4 Quick Steps to pick a Family Portrait Photographer

and this is when many folks start thinking about portraits. I often get questions like, “How do I pick a Family Portrait Photographer?” So, here ar:

“4 Quick Steps to pick a Family Portrait Photographer”

Step 1: Recommendations from friends can be a good way to go. But a caveat:  just like people have different tastes and budgets for clothing and decor, they will also have wildly different styles in photography. Some people just want a photo that is one step above a snapshot. Others just want one really good family photo. Others want a high-end, boutique experience with a full gallery of WOW images. If you have a friend who has a similar taste and budget in interior decor and clothes, that can be a good indicator that you might like the photographer they use. Step 2: Then check their website. Their photos should grab you, you should feel right away – “Wow! I love these!” Step 3: Videos – I also always suggest that clients look at an entire photo session before booking their photographer. That way, they can see if the photographer can deliver a consistent and full gallery of WOW images.  This means different angles, close up and wide-angle, each person alone, kids together, kids with parents, both posed and casual, different expressions, etc. That’s much more reliable than seeing just one or two good images. On my video page, you’ll see about 30 different sessions, to give you an idea of my style. A few of them even have BTS (behind the scenes) and client interviews, which gives you even more of an idea on what it’s like to work with me. Of course, if you want the quick read, my testimonial page can provide that. Step 4: Contact the photographer. Do they get back to you within one business day? Do they seem to know what they are doing? Do they ask lots of questions to make sure they understand what you are looking for, and you understand what they offer? Do they explain things clearly? So, there you have it. A complicated process simplified to four key steps. I hope this helps you pick your family photographer. And whether you pick me, or someone else, please do have family photos taken this year! Every year your children change sooo much – these precious times deserve to be captured. Oh, and if you are doing holiday cards ….please please include you and your spouse/co-parent if you are together. Your friends love seeing your kids, but even more than that – they want to see YOU! I feel so passionately about this, I should probably do an entire blog post on “Make sure you appear on your holiday card!” Here is a sample session taken in the Boulder mountains. I can’t wait to photograph this family again this weekend, this time with their newest family addition!

Session in Boulder, Colorado (with guest appearance by family dog)

Westminster Family Portraits Outdoors in the Boulder Mountains from N Lee on Vimeo.

*Your dogs are part of your family! And we often include them in portraits. There are a few steps to follow to make sure we get the best photos possible, and one of the key  things is to have someone who can take over the dogs once we are done photographing them. A neighbor, a friend, etc. It’s also a good idea to have them groomed a couple days before, and bring them a little bit hungry so they will pay attention. Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save]]>

40 Ideas for Unique Back To School Photos of your Children (Free Printable)

40 Ideas for Unique Back To School Photos of your Children (Free Printable)

professionally, by a friend who likes photography, or even just snapshots you take yourself to mark this point in time. To reflect and celebrate your child as they are today. And, to capture some of that first day of school excitement!
One photo of your kid is great – it’s the cornerstone. But if you are looking to capture and portray a more complete picture of this special time in your children’s life, or if you are looking for some creative ideas, use this free printable as guideline.
Please use this as just an idea-generator. You’ll note that I call it “ideas” not a “checklist”. That’s b/c almost nobody (including me) is going to do all of them. So, don’t look at the list and think that you need to take them all, or take them all on the first day. Pick your 10 favorites and just do those, and spread them out over the first week. Or, do them all at once if that’s more your style. Whatever is helpful and fun for you.
Looking for some great ideas for back to school photos? Here is a free printable:
BTS-40-ideas-Natascha-Lee-Studios
 
Looking to for a black and white version that won’t use much of your printer ink? Here’s another version:
40 ideas for back to school photos - free printableBTW, a while back I wrote an article for  Colorado Parent Magazine  on “Tops Tips for Unique First-Day Back to School Photos of your Kids” You can see that article and my photos here, and check out page 11 to read: “8 Pro Tips for Unique First Day Back to School Photos”.
(Note: This is a repost from 1 year ago. I had a request to share it again, so here it is.)
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Broomfield Family Photography – Fall Family Portraits | Natascha Lee Studios

fall family portrait. Their Sheltie dogs are super sweet, and we made sure to include them in many portraits.* In addition to the semi-posed images where everyone is looking @ the camera, I love capturing “lifestyle” images, which are like these below – it’s a peak into your life….of course, you all happen to be wearing impeccably coordinated outfits, not a hair out of place, and it’s a lovely fall day with the soft warm light from the setting sun behind you.  😉 BTW, do you see mom’s boots! They are soooo stylish. I want to go buy myself a pair. If you follow me on IG, you’ll see that I post images of cowboy boots there from time to time. I saw so many cool ones during a photography trip to Nashville. Broomfield Family and Pet Photography - with Dogs (Natascha Lee Studios)

Denver Family Photographer

*Your dogs are part of your family! And we often include them in portraits. There are a few steps to follow to make sure we get the best photos possible, and one of the key  things is to have someone who can take over the dogs once we are done photographing them. A neighbor, a friend, etc. It’s also a good idea to have them groomed a couple days before, and bring them a little bit hungry so they will pay attention. This clever family brought the dogs’ favorite treats and just the word “cookie” made them perk up! Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save]]>

40 Ideas for Unique Back To School Photos of your Children (Free Printable)

professionally, by a friend who likes photography, or even just snapshots you take yourself to mark this point in time. To reflect and celebrate your child as they are today. And, to capture some of that first day of school excitement! One photo of your kid is great – it’s the cornerstone. But if you are looking to capture and portray a more complete picture of this special time in your children’s life, or if you are looking for some creative ideas, use this free printable as guideline. Please use this as just an idea-generator. You’ll note that I call it “ideas” not a “checklist”. That’s b/c almost nobody (including me) is going to do all of them. So, don’t look at the list and think that you need to take them all, or take them all on the first day. Pick your 10 favorites and just do those, and spread them out over the first week. Or, do them all at once if that’s more your style. Whatever is helpful and fun for you. Looking for some great ideas for back to school photos? Here is a free printable: BTS-40-ideas-Natascha-Lee-Studios   Looking to for a black and white version that won’t use much of your printer ink? Here’s another version: 40 ideas for back to school photos - free printableBTW, Last year I wrote an article for  Colorado Parent Magazine  on “Tops Tips for Unique First-Day Back to School Photos of your Kids” You can see that article and my photos here, and check out page 11 to read: “8 Pro Tips for Unique First Day Back to School Photos”. Yes, last year it was just 8 ideas…this year I share 40 of them! Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save]]>

Denver Family Photography Photographer | Natascha Lee Studios

A boy and his favorite toys. Photos that capture your kid’s unique personality might not always include their face – this is a perfect example. I love how it captures the fun, quirky magic of childhood. Hexbug nanos  are a favorite…and, I guess jingle bells? Funny backstory – he insisted on leaving the hexbugs switched on, so they kept vibrating off his leg and onto the floor…. BTW, capturing your child or family’s true spirit is one of the things that my clients most frequently mention when describing what it is like to work with me.

Denver Children's PhotographerDenver Family Photographer

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Denver Family Photography Photographer | Natascha Lee Studios

Denver newborn family photography session a few months back.  Don’t they look like a rockstar family? She’s one of my favorites! And she has been a little sick recently, so I hope this cheers her up. Funny backstory: Mamma texted me a photo before this shoot (her fourth shoot with me, I think) and it had three shirts laying on a bed – one for her, one for her older son and one for her husband. I mistakenly thought her son was supposed to wear all three shirts layered (obvs -the photo didn’t do a great job of showing the relative sizes).  I wrote back something like….”all three shirts layered? I think he will get hot.” LOL. Then she explained what she meant. BTW, getting the clothing together for your family shoot can be stressful – but it can also be a blast! After years of doing family portraits, I know that getting the  clothes together for your family shoot can be challenging- so I offer lots of prep help in different formats, to meet your own preferred style of learning. I have email/text tips, Pinterest Boards, and even a custom Studio Magazine with prep tips and suggestions for any type of photoshoot. Of course, I also offer help via phone and/or text. Anyway, I loved this shoot. Her beautiful, stylish home was designed by her, and has the most amazing light everywhere. Denver Family Photography - Newborn and Big Brother

Denver Newborn Baby Photographer

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