The Decision Process for Family Photos: A Case Study

Mia found me through one of my past clients and I love when that happens.

Because I have the BEST clients. And they tend to have the BEST people as friends. Which means I get even more of the BEST clients.

But that’s not what with story is about. This story is about Mia and her family.

Mia contacted me with the intention of documenting her family in honor of her husband Paul’s 50th birthday. The family rented a fabulous A-frame cabin in the Poconos to celebrate.

We chatted on a video call and I loved Mia immediately. I could tell she wanted everything to be perfect for Paul’s birthday, not because she’s an over-the-top-perfectionist (and, if you are, Mia, no judgement), but because her and her two teen sons were pouring so much love into this celebration that it was leaking out from my Zoom screen. And my approach to family photography - telling a story of who people are as a family in this season of life - was exactly what she was looking for.

But she hesitated to book.

First, she was paused on the investment. I get it. Was it in the budget for this year? I couldn’t answer that for her. All I could do was reassure her that I’ve never had a client say, “Wow, I wish I never spent that money on my family photography session with you, Christine.”

Next, Mia wasn’t sure if she wanted the session to be at the cabin during Paul’s birthday celebration or at their home, in their own environment and with their cat. Again, totally get it. I have four cats. Our lives revolve around them.

Once Mia decided she was all in with me and the cabin, she shared her plan to include a hike in the gorgeous Pocono mountains. So, of course, when the forecast showed a 90% of rain on the day of their shoot, Mia reached out. Would it be silly to have a 6-hour session inside with no real planned activities?

Above all, I want my clients to enjoy their experience with me from beginning to end. I don’t want them wondering what could have been. I gave Mia the option to reschedule or stick with our chosen date, reminding her, that what I’m really documenting is the relationships between her family members and those are solid, no matter where they are or what the weather is. Yes, there might be more dramatic facial expressions when there’s something adventurous happening. And certainly the compositions could be more varied if we got outside. But this just means I would have to work harder to make interesting pictures. And I was up for the challenge.

We went ahead with the plan, rain be damned.

Mia’s husband was feeling a little under the weather a couple of days before the session, but, fortunately, that passed and we had a grand time together on a rainy Saturday in a cabin in the woods.

Words don’t do justice to how incredibly fun and loving this family is. Just view the pictures.

On the way home from their session I received this text from Mia:
”Hi Christine. I know today was a long day and I hope you’re home safe with your family. I just wanted to thank you again for today. It was so special and fun for us. After all my fretting about the rain, how Paul was feeling, and our budget, I am SO glad we did it! You were wonderful to spend 6 hours with and we are so excited for the photos. Thank your for your patience and care with us!”

Fast forward a couple months later and Mia sends me pictures and this text a couple hours after I delivered her family’s art work:
“We are THRILLED!! This is just what we wanted for art for our home! I know there was a lot of deliberation (thank you again for all your patience). . .you nailed it! Best home art ever!!!! Plus a book we will cherish forever! Thank you so much, Christine (three red heart emojis).”