As the weather gets cooler and families rush to schedule their fall family portrait sessions. I want to ask you to consider studio portrait photography. I know I know, when many people hear and think about studio portraits they think of the days when Kmart and Sears offered a static background. Even when they offered ‘designer’ backgrounds they were ‘stiff’. In today’s world of family lifestyle and branding sessions it’s super easy to get a natural look AND natural lighting options even in a privately owned studio.
Today’s photographers have learned if they want to meet and exceed client expectations they have to redefine the idea of studio photography. They do this by studying industries trends, looking at what has worked and what hasn’t, and finally offering clients the services and products they would want. (this is how I’ve done things)
I always thought of my business offerings this way…GIVE CLIENTS THE SAME THING I WOULD WANT.
I am the type of mom and wife that wants a photography style that is more relaxed. Having a static backdrop was NEVER something that appealed to me. I remember when my oldest was born my sister wanted to gift our parents portraits of all the grand babies, 4 at the time. We went to a JC Penny studio and we were offered, what I considered, ugly colors as far as backgrounds go. We ended up with a brown valor option. My parents had these photos hanging in their apartment and gave them to EVERYONE. I think I kept just a few and that was only because I wanted to show my children as they got older.
Fast forward almost 10 years and many of those big box studio chains are closed. If I were to wager a guess it’s because, like other business such as Blockbuster, Taxi’s, they didn’t evolve with the times and trends that their customers wanted.
Here are some things to ask and consider when looking at studios and photographers:
- Always visit the websites of the boutique studio/photographer you want to work with.
- If the photographer DOESN’T have a studio but has images in their portfolio that you like, ask the photographer where they typically shoot from. Some people rent out hotels,’s and AirBNB and some have a membership with a shared studio.
- If the photographer does not they may be able to incorporate the rental fee into their pricing or ask if you know others that would be willing to book on the same day to help offset the booking fee.
- Think about your style and what you want. Photography is meant to capture a moment in time, so as in the selection of your attire for the session, choose a place that no matter what year it is should not date your photos.
I know many people also think that studio portraits offer one type of lighting option as well, artificial. As someone that has studied photography from the best in the area I know that even outdoor lighting can and is often enhanced by some type of artificial lighting. Whether it’s a flash, strobes or continuous lights, often artificial lighting can add a dramatic effect to their photos.
I like to encourage other photographers to try and add some type of artificial lighting source especially since we are heading into daylight savings time and cooler days ahead. As far a customer and clients have this conversation with your photographer, again review their work, and find someone who’s style makes you happy.
If you would like to schedule your Studio Portrait session use the contact page to get started.
