Am I the right photographer for your family?

In this post, I will hopefully answer the question, “Am I the right photographer for your family?” As a Pittsburgh area photographer, I think it is so important that we’re a good match and that we’re on the same page! 

Guess what? I’m not the photographer for EVERYONE and that’s totally ok! 

First, let’s talk about “what to wear” for your photo session. 

Are you looking for a photographer that will assist you in curating a Pinterest-perfect wardrobe for your whole family for your photo session? 

If you thought, “YES, PLEASE! This sounds perfect!”

Then no, unfortunately, I’m not the photographer for you.

Although I’m happy to give you some guidance on what to wear, I really encourage my clients to:

-Keep it REAL
-Keep it SIMPLE
-Keep it CASUAL
-Keep it COMFORTABLE! 

I’ll even tell you to NOT go buy new outfits and to consider letting your kids pick their own outfits! 

If you rarely dress up and get all fancy then I don’t think you should for your photo session. I really want to capture the real you! 

If that sounds like crazy talk to you then there is a photographer out there that is a better match for you. 

If you prefer authenticity over perfection and hate the thought of shopping and buying everyone coordinating outfits, then yes! I AM the photographer for you! 

(PS, by all means, if you want to go buy new outfits for your session, go for it! I just prefer that you buy things that are similar to what you wear the other 364 days of the year)

When you imagine a family photo session, are you picturing a Pinterest-perfect image of your family standing in a field at sunset perfectly posed and smiling for the camera? 

If you thought, “YES! EXACTLY!!” 
Then nope, I am probably not the photographer for you. 

And that’s ok! You have choices when it comes to hiring a photographer.

No really, there are literally HUNDREDS of photographers for you to choose from in the greater Pittsburgh area!

Although I’ve shot many sunset sessions in the past, it’s honestly just not where my heart is. And if my heart is not in it, then I don’t feel like I’m providing the best work I can to my clients. It took me many years in this business to learn this.

I prefer for my family photo sessions to take place at your home (or a location that your family loves and is familiar with) and I want you to pick a time of day that is best for you and your kids! (Sunset is not always the perfect timing for little ones!) Let’s work around nap and meal times and keep your session authentic and unique to YOUR family! 

While photos in a field at sunset can be beautiful and “perfect”, these images don’t always show who your family truly is. 

Think of your own favorite childhood photos. Are they photos where everyone is perfectly dressed and posing in the most perfect location? Probably not. 

If your family doesn’t love the idea of going to a random park that has no meaning to them and you prefer photos of everyday moments of everyone being silly and hanging out together, then I may be the perfect photographer for your family! 

Let’s start planning a unique and fun session for your family! 

PS, it’s possible to want both of these things! I have some great clients that will choose me to photograph their everyday moments and alternate them with sessions with another photographer that specializes in those Pinterest-perfect sunset sessions!

Do we “Click”? 

(Lol, see what I did there)

But seriously, I think it’s so important to actually like your photographer! Aside from liking my style, I want us to get along and connect! I want you and your children to be able to trust me and feel comfortable and be able to relax around me! 

If we click, you’ll actually enjoy the session and this will shine through in your photos. Your happy and natural expressions are the results of a fun time so it’s important that you have a good experience! 

I like to think I’m actually pretty fun to be around and I think most of my clients would agree. However, I know I can not possibly be everyone’s cup of tea! You may not actually like me and that is ok! (Ok, it’s really not, obviously, I’ll be sad)

But there are so many photographers out there for all kinds of people. You’ll find someone perfect I’m sure.

Here are a few of the best ways to see if we’re a good fit:

 Go read the kind words my past clients have said about working with me in the reviews section of my website.

 Go read the about me section here on my website.

 Reach out and give me a call!   I’d love to chat with you! I think this is the best possible way to see if we click and decide if I’m the photographer for you. 

 Join my newsletter to read my newsletter emails. 

 Follow me on social media (Facebook and Instagram) and request to be my Facebook friend! 

If you think we’re a good match, then I really look forward to hearing from you! 

If you’re looking for a family photographer in the greater Pittsburgh or Youngstown, Ohio areas,  
please get in touch to inquire about a session!  

Here are some other posts that you might want to check out!

Are you on Instagram? I’d love to connect with you there!

All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography ~

Mary Beth Miller Photography specializes in lifestyle and documentary family, newborn and Fresh 48 photography in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and many of the surrounding areas. Mary Beth has over ten years of experience photographing families, newborns and babies in the Regent Square, Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, Greentree, Point Breeze and Highland Park.  Her style is very relaxed and natural and your family session will feel like a stress-free Sunday afternoon with your family!