15 Tips For Choosing The Best Family Photo Studio For Family Shoot
Family Photo Studio – How To Choose?
When it comes to choosing a family photo studio, there are so many choices out there! How do you know which one is the right fit for your family?
As a general rule of thumb, you would first need to like the photos, then you check out the photo studio’s sales process, efficiency, and workflow. Lastly, you’d need to consider the logistics and convenience for family members that are going to the photo studio.
Here are our top 15 tips for narrowing down your options and finding the perfect photo studio.
1. Quality and Style of The Family Photo Studio
Look out for the style of photos that the family photo studio produces. This can range from candid shots, traditional posed family portraits, creative, expressive, natural, dreamy, fine art or artistic shots. No two studios are the same. You and your family must agree on the type of photography style you want before selecting a family photo studio.
2. Photographer’s Experience
How experienced is the family photo studio with photographing kids? Some studios specialise in newborns and young children, while others are more geared towards family shoots with older children and extended families.
If you have young kids, it is important to find a studio that has plenty of experience in dealing with children. However, if you have older kids, the studio should be able to cater to family shots that include teenagers as well! Whilst both of these genres are under family photography’s ‘umbrella’, both require very different skill sets. Make sure the photographer from the photo studio has experience in what you are looking for.
3. Studio Ambience, Backdrops & Props
How does the family photo studio make you feel? Is it cluttered and cramped, or is it spacious with plenty of natural light? Do they have a range of props available for family shots (e.g., different backdrops, hats, stools, chairs, accessories)? Can they photograph in both studio and natural light? Ultimately, you need the photo studio to be able to produce their top-quality work regardless of what type of lights they use.
4. Customer Service
What is their customer service like? Are they prompt? How do they handle enquiries and appointments? Are there any additional charges not included in your package (e.g., prints or albums newborns and family shoots with young children)?
5. Studio Location
Another important factor to consider is the family photo studio’s location. Is the photo studio located close to you? Check for car parking, sheltered drop-offs since it rains often in Singapore. You wouldn’t want to be wet when you turn up for your photoshoot.
6. Scheduling
Check out their hours of operation. Do they photograph on weekends and public holidays? How far in advance do you need to schedule a slot? Are they able to accommodate last-minute or urgent shoots? Make sure your family’s schedule allows for you to visit them during their business hours!
7. Accessibility
Does the family photo studio have wheelchair access? Can they accommodate strollers in their studios? This is especially important if you have young children and are expecting to bring along your stroller or wheelchair.
8. Studio Facilities
Does the family photo studio come with an en-suite washroom with heated shower facilities; and one or more changing rooms?
This is especially important if you are taking extended family photos, or photographing babies doing waterplay. These facilities would come in handy.
Does the photo studio offer cold/hot water for making milk for the babies or coffee/tea for the adults? Although most parents will bring their own, this is an appreciated bonus.
9. Pricing
How much do they charge for family shoots? Some studios offer package deals, whilst others charge by the hour. Do they include prints/digital copies in their prices? Or are there additional charges once you’ve finished the family photoshoot? Ensure their pricing is made available to you at the time of enquiring and you understand their pricing structure.
10. Photo Editing
Is editing included in the family shoot price? Some studios include some basic edits in their price and any customisable edits at additional costs, while others do not edit at all (they capture images as is). Ensure that you understand the level of editing that is included or can be customised in your chosen family photo studio.
11. Photo Sizes and Quality
What are the family photos sizes (digital and hardcopy) offered? Some offer tiered digital softcopies at different price points. What are the biggest-sized prints that can produce from digital files? Are they happy to customise print sizes?
Some offer family portrait prints of various sizes while others may produce only small-sized family photographs (e.g., wallet size or 4R sizes).
12. Turnaround Time
How long does it take for family photos after the photoshoot has been completed? Some studios have a quick turnaround time and you can view them on the spot or a couple of days later, while some can take up to several weeks. It is important that you and your family agree on these timings especially if you need the photos urgently. You wouldn’t want to wait too long for your family photos to arrive!
13. Sales
Different photo studios have different business models.
Some photo studios run a fully online image viewing and product purchase model where clients only need to meet the photographer once to do the photoshoot. The rest of the processes are taken online.
Others, require clients to do an in-person viewing/sales session on the same day of shoot or return on another day.
Different Type of Sales Model
- Online Gallery Viewing & Online Product Purchase
- In-Person Viewing & Product Purchasing System (on the same day as shoot; or need to return on another day)
- Purchase a shoot + product package upfront before the shoot.
- A combination of the above
Ask the family photo studio about their sales process and how they charge for products, prints or digital copies. Ensure they are happy to give you their full price list and you understand their pricing structure and comfortable with the family photo studio before proceeding.
14. Order Fulfilment
How does the family photo studio fulfil orders? Do clients need to collect from the studio themselves?
Some studios offer free delivery of products ordered, while others may charge an additional fee.
Confirm how long it will take for products to be completed after placing your order.
15. Photo Studio Policies
What is the family photo studio’s policy on cancellations and refunds? Can you get a full refund if you decide not to go ahead with the shoot, or are there penalties for cancellation or rescheduling?
Check refund/rescheduling procedures in particular during this pandemic period.
There you go, the above are the top 15 Tips to take note of and decide which is most important to you, then shortlist family photo studios that score the highest in this area.
To help you understand how Tomato Photo works based on the 15 points above, simply head over to FAQs – Tomato Photo Family Photo Studio.
Alternatively, Give us a call at 8858 0088 or WhatsApp us to have a chat further.
