Most parents have had to push past these stands at some point. They are usually found in shopping centres or tourist attractions. \u00a0Many draw you in on a cheap or free deal, then push the extremely hard marketing until customers buckle. It’s those studio photographers with their crisp shots of children lost in a sea of white white white.<\/p>\n
But family photographer Jackie Cross says parents should avoid these studio photo sessions.<\/p>\n
\u201cChildren shouldn’t be treated like objects and sticking them on a white mat under lots of lights instantly makes them clam up \u2013 the beauty of good portraiture is when you can capture children\u2019s personalities and it\u2019s not possible to do that in a studio\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Jackie is encouraging families to be more creative and look for a local photographer from who you are likely to get better value and better shots.<\/p>\n
Jackie\u2019s tips for finding a good family photographer:<\/p>\n
1. Ask how the photographer will get your reluctant teenage son involved in\u00a0the shoot.<\/p>\n
2. Find out if they have preferred locations they use or if you can suggest\u00a0a location that is meaningful to you as a family.<\/p>\n
3. Ask what techniques they use to get the best out of photographing babies\u00a0and very young children.<\/p>\n
4. Ask if you can bring props or if they suggest you bring any.<\/p>\n
5. Find out exactly what you get for your money \u2013 how long the shoot is and\u00a0whether you get a CD of the images.<\/p>\n