Tips from a family photographer

Turn family moments into cherished memories with expert advice from a family photographer. Discover tips for capturing authentic photos and transparent pricing.

When I talk about my work, people often ask me why they should hire a family photographer to come to their home instead of just going to a studio to take some nice photos. Far be it from me to disparage studio photography, which is wonderful and offers a completely different experience. Let’s start by asking ourselves what motivates a photographer in Paris to create family photo shoots in your home, capturing moments in a very natural way.

I was lucky enough to grow up in a family that was very passionate about photography. My mother and grandfather never went out without their cameras; I got my first camera when I was 10, and I grew up surrounded by priceless memories. When I was a teenager, I wanted to give my parents a photo album of our life together, so I pulled the boxes of family photos out of the basement and started sorting through them. I won’t go into detail about my reaction to each photo, but one detail caught my attention and made me want to become a family photographerlater on. 

My parents had an old green sofa with fringe and big, cozy cushions. My sisters and I loved jumping on it, burying our faces in the cushions, and flopping down on it. Next to the sofa were purple beanbags covered in a fabric that looked like patchwork—I just loved those beanbags. Looking back at these images, I was overwhelmed by so many different emotions. I then realized that a photo can capture moments in life, but also the feelings evoked by small details that aren’t always important at the time the picture is taken. Yet, years later, they can stir up an unexpected emotional response. 

Tips from a family photographer                                                            

Preparing for a Family Photo Shoot in Paris

People often ask me how to prepare for a family photo shoot. I’ve thought long and hard about the best way to guide you, because I want photos that look natural and reflect who you are. When you book a family photo shoot with me, you’ll receive a short guide that answers the questions I’m asked most often. Like, what should you wear for a family photo shoot? At what age should you have a newborn photo shoot? Are you only a family photographer in Paris? …

I won't cover everything in this article, but I wanted to share a few tips with you 

• Choosing the Right Family Photographer

  Before planning your photo session at home, it’s important to consider which family photographer is right for you. I often have clients who tell me they hadn’t had any photos taken before because they weren’t familiar with this natural style of family photography and didn’t want to do a studio shoot. So take the time to find a family photographer in Paris whose style suits you and resonates with you. 

• Pay attention to pricing and the various packages
  There are as many pricing options and packages as there are family photographers in Paris. While it’s obvious that a package that’s too cheap means the photographer isn’t making a living from it and therefore isn’t working full-time in this field, a very high price isn’t necessarily a guarantee of quality either. Once again, the right photographer for you is the one who offers photos you love at a price that works for you. Don’t forget that a photo session is a gift you’re giving your family that will last a lifetime. Check out my family photo session rates.

Family Photo Shoot: Tips for Natural-Looking Photos

• Authentic Photos
  To ensure your photos look authentic, don’t turn your home into a place that doesn’t reflect who you are. Of course, you can tidy up so that the eye isn’t drawn to details you don’t like. However, if you have a giant Playmobil set in the middle of your living room, and you love it because it reminds you of your everyday life, don’t hide it on the day of the photo shoot. 

• Activities that suit you

  Similarly, try to plan family activities that you enjoy and that suit your tastes. Don’t make pancakes just because you saw some nice photos of families making them, even if you don’t actually like them. 

• Don't buy outfits just for the family photo shoot

  You’ll be so happy in 10 years when you recognize your favorite outfits in your family photos. If you buy clothes specifically for the photo shoot, they won’t necessarily evoke any emotions when you look back on them. Worse yet, if you buy things that don’t suit you, you might never wear them again—and that would be a shame. 

Would you like to learn more about family photo shoots in Paris? Feel free to contact me directly. I’ll answer all your questions with complete transparency and honesty.