Family Portraits Near Me

If you’ve ever been given a family photo from a relative or a loved one, you know how special sharing this type of gift can be. Life is built on meaningful moments spent with those we love—and how we experience our family can directly shape the way we love, and the love we seek. Looking for family portraits “near me” in the Burlington area means you’re ready to capture the spirit of your family, celebrate each other, remember each other…and maybe even make each other laugh with those who have likely known you longer than anyone else on earth. But how often should we seek family portraits? What are the best ways to prepare for a family photoshoot? And what are some attractive characteristics in a family photographer? In this post, we will address these questions and more!

How Often Should You Have Family Portraits Taken?

Of course, the frequency with which you have your family photos taken depends on many things, like scheduling conflicts, budgeting priorities, etc. However, when in doubt, it’s generally a good idea to capture your family via a professional photography studio once a year, at the very least. This creates a reliable tradition that can provide wonderful mementos worth cherishing by all generations as the family continues to grow. Who doesn’t love a good family tradition?

How to Prep for Family Portraits

If you want to get the most out of your family photoshoot, preparation is key! That way, by the time you’ve gotten yourselves gussied up and rallied the troops, you’re all set to have a blast with each other and with the professional photographer. Some of the best ways to prepare for a family photoshoot include:

Picking a theme: One of the easiest ways you can bring a cohesive vibe to your photoshoots is to settle on a theme appropriate for your family, the time of year, an inside joke, or something else shared within your clan. This not only adds a sense of unity to your finished photos but also can also provide family members with a fun opportunity to add their own creative interpretations. Fun for the family, and fun for the photographer!
Coordinating outfits: If you’re not feeling the “holiday spirit” or family theme idea, you can always find other ways to bring the group together. For example, say you have a family tartan. Dressing the family in such a way that at least one article of clothing is made from the tartan, even if it is just a headband. Alternatively, you can select a color scheme or fabric pattern you’d like to add a sense of continuity to your group.
Picking a date, time, and photographer together: Democracy isn’t dead! If possible, get the whole family together—even if it’s via a video conference—and go through your options for local or central photographers together. Check their availability and find a date and time that works for everyone, so no one is left behind!
Making a tradition out of it: Making an annual tradition out of a group family portrait is a great way to build lasting memories with keepsakes to match. Assembling a family photo album is a great way to watch your family develop throughout time and to celebrate each step of the journey—plus they make great gifts to loved ones!
Having fun…and maybe an after party: Would it be fun if there weren’t snacks involved? Especially if your family is spread out and members don’t all live in one locale, getting together for food and drinks afterward can be a great way to seal in the fun of the experience. Get the most out of your visiting family members by making an occasion out of the ordeal!

What to Look for in a Family Photographer

When it comes to picking the right fit for your family, it can be worth it to do your due diligence upfront to find the best family portraits “near me”—that is, finding a professional photographer who puts everyone at ease. Here are the top five things to look for in a professional family photographer:

Experience: Of course, one of the simplest ways to separate the wheat from the chaff is by investigating how many years of experience a photographer has in the game. This is not to say that more experienced photographers are always better—but often, seasoned professionals can guide the session smoothly and help everyone shine their best during the shoot.
Ability to handle children: Kids can be angels and sources of inspiration…and they can also be quite a hassle. Picking a photographer capable of working with clients of all ages can help take some of the strain off of Mom and Dad so everyone can have more fun.
Impressive portfolio: The most basic question to ask yourself when looking for a photographer is what you think of their work. Check out their portfolio; if you like what you see, reach out and start a conversation!
Happy reviews from prior subjects: While it is prudent to read customer reviews with a grain of salt, this can be a great way to get a feel for the caliber of service you might receive and the kind of atmosphere your family might experience. The more thumbs up a photographer has, the more likely they are to work well with your family—but if you’re not sure about a photographer’s reviews, you can always call and ask for a consultation!
Logistical reasons: It’s not always right to make choices based on money…but high-value photographers in convenient locations can make for a simple, elegant solution that works for the whole family. When weighing the pros and cons of a photographer, it’s important to consider the holistic experience—from everyone’s commute to the studio to the photographer’s professionalism to the length of time spent processing the photos before they are ready to share.

If you’re looking for a great way to share love and build a healthy tradition with your kin, you’re likely considering family portraits “near me” that can deliver a quality experience for every family member. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, a special occasion, or just looking for a reason to bring the family together, a few hours in the studio can produce both memories to cherish and tangible gifts to look back on for a lifetime.

If you live in the greater Baltimore area and you’re looking for family portraits “near me” to celebrate your loved ones, touch base with Daniel McGarrity Photography today for a consultation—or, if you’re interested, browse the portfolio and discover if you like what you see!