Companies might have photographers on hand for hiring and many artists act as their own contractors. Family photographers might be professional or amateurs who specialize in portraiture works. There are numerous reasons families may decide to hire these people. People should ask family and friends for recommendations or search for those available nearby. Services and prices will range.

images of this type place the focus on the people. It may include their face or entire body, depending on the composition or the amount of subjects. In either case, the emphasis is on the people.

There are numerous techniques that may be used with this style. Many times the goal is to capture the eyes of the subjects, as well as their face. It might also involve putting sharp focus on a composition of the eyes, hands or another part of the body. An example of this would be photos that are taken of a newly engaged or wed couple, in which the photographer might focus on the intertwined hands of the lovers to showcase their rings.

When it comes to these types of photos, the main approaches that are taken: constructionist, environmental, creative and candid. Each has been used in many different situations, whether technical, artistic or cultural. Constructionist involves the photographer creating an idea that the portrait is based around. For instance, it may be a romantic couple, a businessman who can be trusted or a big, happy family. This is typically used in studio and social photography, as well as ad and marketing campaigns.

An environmental approach involves depicting subjects in natural environments. For families, this could be a day in the life. These often show individuals doing some action, such as a child who is on a playground. With this, more information about a subject is revealed.

With the candid approach, far less planning is involved. People are photographed and may even forget that it is happening or be aware of it. This is sometimes used when it comes to photographing weddings and even family portraitures. There are times when this can lead to the capture of beautiful, cute and funny moments. It is known for being less invasive and done in a variety of settings. It can also be used for different purposes. When the creative approach is utilized, it involves the digital manipulation to produce amazing photographs. This has become a popular style.

People who hire photographers to capture their families should discuss the vision they have. It might also be their preference to let the professional take the lead. Images of this kind may be done inside or outside, and sometimes involve props. Usually these are done digitally but sometimes they may be shot with film. Expect the final results to differ. Also, it is best to look over the photographer's portfolio prior to hiring him or her.

Families may choose to have this done for numerous reasons. Usually it is used to document growth of family, which is common with marriage or engagement photos, as well as those introducing a new child. Some choose to have these done each year. The images can be saved for memories and given to family or friends.