska area Photographer, click below to see some or my portfolio and more details about a family session. I would love to work with you and capture beautiful memories for you to treasure.
🌾Want to learn more about booking a family session? Click Here for More Information!
👶🏻 Interested in a family newborn session? Click here for more details
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