(And Why It’s More Than Just Budget)

Let’s be real…

You’re finally ready to book a family photo session (yay!), but suddenly the questions start flooding your brain.

Where do I even begin?
Who’s the right fit for us?
What if we spend all that money and I don’t love the photos?

If that inner dialogue sounds familiar, I hear you — and trust me, you are not alone. Between scrolling through Instagram, asking friends for recommendations, and Googling “family photographer near me,” it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before you’ve even sent an inquiry.

But here’s the good news: finding a photographer who can help you bottle up your family’s wild, lovely, real-life energy doesn’t have to feel stressful or intimidating.

Let’s talk about how to find your person — the photographer who understands that real family life is messy, loud, tender, and beautiful all at once, and knows how to turn kid giggles, messy hair, and quiet moments into something you’ll treasure for years.

Before You Look at Pricing

It’s completely normal to start with budget — photography is an investment. But before you compare numbers, take a moment to think about how you want this experience to feel.

Your photos won’t just live on your phone. They’ll end up framed on your walls, tucked into albums, sent to grandparents, and pulled out years from now when this season feels far away. The right photographer isn’t just delivering images — they’re creating an experience where you feel comfortable, supported, and genuinely yourself.

Once you find someone whose style and energy feel like a match, then it makes sense to look at pricing, collections, and logistics.

Tips to Help You Choose the Right Family Photographer

1. Match the Vibe, Not Just the Visuals

There are so many beautiful photography styles out there. My work is edited in a light, film-like way rather than a dark or high-contrast style. If you’re drawn to light, joy-filled, authentic moments that feel like real life — natural interactions, genuine emotion, and space for your family to be themselves — we might be a great match

When you’re browsing portfolios, look at the full body of work, not just one standout image.

Ask yourself:

• Can I imagine my family in these photos?
• Do the sessions feel relaxed?
• Do the kids look like they’re actually enjoying themselves?

Your photos should feel like you, not like you’re trying to fit into someone else’s version of perfection.

2. Read the Reviews Thoughtfully

Star ratings are helpful, but the real insight lives in the words.

Pay attention to what clients are actually saying:

• Did they feel comfortable and at ease?
• Did the photographer connect well with their kids?
• Did moms feel supported and seen?
• Do they talk about the experience, not just the final gallery?

Those little details tell you far more than a pricing sheet ever could.

3. Get a Feel for Their Energy

This part matters more than most people realize.

Family sessions work best when you’re comfortable — when you trust the person behind the camera and don’t feel judged or rushed. When you can just be with your family.

When I chose a photographer for my own session, I realized that in the past I probably wouldn’t have spent that much on myself. But I had followed her for a while, loved her style, and loved who she was as a person, so I decided to spoil myself. The experience and the final photos? So worth it.

If someone’s work checks all your boxes, but their vibe leaves you feeling “meh,” it’s okay to keep looking. You deserve someone who’s genuinely excited to photograph your family and treats your session like the meaningful moment it is.

4. Ask the Real-Life Questions

Once you’ve narrowed things down, don’t be afraid to ask the questions that are probably already swirling in your head:

What if my kids won’t cooperate?
What should we wear?
I’m nervous about how I’ll look postpartum — is that normal?

(Short answer: yes, yes, and absolutely yes.)

Working with kids for years has taught me that patience and flexibility matter far more than perfect behavior. Kids don’t need to be “on” to create beautiful photos — they just need space to be themselves.

Why Working With Me Feels Different

I believe family photos should feel like you, not a performance.

I’m not here to force smiles, rush moments, or make your kids “behave” for the camera. I show up calm, patient, and ready to meet your family exactly where you are — whether that means high-energy chaos, quiet cuddles, or somewhere in between.

While I’ve officially been photographing families since January 2024, I’ve spent years working with kids as a teacher, aunt, and caregiver. That experience shapes everything about how I photograph families — from giving kids time to warm up, to reassuring parents when things don’t go exactly as planned.

I’ll guide you when you need it, step back when the moment matters, and focus on creating images that feel natural, joyful, and honest — not stiff or overly posed.

My goal isn’t perfection. It’s connection. And that’s what you’ll see reflected in your photos.

Why This Matters (Beyond Just Pretty Photos)

I didn’t start photography just to click a shutter.

I started during a season of life that needed creativity, joy, and connection. And while I’m relatively new on paper, I’ve poured my heart into every step — learning, growing, and photographing real families through all stages and seasons.

It’s honestly wild to look back at my earliest sessions and see how far I’ve come (yep, go ahead and scroll my feed!). But that growth is part of what makes this work so meaningful. So many of you have trusted me while I found my voice and refined my style — and that kind of support? It means everything.

I believe every family deserves to see themselves the way others see them: full of love, chaos, warmth, and joy. Not staged perfection — just real, beautiful life.

Let’s Make Magic Together

If your heart is pulling you toward relaxed family photo sessions where you don’t have to stress about matching outfits or picture-perfect kids, I’d love to chat.

Whether you’re in Palatine, Arlington Heights, Barrington, or beyond, you deserve a candid, playful, judgment-free photo experience that feels like you. Let’s hang out, laugh with your wild kiddos, and freeze a few moments of your right-now.

💛 Reach out through www.nicolelynchphotography.com, and let’s plan something special.