The benefits of working with the same photographer annually

Working with the same family photographer each year can have a ton of benefits for you and your family. I’ve had the pleasure of photographing many families multiple times over the years, and wanted to share some of the benefits of working with the same photographer annually.

Development of a strong relationship with the photographer

When you work with the same photographer year after year, you develop a strong relationship with them. You will find that your children are more relaxed, because they know what to expect from the photographer, and the photo session. It becomes almost like meeting a friend to hang out with the bonus of awesome photos at the end.

Time Savings

By working with the same photographer annually, you start to save time as well. The scheduling and booking process becomes faster, you become familiar with their process, file and product ordering systems etc. And, because you’ve developed a rapport, all communications become quick and painless…all saving you time in the end.

Consistent And Cohesive Photos

The photographs produced from your annual photo sessions will have a consistent look and feel to them when created by the same photographer. Their style of photographing the sessions and editing the final images will be consistent leading to a cohesive set of photographs of your family over the years.

Consistent And Cohesive Albums + Wall Art

The consistency and cohesiveness in your photos mentioned above lends itself to consistent wall art that will work well together, regardless of which year an image was photographed, and you can receive images that are consistent in size and quality year over year, creating a beautiful set of albums on your coffee table or displayed on a shelf to enjoy. Do you know how to care for these beautiful photos and albums? Check out this recent blog post to learn more.

Captures the growth of your family over time

When you commit to having your family photos done each year, you are capturing the growth and changes within your family over time. Some years the growth is huge…like the changes from a newborn to a one year old. Other years it’s more subtle…like the change from a second to third grader…and even though you may think that the ‘middle school/tween’ years are not worth photographing…I’m here to tell you that they truly are. The growth and change that occurs within just one year during this time is transformational for your children…and having it documented with beautiful family photos is a decision you will never regret. Here are some tips for family photo sessions with teens, in case you are worried about their experience.

Familiarity with what to expect

Each member of your family will know what to expect and even look forward to your annual family photo session when you work with the same photographer each year. The anxiety that comes with the unknown will be gone, and left with a feeling of looking forward with joy to the session.

Relaxed sessions due to existing relationship

When you develop a strong relationship with your photographer and have built that relationship, your family photo sessions become more relaxed and enjoyable…the stress of the unknown is gone, and everyone can relax and hang out enjoying your time together.

Creates a family tradition

Having fun family traditions like visiting the Oregon coast each summer, camping with cousins, making a special traditional food at the holidays are all fun family traditions. And, when you work with the same photographer annually, your family photo session becomes a tradition too! You can even add on a special treat or adventure after the session to amplify the ‘tradition’ experience giving everyone even more to look forward to.

Early access to booking schedules

Some photographers offer early access to their booking schedules for prior clients, or those on their email list. I’ve recently started a membership program for return clients, and one of the benefits is early access to a self booking calendar to plan your photo session. Having first dibs on coveted weekend dates is definitely a benefit of working with the same family photographer year after year.

Are you interested in planning your next family photo session? Contact Rebecca today!