Tallahassee Family Photography | Portfolio
Joyful Tallahassee Family PhotographER
Joyful photography for the Tallahassee family. If you're looking for a photographer that will capture your family in a timeless, fun, and relaxed way then we'll be a great fit. One of the best compliments I can receive is hearing you say, "that was fun!" when we finish your session.
TALLAHASSEE FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
tallahassee Family Photography Q & A
Q: How long is a Tallahassee family photography session?
A: Typical family sessions are 45 minutes long. Though I block off one hour for your session, if we need a bit more time, we can. Children are usually checked out after about 45 minutes.
Q: How many photos can I expect from our session?
A: About 40-50
Q: My kids are sometimes wild. What if they aren't cooperating on the day of our session?
A: I'm the mom of 4 children and I can assure of you of two things. 1, they won't do anything to surprise me. I've seen it all! 2. We all have our days. I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve to encourage your children to play along. If they need a minute to warm up, or calm down, we give them that. Please don't worry. Worst case scenario, we'll reschedule. However, in 10+ years in business, I've never had to reschedule a session because of uncooperative children. Also, we'll be scheduling your session during the time of day that your young children are usually at their best.
Q: What do we wear for our Tallahassee family photos?
A: Once you book your session, I'll send you a prep guide with suggestions on this. Also, when you book with me, you have access to me to run ideas by. I often have clients who will send me a picture of everyone's outfits laid out to make sure they work together. There are also some outfit inspiration posts on the blog as well as a Pinterest board to which I'm always adding.
Q: What if if rains?
A: If 24 hours before your session, there is greater than 50% chance of rain during your session time, we'll talk about options and come up with a plan together. This usually means we'll either reschedule or move to an indoor location! We can't control the weather and there's no charge if this happens.
Q: I don't know where we want to take our photos. Can you help us decide? Make recommendations?
A: I definitely can! Family and baby photography sessions can take place anywhere around Tallahassee. We have some beautiful parks all around town and they photograph wonderfully. I also love when families choose to have their session in the comfort of their home. I even wrote an article about my favorite locations which you can read HERE.
Q: We know we'll want a few different sessions in the next year (extended family in town during the holidays, kids milestones, etc). Do you offer a discount?
A: YES! That's exactly what the Collective Membership was designed for!
Q: We live outside of Tallahassee (Thomasville, Crawfordville, Valdosta, South GA, elsewhere in North FL) can we still hire you for photos?
A: Yes, I'd be honored to work with you. If you live further than 30 minutes outside of Tallahassee (the coast, north of Thomasville, Valdosta, etc) there will be a custom travel fee depending on your distance from Tallahassee. This works out to approximately $125 per hour of travel). Alternatively, you can come to me and we can do your photos here in Tallahassee. If you aren't sure yet about this, we can discuss options.
Q: Do you do beach photos?
A: Yes! Pricing would be custom just as in the scenario above, based on distance from Tallahassee. Occasionally I travel to the beach with my own family and will take on clients while I'm there. If so, I'll post these dates or send an email to newsletter subscribers/clients.
Details and investment
Digital Files + Printed Artwork = A Match Made in Heaven
If you’ve ever shopped for art, you know that prices range greatly… and that’s certainly true with photography as well. As with other art, those prices aren’t easily compared - it’s not apples to apples.
With a session fee of $250 and collections starting at $850, you’ll find that my work is neither the least nor the most expensive in the area, but it does represent one of the best values. With over a decade of experience, a perfect review record on Google, and a satisfaction guarantee that I take very seriously, you can invest confidently knowing you're in skilled and experienced hands.
How it Works
When you inquire about a session, here's what you can expect...
If you've taken a look around and love my photos then let's work together! Contact me and receive all the details about my collection options and let's get the ball rolling!
You can choose to book just one session or join my membership and have everything documented from pregnancy to baby's 1st birthday. Most of my clients join the membership to take advantage of the savings. Keep scrolling to learn more!
Once we've decided on a time and date and officially put your session on the calendar, I'll send you a getting ready guide that will walk you through everything from choosing outfits to strategies for getting kids to cooperate.
I'll also send you a little questionnaire to get to know you a bit better so I can best prepare for your session and make sure we create exactly what you want.
Sessions are typically 45 minutes (newborns are longer), but I don't charge by the hour, so if there's a wardrobe malfunction or child meltdown, we have flexibility.
I'm going to help you with posing and getting your little ones to smile. Your job is to relax and go with the flow! My sessions are about capturing your family interacting with each other naturally with my gentle coaching on setting the scene to make great images. All you have to do is follow my instruction, play with your baby or kids and spouse, focus on them so I can focus on you!
About 2-3 weeks after your session you'll receive your online slideshow where you can see all your photos from the comfort of your home and then pick your collection. Every collection includes a set amount of digital files and a print credit to get started displaying your favorite photos in your home.
Once you've chosen your collection, you'll have access to the gallery for a full month to download your favorite digitals and spend your print credit on gorgeous artwork. You can also share the gallery with friends and family!
Investment
Fine art portraits are shot in a way that's meant for living room walls and heirloom photo albums.
I specialize in working with mamas-to-be, little ones, and families to capture memories and milestones.
newborn, Maternity or Family
Creative fee $250
Does not include prints, digitals or products
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- newborn sessions are up to 1.5 hours, which gives us plenty of time for diaper changes, feeding, & snuggles. These sessions are done in the comfort of your home.
- family and maternity sessions are typically 45 minutes; enough time to capture what we need, but not too much that mom gets sore, and kids (or dad) lose interest
- most family and maternity photos are on location at one of our beautiful local parks, but we can also do an at home session
- prep guide to help plan what you’ll wear, advice for selecting a location for your session, and start thinking about how you want to display your new favorite photos in your home
- a collection is purchased after your session. families expect to invest $850+ after each session
In order to create a more personalized experience for my clients, I only accept a limited number of portrait bookings per month. Contact me today to get all the pricing info before you book!
Collective Membership
Enrollment fee $500, 2-4 sessions included
What most families choose to document their biggest moments
Created to keep your baby's first year well photographed. Believe it or not, memories will fade, but photographs can help you recall those tired, foggy days snuggling your perfect little babe. The collective is for anyone who plans to book at least two sessions in an 18 month period. Read more about the membership here.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- 2 - 4 sessions of your choosing (maternity, newborn, milestones, birthday, family session, etc) over an 18 month period, for one creative fee, $500. if you book a maternity and newborn session, you are automatically enrolled into the membership
- 25 complimentary birth announcements after newborn session
- priority booking
- early booking access to holiday session events
- $100 print credit for any future sessions after your membership concludes (2 year session, family sessions, etc)
- access to join my yearbook club after membership is completed
- a collection is purchased after each session. families expect to invest $850+ after each session
ARE THERE DISCOUNTS FOR MULTIPLE SESSIONS?
Absolutely. The Collective Membership is chosen by almost half of our clients, as it offers a discount on the creative fees. If you are planning on visiting us yearly, this is the way to go!
Are digital files and artwork included?
We firmly believe that you should see your final portraits before choosing or committing to any products, so digital files, albums, and framed artwork aren't included in your Creative Fee. After each session, you select one of three collections that each include a set number of digital files and a certain amount of print credit which you can use to print what you need in your home.
CAN MY WHOLE FAMILY BE INCLUDED?
Always. We are family-centered and encourage the whole family to be a part of every session, whether it's maternity, newborn, a milestone session, or family cake smash. It's always sweeter when you are surrounded by those you love.
Recent Blog Posts
When was the last time you looked at an old family photo and thought, `I wish fewer people were in this`?
Probably never.
That is exactly why I always say yes when families ask whether they should include the grandparents, the cousins, the aunt and uncle who are only in town for a few days.
When you are not sure, say yes anyway. We will find a way to make it work.
A few things I want every family to know before a multigenerational session.
Start with the group shot - always. I photograph the full group first, before anything else, so every person in attendance (including the ones who drove the farthest) knows the most important image is already done. From there, we move through smaller groupings with a lighter energy.
Tell me about mobility before we choose a location. If a grandparent or family member has any physical considerations, I need to know before we land on a spot. There is always a way to create beautiful images that honor everyone present - I just need to know what we are working with so I can plan for it.
Mornings are almost always better for the little ones. Babies and toddlers are near-universally happier before the afternoon hits. When multiple generations are present, timing the session well makes a real difference in the energy of the whole group.
And if there are any family dynamics I should be aware of - specific pairings that need extra care, or groupings you would prefer I not suggest - please tell me. It keeps everything moving warmly, and it protects everyone from an awkward moment in front of the camera.
Planning is how multigenerational sessions go well. I am always happy to talk it through before your session date. Contact me through my website, link in bio.
You have been wondering whether to include them.
Maybe it is the grandparents and you are not sure they will want the fuss. Maybe it is a sibling you do not see often, or a cousin who just happens to be in town. Maybe it is someone whose mobility makes you worry the session will be more complicated.
Here is what I have learned: the hesitation almost always melts away by the end.
Nobody ever walks away from a family session wishing they had included fewer people. It genuinely does not happen. What does happen is that two years later, you are looking at a photo of your kids with their grandfather and feeling deeply grateful that you said yes.
This photo is of my son, Reider, with my grandfather, Jacob Reider. Taken on a whim during a visit to see him in Virginia. I am forever grateful for these photos. My grandfather went home to our Lord this month and these photos mean more to me today than in previous 15 years since they were taken.
When you are on the fence, lean toward yes. We will figure out the logistics.
I have four kids of my own.
I am not saying that to suggest I have parenting figured out. I am saying it because when you show up to your session worried that your toddler is going to lose it, or that your big kid is going to refuse to cooperate, or that everyone is going to look stiff and weird - I genuinely understand that concern.
I have lived it. More than once.
What I have also learned is that working with families as they actually are, instead of as we wish they would be on picture day, is exactly how you get photos that feel real. The beautiful chaos is part of it. I have a lot of tricks, and I genuinely enjoy the process.
You do not need a perfect family to get beautiful photos. You just need a photographer who knows what she is doing.
Memberships and Affiliations
Sarah Gray creates timeless and joyful images that are designed for living room walls and photo albums. A tallahassee photographer, Sarah Gray also serves Thomasville, Crawfordville, St. Marks, Gainesville and throughout the panhandle of north Florida and south Georgia.
email us | sarah@sarahgray.com
telephone (850) 321-0208
located in tallahassee, florida
