PORTLAND OREGON FAMILY PORTRAIT FAQ’S

FAMILY AND KID PHOTOGRAPHER IN PORTLAND OREGON

BUT IT’S NOT THE HOLIDAYS, WHY SHOULD WE DO A FAMILY PORTRAIT SESSION?

Why not?? I find people put such pressure on themselves to do portraits for holidays. And yes, it’s nice to get everyone all dressed up once a year and have a great shot to send on a holiday card, but there are so many other great times during the year where you can be more relaxed and enjoy the experience.

Another reason to do a family photo session is, parents snap so many shots of their kids with their phones these days, yet have no photos of all of you together. Or you feel you look terrible in photos others take of you. But here’s the thing – most people don’t know how to really “take a photo” and iPhone’s in the wrong hands are just not the most flattering way to be captured. So why not do photos of your family throughout the year? Pick an activity you love doing together, or think of a location that means something to you, or maybe even just hang at home? I’ve got lots of ideas, let’s chat and figure out what makes sense for you.

The best part? Your kids will have documentation of you as they will always remember you. This is important. We tend to make excuses about not being in photos – I don’t have make up on, I’m up a few pounds, I need a haircut. There is no shortage of excuses. But you are who you are RIGHT NOW. These memories will be for your kids and ultimately your grandkids. So just do it! I promise, you'll look back and think "wow, I didn't appreciate who I was then" and cherish the photos yourself as well.

WHAT IF MY KIDS DON’T LISTEN?

Guess what? Kids generally don’t do exactly what you want them to, especially when being pressured to "be good". There’s nothing that derails a photo session more then a parent getting upset that their kid isn’t being the “perfect angel” in front of the camera. I’ve got kids. I get it. But here's my view - I want to know who your kids are, so let them be themselves in front of me. Don't try and harness them, you'll only get frustrated and they will just rebel. Let me play with them, build trust with them, I’ll get what you want out of them if you let me take control. I promise. Just breathe, enjoy the time we're spending together and know I’ve got you.

HOW ARE YOU DIFFERENT THAN GOING TO A CHAIN PORTRAIT STUDIO?

Chain studios do what they do – churn out the same poses against the same backgrounds for the 100’s of people who walk through their doors. It’s a fine business model and works well for a lot of people. However, I am going to get to know who you all are, spend a little more time with and attention to you, and capture images that are unique to you and your family, in a location of our choosing. It’s a more personal and special experience, which I prefer. You choose what you prefer.

WHAT DO YOU INCLUDE IN THE PORTRAIT SESSIONS?

I’m happy to customize whatever you want included in your session. It’s always a great idea to know if you have an end goal for the portrait session – are you looking to make some wall art with these images? Maybe have an album made? Are you wanting to gift grandparents with keepsakes? Let’s talk about your needs and wants.

If you’re unsure of your end goal, that’s OK too. I generally spend time with you prepping for the photo session, then we shoot for about an hour (depending on location and attention span of who’s involved), then after a week we will do a viewing of the images and you can decide then what you ultimately want to get.

WHAT IS A “VIEWING” AND WHY CAN’T I JUST GET ALL THE DIGITALS?

A viewing takes place about a week after your portrait session, where I show you the images for the first time and you can choose your favorites and what you want to do with them. I’ve been photographing families for year, and the one thing I’ve learned over this time is, people always think they “just want the digitals”, but then what? They get overwhelmed, they don't know what to do with them, what to make from them, or have reliable labs to produce beautiful looking products. So nothing happens and you don’t enjoy looking at your images. I want to give you the full experience of good portrait photography, from allowing you to have fun during the shoot, to helping you figure out the best products and sizes for you. Not to mention, I work with the best labs around and get you the best quality products you’ll be super proud to display. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing my clients view their images for the first time and get so excited by them. It’s an amazing experience that I know you will love.

WHEN AND WHERE SHOULD WE TAKE THE PHOTOGRAPHS?

There are so many fabulous places to shoot around Portland! Let’s talk about what you like and think of spots that sound interesting to you. Do you want to be in a big field or among the wildflowers? Are you beach people? Maybe you’re snow lovers? Are you hikers? Maybe you want to just hang at your house? My goal is to figure out the most photogenic place you are comfortable being in.

Typically, I’ll want to make use of the best light of the day, which generally is the last few hours before sunset, but location will really dictate timing. I will be keeping in mind, the time of year, the best lighting and who’s along for the photo session to help with decision making.

HOW MANY IMAGES WILL WE GET IN THE END?

It will depend on where we are, what your end goal for the photos are and how long we end up shooting for. But generally, I like to deliver in the range of 50-75 images. If we’re aiming to create a book, it will be more towards 100 images, so you have more to choose from.

SHOULD I GET HAIR AND MAKE-UP DONE?

Yes, I highly recommend it. You want to look and feel your best for your family portraits, this is just one of those things that looks better in photographs. Not just moms, but dads can benefit from a little grooming as well. Let me know if you need some referrals.

WHAT IS THIS GOING TO COST ME?

I offer a few options for you to choose from, and of course, if there’s specific things you know ahead of time you want, let’s chat so I can customize exactly what you want.

I have a full product list and pricing I'll be happy to share with you, just ask.

HOW DO WE BOOK A SESSION WITH YOU?

Head over to the Contact page and send me a message! I’ll be in touch with you within 24 hrs.

Portland Oregon Photographer Jen Greer Photography Copyright © 2024

310-922-2721 Email Preferred hello@jengreerphotography.com

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