Selecting a family photographer is about finding someone who can tell your story with honesty, artistry, and care. With so many options in the Seattle and Bellevue area, it helps to know what really matters when deciding who to trust with your family’s memories.
Of course photographs matter — but how does one actually evaluate a photographer's portfolio for quality and artistry? Pay attention to how the photographer’s work feels. For this, composition is a great place to start. If a photograph is well composed, your eye will naturally be drawn to the story being told in the photograph. That said, how do you evaluate quality when there are so many different portraiture styles out there? The next section will help to inform you on which portraiture styles resonate with you and why. That said, you can still gain a sense of a photographer's experience and proficiency regardless of their style. One way to check is by scanning across their gallery for cohesiveness. Even if their photos are shot under differing circumstances such as times of day or seasons, you should still see a stylistic theme carry through. Next, do the families look relaxed or posed? Particularly if you're looking for authentic family portraits, you'll want to know that your photographer has an ability to capture their subjects when they are at ease.
A portfolio should give you confidence not only in the quality of the work, but in whether the photographer’s style aligns with your own vision. The above tips are a great place to start in evaluating quality of work.
How to Evaluate a Photographer’s Portfolio
Choosing a family photographer is less about checking boxes and more about finding someone who can preserve your family’s story in a way that feels true to you.
If you’d like to learn more about my approach, you can explore my portfolio or get in touch to see if I'd be a good fit for your family.
Someone Who Will Honor Your Family's Story
What’s Your Style — What Do You Value Most?
Every photographer has a signature way of telling a family’s story. Current trends might lean bright and airy, others moody and dramatic, while my own work blends painterly tones with warmth and depth. The important question isn’t just what looks nice on Instagram today — it’s what will still feel meaningful for you decades from now. Below are examples of photographic portrait styles, how to identify them and how it might (or might not) align with your own personal values.
Ask About the Experience
The photos are only part of it. The process matters too. Will your photographer help with styling, location scouting, and timing the light? Do they create a relaxed environment so your children feel comfortable? The right photographer will guide you before, during, and after the session.
Past clients can give you a sense of how the experience actually feels. Look for mentions of patience, creativity and how the photographer interacts with children. The best feedback will highlight not just beautiful photos, but how cared for the family felt and how memorable those photographs and the experience with it have become for those families.
Consider What You're Investing In
If your intention for your photos isn’t to make them part of your family’s archive and legacy, it may not be worthwhile hiring a photographer at all at this time. If instead you're looking for fun, temporary photographs to share, it might be better value to have a friend take cell phone pictures for you — and that’s perfectly fine as well.
However, if what you're seeing is art that you’ll treasure, display, and eventually pass down, then it is absolutely worth investing in photographs crafted with care. Some photographers provide only digital files, while others offer a curated experience with heirloom-quality prints and albums. I fall firmly in the second camp, because I believe photographs should live beyond a hard drive.
I’ll be honest: I’m someone who normally spends with value top of mind (I drive a Prius - that might tip you off!). But when I’ve chosen a photographer for my own family, I’ve always seen it as an investment. The portraits Jennifer Loomis created for me were an investment and they were worth every penny. Today they’re displayed on a floating shelf in my home and I treasure them every day. They remind me why it’s worth choosing photographs that feel timeless and worthy of being passed down for generations.
Read Testimonials
Finally, trust your gut. This is someone who will be interacting with your children and witnessing your family’s real moments. Do you feel at ease with them? Do they listen to your vision? That comfort will shine through in your photographs.
Trust Your Connection
Bright & Airy
Notice how the exposure is lifted and the shadows are softened, creating a light, pastel look. Colors are more muted, with greens and oranges faded into soft tones. The overall effect feels cheerful, polished, and Pinterest-ready — perfect for families who love a clean, magazine-style aesthetic.
Painterly & Timeless
In contrast, this version embraces richer color and depth. Shadows and warmth add a grounded quality, giving the image a classic, heirloom-worthy feel. This style is ideal for families who want photographs that feel enduring — portraits you’ll proudly frame and pass down for generations.
Bright & airy: soft tones and minimal shadows for a cheerful, magazine-style look
painterly & timeless: richer colors and depth for a classic, heirloom-worthy feel
Bright & Airy
Light, pastel, dreamy — a clean, polished aesthetic that feels magazine-perfect.
Best for families who: Love soft tones, romantic styling, and a polished, Pinterest-ready, joy-filled aesthetic.
Dark & Moody
Deep shadows, bold tones, cinematic intensity.
Best for families who: Want dramatic, artistic storytelling with a more emotional, edgy vibe.
Painterly & Timeless
Rich tones, a warm natural glow, and cinematic depth — heirloom-quality aesthetic rooted in warmth and meaning.
Best for families who: Value depth, authenticity, and legacy — photographs designed to be cherished as heirlooms, meaningful for generations.
"What sets Samira (Maë Lans Photography) apart is her unique style that elevates every photograph. Beyond her undeniable talent, she radiates a personable charm, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels at ease, ensuring that each photoshoot is not just a session but a memorable experience."
— Le T. (Lake Stevens, WA)
Style Matters: Bright & Airy vs. Painterly & Timeless
The same photograph can take on completely different moods depending on the editing style. Here’s a side-by-side example. (If "night shift" is enabled on your device, you can turn it off temporarily to observe the differences).
