QUESTIONS TO ADD TO YOUR FAMILY SESSION QUESTIONNAIRE
If you’re a family photographer and you aren’t sending your clients a questionnaire before their session, you’re missing out on one of the easiest ways to make the entire experience better. The more you know about the people you’re photographing, the better you can serve them.
You’ll know who is shy. Who is wild. Who hates having their photo taken. Who is obsessed with their dog. Who has a toddler who absolutely refuses to hold hands. More importantly, you’ll start to understand what matters to them.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FAMILY
What are your kids currently obsessed with?
What makes your kids laugh every single time?
Are there any funny personalities, quirks or inside jokes I should know about?
What is something your family loves doing together?
These questions might seem simple, but they can give you SO much information.
Learn About Their Kids
Is your child shy around new people or usually pretty outgoing?
What gets your child excited?
Is there anything your child absolutely hates?
Are there any words, behaviours or topics that will immediately make them laugh?
What phase are they currently in that you never want to forget?
That last one is one of my favourite, because THAT is the stuff parents want to remember.
Not just what their child looked like at six years old, but who they were at six years old.
Find Out What Matters to Them
Is there anything specific you really want documented during your session?
Are there any relationships you’d especially like me to focus on?
Is there anything about this stage of your family’s life that you want to remember?
When you look back at these photos years from now, what do you hope you remember?
That last question can completely change how you photograph a session. Because now you’re not just taking family photos.
You’re documenting something that has meaning to them.
Ask the Questions That Help You Photograph Them Better
Does anyone in the family feel uncomfortable in front of the camera?
Is there anything that tends to make your kids shut down or become uncomfortable?
Is there anything you’re nervous or worried about when it comes to your session?
Knowing these things ahead of time allows you to approach the session with a little more empathy and a lot more intention.
Don’t Forget the Fun Questions
Not every question needs to be deep. Sometimes the silly questions tell you just as much.
Who is most likely to make everyone late?
Who is the family comedian?
Who will probably need the most bribing?
What’s one thing your family does that would make absolutely no sense to anyone else?
Your questionnaire isn’t just collecting information. It’s creating connection before the session even happens.
Your clients should feel like you’re interested in them, not just the number of people showing up and
what time they’re arriving.
When you know your clients better, you can photograph them better.
