Family photography: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What family photography is

A photographer leads a relaxed session with relatives of different ages, capturing group and individual portraits at a studio, park or home. Families book one for holidays, milestones and keepsakes, when the goal is a set of photos everyone can enjoy for years.

Signs you need it

  • You want one set of photos that includes several generations of your family
  • You are planning a holiday card, a family keepsake or a milestone celebration
  • You want photos at a park, a home or a studio that feel relaxed
  • Your family includes young children who need patient handling
  • You want both group photos and individual portraits for each household
  • You want a photographer who keeps the session moving so everyone stays happy

What the pro does

  • Asks about the family members, their ages, the location and the photos you want
  • Plans a shot list of group and individual portraits with a clear order
  • Arrives early to find the light and set up for the session
  • Guides the family into groups and poses, with breaks for children
  • Takes a range of photos so everyone is shown in a few good frames
  • Edits the selected images and delivers them in the agreed format

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Length of the session and the number of locations
  • Number of people in the photos, including the number of groups
  • Whether the session is at a studio, a park, a home or another location
  • Travel distance and any access or permit needs at a park
  • Number of edited images and whether prints or a card design are included
  • Whether the photographer uses props, backdrops or outfit coordination
  • Whether a second session is included for a different season or outfit

What a written quote should spell out

  • Session length, the location and the time planned
  • Number of people expected and the group and individual shots included
  • Number of edited images and the delivery date
  • Delivery format and whether prints or a card design are included
  • Usage rights for holiday cards, social media and family gifts
  • What happens if the session must move because of weather or illness

Questions to ask before you hire

  • How do you get several generations to look and feel their best in one photo?
  • How many edited images will we receive, and when will they arrive?
  • Can I see a full family gallery with children and older relatives?
  • Do you suggest outfits or colors for the family?
  • What is your plan if a child gets tired or upset during the session?
  • Who owns the photos, and can we share them with the whole family?
  • Do you carry insurance for sessions at parks and beaches and in our home?

Red flags

  • They show only a few single-person portraits and no group photos
  • They have no plan for young children or for older family members who need rest
  • They do not ask who is in the photos or where they want them taken
  • They will not confirm the delivery date or the usage rights in writing
  • They pressure you to buy a large print package before you have seen the photos

What you can do yourself

You can plan the outfits for the family, pick a few locations and set a clear time for the session. You can also make a list of the groups you want, such as each household or the grandparents with their grandchildren. Hire a photographer for the posing, the timing and the editing, since getting a large group to look natural together takes skill and patience.

Licenses and permits

No state license is usually required for family photography, so ask for proof of liability insurance and full family galleries instead. Parks and some public sites require permits for photo sessions, so check local rules with your state or local licensing agency before you book a location.

Family photography questions

Does a family photographer need a license?

Usually not a state license. Ask for insurance and full family galleries, and check whether the park or site needs a permit.

How many people can fit in a group photo?

It depends on the location and the lighting. Ask the photographer how they plan large groups and how many they have handled.

Should we match outfits?

Ask the photographer for a color guide. Coordinated colors look better than matching outfits, and the photographer can help you choose.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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