10 Best Long Island Family Photo Session Tips
Centerport, Long Island family Christmas photo with jumping Santas! © Dan Wagner 2023
Great Long Island Family photo sessions always begin with a plan based on these 10 best family photo tips! While many of these photo tips might seem obvious, it’s still helpful to have them in an organized list. We all know how hard it is to remember everything we need to do as we’re getting the family to a photo session on time. As a Long Island family photographer, I’m here to empathize, offer advice, and help you have the most enjoyable and productive family photo session possible. My motto is, “Every Family Deserves Beautiful Family Photos!”
Please feel free to use this 10 Best Long Island Family Photo Session Tips list as is, or as a starting point for creating your own list. For more information, please view my article—Everything You Need to Know About Long Island Family Photos.
10 Best Long Island Family Photo Session Tips
Check your local weather for temperature, precipitation, wind, and other information.
Try to avoid shooting outdoor Christmas cards in November—it might be too cold. Or in December—you might not have enough time to get those cards printed and mailed!
Bring a variety of clothing. Try to avoid busy patterns, shiny fabrics, and white or very dark clothing.
Get a good night’s sleep. When you feel good, you’ll look good. Take allergy meds before the shoot during pollen season as needed.
Bring food or other rewards for young children. Try to get them in the spirit of taking family photos the week before the shoot. Make it fun!
Pick a time of day that works best for your energy levels.
Have some hairspray handy in case it gets windy.
Feel free to shoot some photos with a little movement.
Family photos should be an interactive experience with your photographer. Feel free to make suggestions. Asking the kids for their ideas is a good way to get them involved.
Should I tip the photographer for family photos? Not if it’s me. Perhaps if the shoot was a full day, or at some exotic location. It’s up to you.
Locust Valley, Long Island family photos © Dan Wagner 2023
How do I Know if a Long Island Family Photographer is Good?
Look at the photographer’s work. Try picturing your family in similar photos.
Do the families in their photos look happy and relaxed? That’s important!
Good family photos should be enjoyable to view, well-composed, and make you want to smile.
Communications with the photographer should be friendly and inspire confidence.
Pricing should be reasonable, and in line with other local family photographers.
Recommendations from friends, and good reviews carry weight, too.
Sensing your family photographer is looking forward to working with you speaks volumes.
How Much Do Family Photos Cost on Long Island?
Long Island family photo pricing generally ranges from $400 for photos alone, to over $3,000 for a package with many extras such as albums and framed prints.
At Dan Wagner Photography, I charge $500 for a 1.5 hour local family photo shoot that includes color-corrected photos at full resolution for printing, plus reduced resolution for social media. All photos are electronically delivered within a few days. Families may order prints and albums on their own, or through me at an added cost.
I hope my 10 Best Long Island Photo Session Tips have been helpful. For more information, please view my article—Everything You Need to Know About Long Island Family Photos.
Every Family Deserves Beautiful Family Photos!
Please feel free to share your Long Island family photo advice in the comment box below. Have a wonderful family photo session, and many thanks for visiting my Long Island wedding and family photographer blog!