What is Custom Photography

Understanding the Custom Photography Experience

CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHY: WHAT IT ACTUALLY MEANS

Let’s be honest about the term “custom photography” – it gets thrown around a lot. But what does it actually mean?

Most professional photographers would tell you it’s far more than just taking pictures. Custom photography is about crafting visual stories that capture the essence of who you and your family are. It’s an art form where every visual element contributes to a unique storytelling experience. And here’s the important part: it’s a collaborative masterpiece between you and your photographer.

What Actually Shapes Your Photography Experience

Think about it this way – your final images are shaped by a whole constellation of factors working together.

Your photographer brings their artistic vision to the table. That includes everything from the camera and lenses they choose to work with, to their editing style that makes their work recognizable. Their technical skills matter too – how comfortable are they working in ever-changing light conditions? How well do they know their equipment? These things show up in your final images whether you realize it or not.

But you’re not just a passive participant here. Your family’s personal style and personality play a huge role. The wardrobe choices you make, how comfortable everyone feels in those clothes – that all shows up in the photos. And the session environment? That’s everything from the emotional atmosphere in the moment (and yes, your photographer’s energy level absolutely matters) to the location itself. Are you outdoors in nature or in a studio? Are you hugging shady corners in bright midday sun in the city, or catching golden light on the beach? All of this shapes your final images.

So What Makes Custom Photography Different?

Here’s where it gets real. Custom photography offers you personalized, one-on-one attention. No assembly-line studio feel where you’re rushed through with fifteen other families waiting. You get carefully curated galleries of fully edited, retouched images that reflect your photographer’s overall style and aesthetic – not just whatever came out of the camera.

And the service level? Think about the difference between staying at a boutique hotel versus staying at a Motel 6. Or buying a Lexus versus a base KIA. Or even the difference between shopping at Saks (or Nordstrom) versus the experiences you get at Walmart. Neither is inherently wrong – often amusing but not wrong – they’re just fundamentally different experiences serving different needs.

Finding YOUR Photographer

Your journey starts with understanding your family’s personality and your own aesthetic. If your family loves the outdoors and thrives near trees and water, you’d be well-suited to find a photographer who either displays plenty of nature-y portraits on their site or can easily show you examples of their work in those environments.

When you’re looking at a photographer’s portfolio, ask yourself: Do these photographs feel authentic? Do these images seem to capture genuine moments and real connection?

And don’t be shy about interviewing your potential photographer. Ask them:

• Did you actually take these images? (It might surprise you how many photographers misrepresent themselves by using other photographers’ work.)
• Are these images representative of what you normally give clients?
• Are these from recent sessions?
• Can you show me a full gallery from a recent shoot?
• What’s your approach to capturing family dynamics?

–> Consider reading our article with printable pdf @ link: Questions to Ask Your Photographer

The Bottom Line

Custom photography is ultimately about choice and experience – your goal is to find a photographer who understands this and can beautifully capture your family’s unique story.

Achieving these goals while crafting professional quality images that stand the test of time? That’s the hallmark of a solid professional photographer. THAT is custom professional photography.

Potential Photographer For Hire – Portfolio Review Checklist

So you’ve found a few photographers whose work you like…NOW WHAT? Here’s your action plan for vetting them:

Ask yourself:
– Do these photographs feel authentic?
– Do these images seem to capture genuine moments & connection?

consider interviewing WITH THESE Q’S

ask them:
– Did you take these images? (it might surprise you the number of photographers that misrepresent themselves by using other photographers’ works.)
– Are these images representative of the type of work you normally present to your clients?
– Are these images from recent sessions? may not be an automatic rule out if they are not
– Can you show me a full gallery from a recent shoot?
–What’s your approach to capturing family dynamics? list any specific concerns here

At its core: commissioning and creating alongside a custom photographer is about more than beautiful images – it’s about creating a personalized experience catering to your family’s individuality while celebrating your connection to one another and telling your family’s story exactly as it deserves to be told.

	PROFESSIONAL CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHERS WILL PROVIDE
Attention	Personalized, 1:1 focus without studio assembly-line feeling
Image Quality	Carefully curated galleries of fully edited, retouched images reflective of the photographer’s overall style and aesthetic
Service Level	Boutique experience (think about buying a Lexus vs. buying a Hyundai; shopping at Saks or Nordstrom vs. the experience you get when shopping at Walmart)

Achieving these goals while crafting professional quality images that stand the test of time is the hallmark of a solid professional photographer. THAT is Custom Photography.