How to Choose the Right Family Photographer in Vancouver, BC

Family photography blog
Jul 11
3 min read

Family photo session in Stanley Park, Vancouver at sunset – captured by Vancouver family photographer My City Photos.

Choosing the right family photographer in Vancouver isn’t just about finding someone with a nice camera (although that helps) — it’s about finding someone who can make your kids laugh, fix your flyaways, calm the chaos, and deliver photos that actually *feel like you*.

Whether you're booking annual portraits, celebrating a milestone, or just trying to freeze time before your toddler grows another inch overnight, here’s what you need to look for — and what sets one photographer apart from the next.

Below you will find the best tips on how to choose the right Family Photographer for your family!

1. Look for a Photographer Who Specializes in Families

There are a lot of amazing photographers in Vancouver — but not all of them work with kids and families regularly. That matters.

You want someone who:

- Knows how to wrangle toddlers without losing their cool

- Understands how to pose families in natural, connected ways

- Knows how to make *you* feel confident (even when you're running on coffee and chaos)

I personally have been photographing families full-time for over 15 years. I specialize in natural, loving, joy-filled images where everyone looks relaxed and connected — not stiff and awkward. You can read more about me HERE if you like!

Studio or location maternity photography in Vancouver – posed portrait of an expecting mother by My City Photos.

2. Decide if You Want Studio or Location Photos

In Vancouver, we’re lucky to have incredible outdoor backdrops — Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, Jericho Beach — but sometimes a studio session is exactly what you need (hello, winter babies).

Here’s what I offer:

- **Studio sessions** (clean, cozy, controlled lighting, great for babies + toddlers)

- **Outdoor sessions** (sunset vibes, candid play, nature everywhere)

- **Maternity, newborn, and extended family options** too

Not sure which is right for you? I’m always happy to help you decide based on your family’s vibe and season. Email me any time with questions: info@mycityphotos.ca

Playful moment from a mini family photography session in Vancouver – taken by Vancouver family photographer.

3. Make Sure Their Editing Style Matches Your Taste

Some photographers go full dark and moody. Others crank the brightness until you’re basically glowing.

My editing style? I edit you the way you look on your **best day**:

- Smooth skin and bright eyes (but never plastic)

- Blemish removal, hair fixes, background clean-ups

- Gentle enhancements that still look natural and real

If you want documentary-style edits with zero retouching, I also offer **Documentary Sessions** — true-to-life storytelling photos that are all about real moments and zero posing. You can see all of the packages I offer HERE if you like!

Child portrait in my Vancouver BC photo studio. Mini session with a stuffed animal

4. Understand What’s Included in the Price

Not all packages are created equal. Some sessions include digital images, others charge extra. Some come with wall art or albums. Always ask or be sure to read over all of the package info.

Here’s how I keep it simple:

- Choose a session (Studio, Location, Maternity, Newborn, etc.)

- Each package includes a set number of digital images

- You can add more images later, or upgrade to the full gallery

- Print products (albums, framed art, holiday cards) are available through your online gallery

👉 Want to see all my package options? See them HERE - I don't hide any info or details, it's all laid out!

Outdoor family photography in Vancouver – candid walking shot during a fall photo session by My City Photos.

5. Trust Your Gut (and the Reviews)

At the end of the day, you should *feel good* about who you hire. Check out reviews, scroll their portfolio, and make sure their energy matches yours.

Clients often tell me they felt like they were just “hanging out with a friend” — one who gently directs, catches every detail, and gets all the shots without making it feel like work.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Laura made us feel so comfortable, even when our baby was fussy. The photos are STUNNING. We’ll cherish them forever.”

—Megan T., Vancouver

See 200+ more reviews HERE

Sibling portrait from a family photo session in Vancouver – joyful, natural moment captured by Vancouver photographer LL of My City Photos.

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of talented photographers in Vancouver — but choosing someone who truly *gets* families, who communicates clearly, who edits with care, and who can make your kids (and you!) feel at ease? That’s gold.

If that sounds like the kind of experience you want, I’d love to work with you!

Thanks for reading, and never hesitate to reach out!