How to Choose the Right Photographer for Your Family
Tips from a Denver Family Photographer
You’ve decided it’s time to book a family session, maybe it’s your baby’s first year, maybe you just want to be in the frame for once (finally), or maybe you’ve been meaning to update the gallery wall for years.
Whatever the reason, the next step is choosing a photographer. And if you’ve started googlingDenver Family Photographer,you’ve probably already realized there are alotof options.
So how do you choose the right one?
It comes down to more than price and availability.
Here’s what to actually look for when finding the right photographer for your family.
1. Look for Consistency in Editing
This is huge. Every photographer has their own unique editing style and that style should beconsistentacross their website, Instagram, and portfolio galleries.
If some of their work is light and bright, and other galleries are moody and dark, that’s a red flag.
Consistency tells you two things:
They have a defined artistic voice, which is hard to do in the beginning.
You know exactly what to expect when your final gallery is delivered.
✨Tip:Scroll through their work and ask yourself:Do I love this entire set of images, not just one or two?
2. Understand Their Editing Style: Light & Airy vs. Dark & Moody
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common styles you’ll see when searching for aDenver Family Photographer:
Light & Airy: Clean whites, pastel tones, bright exposure. Think sunshine, soft colors, and a romantic feel.
Dark & Moody: Rich shadows, earthy tones, dramatic contrast. Think emotion-forward, artistic imagery with a cinematic edge.
True to Life: Natural skin tones and colors close to what you’d see in real life, with minimal editing.
There’s no “right” or “wrong” here, just what feels right to you.
My personal style leans into earthy, moody tones with a rich, warm finish. Skin tones are warm, and I prioritize real connection over perfect posing. If you’re into storytelling over stiff smiles, we’ll be a good fit.
3. Does Their Work Reflect What You Want to Remember?
Ask yourself:
Do their photos feel like something you'd hang on your wall?
Can you imagineyourfamily in their photos?
Do the emotions in their galleries feel real, or overly posed?
Photography is personal. It’s not just about what the session looks like, it’s about how itfeels.
4. Read Their Approach to Families
Some photographers are very hands-off and documentary-style. Others prefer a more guided experience with prompts, posing, and location planning.
Neither is better, but knowing what works best for your family (especially with little ones involved!) will help you choose the right fit.
Look for a photographer who communicates their process clearly, answers questions before you ask, and helps you feel prepared, not overwhelmed.
5. Make Sure You Actually Like Them
You’re going to be spending time with this person in a very personal setting, likely cuddling your kids, possibly while wrangling chaos. You want a photographer who brings calm energy, knows how to lead without rushing, and who you actuallyenjoybeing around.
That ease makes a difference in your photos.
Final Thought: Trust Your Gut
When you find the right photographer, you'llfeel it.You'll see yourself in their images. You'll connect with their style and trust their process. And you'll walk away with a gallery that feels like you.
If you're looking for aDenver Family Photographerwho offers a calm, connected, and honest approach to family storytelling,I'd love to talk more about your session.
What to Wear for Your Alaska Family Session
Styling Tips from an Alaska Family Photographer
You’ve booked your photographer. Your session is on the calendar. Now comes the question every parent asks:what should we wear?
As anAlaska Family Photographer, I can tell you: what you wear makes a big impact. Thoughtfully styled outfits not only elevate the overall look of your photos, they also help you feel confident, connected, and fully present during your session.
Whether you're planning a maternity session, newborn session, or a full family session in the wild beauty of Alaska, here’s how to style your crew with ease.
Start with a Color Palette
Choose 2–3 tones that work well together, think soft earth tones, warm neutrals, or muted pastels. Add in some creams, grays, or soft browns to bring balance and cohesion. I always say to start with mom. Mom, choose your favorite outfit and work everyone else’s around you.
✨Tip for Alaska sessions:Pull colors from the natural landscape, greens, rust, oat, clay, and cool blues all work beautifully against mountain, forest, or coastal backdrops.
Avoid:Everyone wearing the same black or denim outfit. These flatten the image and remove visual interest.
Prioritize Texture and Movement
Textures like lace, corduroy, velvet, or knit add quiet detail and richness. For women and girls, flowy maxi dresses or skirts bring movement and a dreamy, organic feel, especially with a little wind or golden-hour light.
Skip:Stiff fabrics or anything overly tight or boxy. Instead, lean into flattering, comfortable fits that allow for natural posing and play.
Layer with Accessories
Accessories can bring a look together without overcomplicating. Think felt hats, knit cardigans, suspenders, knee socks, or soft wraps for baby. Layered looks photograph beautifully, especially in Alaska’s cooler seasons.
What to Avoid
Your family is the focus, not your clothes. Avoid anything that pulls attention away from your connection.
Bright neon colors – they cast unflattering light on skin
Athletic sneakers – swap for boots, sandals, or neutrals
Big logos or licensed characters – distracting and hard to edit around
Shapeless dresses – opt for pieces that flatter your figure, not hide it
Everyone in the same pattern – mix textures instead for visual balance
All black – too much black can flatten an image; mix in ivory or greys
Let Style & Select Do the Work
I offer every client access toStyle & Select, an interactive tool that makes outfit planning so much easier. You’ll enter a short styling quiz using my personal code given when you book, browse shoppable outfit suggestions, and even upload your own wardrobe items to see how everything works together.
Once you’ve built your style board, email it to yourself and to me, I'll review it and offer feedback if needed.
Let’s Keep It Timeless
Photos are meant to last for generations. When you love what you’re wearing and feel confident in it, the entire experience changes. My goal is to help you create images that feel relaxed, real, and beautifully styled without ever feeling “posed.”
Need help choosing outfits? Just reach out, I’m happy to help you pull it all together.
