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.

The Real Moments Are the Ones You’ll Miss Most

As a photographer, I’ve learned something over and over again: the pictures families love the most are rarely the ones where everyone is perfectly posed, smiling in sync, and sitting still. They're the ones filled with movement, laughter, connection and a little bit of chaos.

It's the way your toddler reaches for you with sticky hands. The glance you share with your spouse when the baby lets out that belly laugh. The way your child’s hair catches the sunlight as they run barefoot through the grass.

These are the moments that matter.

And yet, they’re the moments so many families try to “get through” on picture day. We come into sessions with hopes for perfection…coordinated outfits, cheerful moods, calm weather, no meltdowns. I get it. I’ve been there, too.

But can I tell you a secret?

The best photos happen in between the plan. When your youngest decides to flop down in the middle of a field, or your oldest grabs your hand unexpectedly. When someone’s giggling too hard to hold still, or your baby just won’t stop clinging to your hip. That’s not failure. That’s family.

And it’s beautiful.

In fact, some of my favorite images ever, mine and my clients’, are the ones where something “went wrong” in the best possible way. The wind blew a little too hard. A toddler yelled something hilarious. Someone tripped into a pile of leaves and we all laughed so hard we cried.

These are the photos you’ll come back to years from now and say, “Remember when…?”
These are the photos that tell your story.

So if you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to book photos…when the kids are a little older, when you lose that baby weight, when life slows down…please know this: there is no perfect time.

But there is right now.

Let’s capture the real stuff. The good stuff. The stuff you’ll miss.

Ready when you are.

If you're craving a session that feels relaxed, honest, and joyful…even with the chaos, I’m here for it. Let’s make some magic out of the mess together. Reach out anytime to book your session.

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