I have been a portrait photographer for several years.  Almost as long as I have been on Pinching Your Pennies.  I want to share with you some tips for getting the most out of your photo sessions.  I love it when people ask me to photograph them.  I love seeing them hanging photos I took on the walls in there home.

Does time ever feel like it’s going by super fast for you? Having a portrait session can stop time.  It grabs your family and captures everyone’s unique personalities.

I want to give you some tips to help you to get the most out of any upcoming photo session you might have.

The first thing you need to do is find a photographer that has a style that you like.  Ask around and get a few recommendations for photographers.  Look at their websites and Facebook pages and see if they have a style you might like.  Once you find someone you thin is a style match call them or ask to meet with them before you book a photo session.  Then you can see if you think that their personality will fit with your family.

You then need to figure out a location for your photo session, your photographer should have some ideas.  You also need to decide what to wear.  I always tell people to not be to matchy matchy.  Pick 3 coordinating colors and have everyone wearing a variety of those colors.  Another consideration is to wear something you are comfortable and feel confident in.

On the day of your photo session make sure you have a laid back day, don’t schedule anything right before or right after your photo session.  Keep everyone calm.  Be sure you are on time. Chances are your photographer might have another appointment after yours, or have plans of their own that might limit your session time if you’re late.

If you have kids maybe take something that they love that your photographer could use to help get the natural smiles.

Plan your photo sessions around your kid’s schedules.  Don’t schedule them during nap time or a time of day that they are ususally upset or cranky.  It’s a good idea too to give your family something to eat before you go.  Have you heard the word “hangry’? It’s a combo of angry and hungry that those just don’t go together well for a photo session.

Last but not least.  If your photographer only gives you photos on CD or another digital form, be sure to get some printed! Don’t leave them sitting on your desk!