Expert Tips for Choosing you Arvada Family Photographer
- Erin Wernlein
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
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.
Q: What should I look for when choosing 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 at their website or social media to get a feel for their style.
Experience with Kids
If you have little ones, choose a photographer who has experience photographing children.
Location, Permits and Insurance
Are they knowledgeable about locations, are they aware of/and do they hold permits for locations, do they carry insurance.
Personality
If your photographer can make you feel comfortable, it will show in your photos. Find someone who feels like a good fit!
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 the usual process:
Before the Session – We'll coordinate on location, timing, and outfit ideas so you're completely ready.
During the Shoot – Anticipate movement, laughter, and prompts for authentic smiles! No need to worry about kids "posing"—I'll guide them naturally.
After the Session – I'll edit your photos and deliver them within 3 weeks. You'll get a gallery to download, print, and share your favorites!
Cute, easy prompts lead to happy family photos
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!
Check out this helpful post - What to Wear for Your Arvada Family Photos.
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, bringing 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!
Don't Forget
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 would be honored to be a part of your family photos experience! Let's connect.
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