Finding the Perfect Gilbert, AZ Family Photographer: The Right Questions to Ask

"We need family photos … does anyone know a good photographer?!”

If you’ve ever asked this, you’re not alone!

Choosing the right family photographer is a big deal—you want someone who can capture your family’s personalities, make the process fun (instead of stressful), and create photos you’ll actually want to print and frame.

Gilbert Arizona Family Pictures

The good news is finding the perfect family photographer doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Whether you're booking your first session or looking for a new photographer, I’m breaking down everything you need to know—so you can feel confident in your choice and get the beautiful family photos you deserve

Q: What should I look for when hiring a family photographer? There are so many to choose from!

Not all photographers are the same, and family sessions require a special skill set!

When searching for a photographer, consider these key factors:

  • Style: Do you prefer bright & airy, warm & earthy, or true-to-life colors? Look through portfolios to find a style you love.

  • Experience with Kids: If you have little ones, choose a photographer who knows how to make sessions fun and natural (not stiff and awkward).

  • Location Options: Do they shoot outdoors, in-home, or in a studio? Pick what works best for your family’s vibe.

  • Personality: If your photographer can make you feel comfortable, it will show in your photos. Find someone who feels like a good fit!

I love to keep things fun for the kids, this involves a variety of light hearted teasing (sorry dad, you’re gonna be a target!) Silly prompts to bring out the best smiles and jumping competitions. To make sessions feel tailored to your family I switch up locations all the time! You can either book a custom family session to have exactly what you want, when you want, or you can select on of my mini session options and fit your style for the year to the location.

Family poses in Flagstaff for annual pictures

Q: What can I expect during a family photography session?

A great family session should feel fun, relaxed, and natural—not like a formal school portrait. 

Here’s how it typically flows:

  1. Before the Session – We’ll plan a location, time, and outfit ideas so you feel totally prepared.

  2. During the Shoot – Expect movement, laughter, and some prompts to get genuine smiles! Don’t worry about making kids “pose”—I’ll guide them in a natural way.

  3. After the Session – I’ll edit your images and deliver them within 21 days, sneak peeks will be up on social media (if you give permission) within the week! You’ll receive a gallery where you can download, print, and share your favorites!

Expect family sessions to be a little chaos. The sessions that work out the best are the ones when parents just keep smiling and rolling with what their kids do.

Q: What should we wear for our family session?

Here are my top tips:

  • Start with Mom’s outfit. Pick something you feel confident in, and build everyone else’s outfits around it.

  • Choose a color palette, not matching outfits. Think 3-4 coordinating colors instead of everyone wearing the exact same thing.

  • Avoid logos & neon colors. These can be distracting and take attention away from your faces!

Need more outfit ideas? Check out my full blog on styling!


Q: How do I prepare my kids for the session?

Parents always worry about their kids not cooperating—but I promise, we’ll make it awesome! 

The key is to set the tone before the session even starts. Talk to them ahead of time and let them know it’s going to be fun, not a stiff "stand-still-and-smile" kind of thing. If they think of it as an adventure instead of a chore, they’ll be much more relaxed.

Make sure they’ve had a snack beforehand—nothing derails a happy mood faster than being hungry. 

If they need a little extra motivation, bringing a small reward for after the session can be a game-changer.

 And don’t stress if they want to run, jump, or explore. Some of the best photos happen when kids are just being themselves!


Q: When will we get our photos?

After your session, I’ll carefully edit your images to bring out the best colors, lighting, and details. You can expect your final gallery within 21 days where you’ll be able to select your favorites, download high-resolution images and order prints.

If you’re hoping to have your images back for a specific holiday, be sure to factor editing time into your schedule when booking!


Q: How much does family photography cost?

Family photography is an investment in your memories, and pricing varies based on experience, session type, and what’s included. 

Most professional family photographers charge between $300–$1,500 for the session fee, depending on the package.

If you’d like full pricing details, Contact me!

From mini sessions, to payment plans and custom sessions fully designed to fit your family, I offer a variety of sessions to keep your family portraits updated as your kids grow.

Family photos aren’t just about smiling at the camera—they’re about capturing love, connection, and the stage of life you’re in right now. 

Whether your kids are tiny or growing fast, these moments deserve to be documented in a way that feels natural and timeless.