5 Mistakes Families Make When Choosing a Photographer (And How to Avoid Them)

Let’s be honest…planning a family photo session can feel a bit…overwhelming. Between coordinating outfits, getting the kids to cooperate, and figuring out which location will actually look good in photos, it’s a lot.

And here’s the thing: choosing the wrong photographer can make it even more stressful. You don’t want your “special family moment” to end up looking like a rushed selfie.

So, here are five mistakes families often make when picking a photographer and how you can avoid them so your session is smooth, fun, and leaves you with photos you actually love.

1. Picking Someone Just Because They’re Cheap

Look, I get it. We all want a good deal. But when it comes to photography, you really do get what you pay for. A super low price can mean rushed sessions, inconsistent editing, or photos that don’t truly capture your family.

Pro tip: Think about the value, not just the price. Experience, style, and a full-service process are worth it. Your photos aren’t just files, they’re memories you’ll display on your walls for years.

2. Ignoring Their Style

Have you ever seen a photographer’s Instagram and thought, “These are gorgeous!” only to get the gallery and realize it’s not quite your vibe? Happens more than you’d think.

Pro tip: Scroll through their full galleries, not just the highlights. Make sure their style matches your vision whether that’s timeless and bold, soft and candid, or a mix of both.

3. Forgetting the Experience Matters

If you’ve ever tried to wrangle toddlers for a photo session, you know it’s…an adventure. A photographer who doesn’t know how to work with kids can make it stressful instead of fun.

Pro tip: Look for someone who guides you, knows how to get real smiles, and keeps the session light and enjoyable. (Yes, you can have a stress-free photo session!)

4. Not Thinking About Prints and Products

It’s easy to think, “I’ll just get the digital files and figure it out later.” But without guidance, those beautiful photos often sit on a hard drive or phone.

Pro tip: Ask about albums, prints, and wall art. A photographer who helps you turn images into something you can actually enjoy every day is worth their weight in gold.

5. Waiting Too Long to Book

Especially if you’re looking for a fall, holiday, or spring session, waiting until the last minute can be risky. Popular photographers fill up fast.

Pro tip: Plan ahead, book early, and schedule a consultation. That way, you can focus on the fun stuff like outfits, locations, and family laughs…without the panic.

Choosing the right photographer doesn’t have to be stressful. Avoid these mistakes, and you’ll end up with photos that feel effortless, joyful, and totally you.

If you’re ready to capture your family in timeless, joyful photos (without the chaos), let’s chat and book your session in Lancaster, PA. I’ll guide you every step of the way from wardrobe to wall art so you actually enjoy the experience as much as the final photos.

Why This Season Matters: Capturing Your Family Right Now, Just As You Are | Lancaster PA Family Photographer

Fall has a way of making us pause.

Maybe it’s the golden light through the trees, the sound of leaves crunching under little feet, or the way the air shifts just enough to make you pull your kids in a little closer.

Whatever it is, this season has always felt special to me and it’s one of the most meaningful times to photograph families.

As a Lancaster family photographer, I’ve learned that the beauty of fall isn’t just in the colors. It’s in the moments you’ll never get back.

This Version of Your Family Won’t Be Here Next Fall.

It sounds dramatic, but it’s true.

Your toddler’s dimpled hands will stretch out. That snaggle-toothed grin will be replaced with a full-grown smile. The way your kids lean into you, the silly inside jokes, the gap-toothed giggles... they’ll grow and change before you realize it.

And one day, when you look back, you’ll be so grateful you stopped time…even just for a moment.

The Best Photos Aren’t Perfect, They’re Honest

You don’t need to lose 10 pounds or wait for your kids to act just right. You don’t need a magazine-perfect outfit lineup. You don’t need to feel like everything is “together.”

You just need to show up and be you.

Because the best images come from connection, not perfection. My job is to help you relax, play with your kids, and enjoy the people you love most. I’ll guide you every step of the way so nothing feels awkward or forced.

Fall Doesn’t Wait (And Neither Should You)

The truth is autumn is fleeting. The leaves peak for only a few short weeks, and my calendar fills even faster.

If you’ve been thinking about fall family photos, now’s the time to reach out. Once the season passes, we don’t get a second chance until next year...and your family will be a whole year older by then.

Let’s Make It Happen

If your heart knows it’s time, don’t wait. Let’s capture the joy, the chaos, the connection, and the love that makes your family yours…right now, just as you are.

Fall family mini sessions are very limited and booking quickly. You can grab one of those right here.
Interested in a full session or another type of session? Reach out here and let’s chat!

Fall Wardrobe Guide 2025 | Lancaster PA Photographer | Angie Englerth Photography

What to Wear for Fall Family Photos: Your Ultimate Wardrobe Guide

Choosing outfits for family photos can feel overwhelming. especially when you're trying to coordinate multiple people, work with the season, and make sure everyone still feels like themselves. But here's the truth: your wardrobe doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful. What matters most is that it feels like you.

This guide is here to take the stress out of getting dressed. Whether you're drawn to cozy knits, earthy tones, or soft layers with a touch of elegance, I've pulled together eight curated wardrobe groupings to inspire you. These combinations are designed to photograph beautifully, feel comfortable, and help your family shine.

From relaxed and casual to polished and refined, you’ll find outfit ideas that work with the fall landscape and let your love for each other take center stage. So take a deep breath, scroll through, and imagine your people wrapped in warmth, laughter, and style that feels just right.

All Spruced Up
Cozy knits, deep greens, and timeless denim come together for a look that’s effortlessly festive and perfectly polished. Classic, comfy, and ready for fall family magic.

Amber Moments
Rich golden tones, soft neutrals, and cozy textures blend together like autumn sunlight…warm, glowing, and made for memories that last.

Blush & Blue Crew

A dreamy mix of soft pinks, classic blues, and cozy knits—this look is equal parts sweet and timeless, perfect for capturing love in every frame.

Chic Meets Snug

Where stylish silhouettes meet cozy textures…this look blends rich tones and laid-back layers for a vibe that’s effortlessly polished and perfectly snuggly.

Golden Leaves & Good Jeans

Classic denim, rich autumn tones, and cozy knits come together for a laid-back look that feels like fall…crunchy leaves, cool air, and big family energy.

Sage & Sand

Soft greens, warm tans, and natural textures create a calm, organic look that feels grounded, effortless, and beautifully timeless for any season.

Womens Dress | Girls Dress | Mens Top | Mens Jeans | Boys Plaid Set

Harvest Crew

Cozy textures, rich autumn tones, and laid-back layers define the Harvest Crew. Think rust, mustard, denim, and cream…perfectly coordinated for a relaxed yet timeless fall family look.

Velvet Leaves & Cozy Sleeves

A perfect blend of elegance and warmth…this look pairs luxurious velvets and rich autumn tones with soft knits and layered textures. Ideal for families who want to feel comfy while looking effortlessly polished.

No matter which style speaks to you, the most important thing is that your family feels comfortable, connected, and confident. These moments we’re capturing? They’re fleeting…but the photos will last a lifetime. So take the guesswork out of getting dressed, choose a look you love, and let me take care of the rest.

If you haven’t booked your fall session yet, don’t wait…spots are limited and filling fast! Click here to reserve your session or send me a message to get started. I can’t wait to photograph your crew this season!

Please note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting my work in this way!

Before the Leaves Fall | Lancaster PA Family Photographer | Angie Englerth

Before the Leaves Fall

Every year, I swear I won’t let fall pass me by.
But somehow, it always sneaks past faster than I planned.

One minute we’re buying school supplies.
The next, the air is cooler, the leaves are turning, and apple cider is in every grocery cart.

It’s cozy. It’s busy. It’s beautiful.
And it never lasts long enough.

That’s part of why I open fall mini session booking early.

Because these sessions tend to fill quickly.
Because the golden light in fall is magic.
Because your kids are growing fast.
And because you deserve to be in the photos too, not just the one taking them.

If you wait too long, you know what happens:
The calendar fills. The weekends disappear.
And before you know it, you're pulling out Christmas jammies and wishing you’d booked that session after all.

So if you’ve been thinking about it, this is your sign.

Pick the sweaters. Imagine the crunch of leaves.
Picture the laughter, the snuggles, and the little moments you’ll want to remember forever.

Fall doesn’t last, but the photos will.

Let’s make some magic before the leaves fall.

Fall sessions and Fall Family Minis are limited and tend to fill quickly. If you’re looking for a Lancaster family photographer, now’s the time to book!