How to Hire the Best Family Photographer in The Woodlands: Tips and Tricks

So, you’ve decided it’s time to capture your family’s beautiful chaos in some professional photos. Good call! But now comes the tricky part—finding the perfect family photographer in The Woodlands. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back with these tips to make the process a breeze.

1. Know Your Vibe

First things first, figure out what kind of photos you want. Are you all about those candid, caught-in-the-moment shots where everyone’s laughing and looking like they belong in a magazine? Or do you prefer the classic, everyone-smile-and-say-cheese poses? Maybe you’re feeling artsy and want some moody black and whites. Whatever your style, knowing it will help you find a photographer who can make your vision a reality.

2. Stalk Their Portfolios (In a Non-Creepy Way)

Next, it’s time to do some research. Check out photographers’ portfolios online. Look for the ones whose work makes you go, “Wow, I want my family to look like that!” Pay attention to the quality of the photos, the creativity of the shots, and whether they capture real emotions or just stiff smiles. Instagram and websites are your best friends here.

3. Read Reviews Like You’re on Yelp

You wouldn’t book a restaurant without reading the reviews, right? Same goes for Houston Family photographers. Look for reviews and testimonials from other families. Do they rave about how comfortable the photographer made them feel? Are they thrilled with the final photos? Look for patterns in the feedback—if everyone’s saying the photographer is amazing with kids or super patient with grumpy dads, that’s a good sign.

4. Meet and Greet

Once you’ve narrowed it down, set up a meeting or a call. This is your chance to see if you click with the photographer. After all, you’re going to be spending a couple of hours with this person, and you want it to be enjoyable. Ask about their process, how they handle shy kids or grumpy teenagers, and any other concerns you might have.

5. Discuss the Nitty-Gritty Details

Don’t forget to talk about the boring but important stuff—pricing, packages, what’s included, and turnaround time for getting your photos. Make sure you’re clear on everything before you sign on the dotted line. You don’t want any surprises (unless it’s the good kind, like extra photos).

Final Thoughts

Hiring a family photographer in The Woodlands, Texas doesn’t have to be stressful. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to finding someone who can turn your family’s everyday moments into lasting memories.

Lets create memories!

Every year I try to create a new Houston engagement photo session tip blog. Alas here we are. A new year and a new engagement season. Houston Texas seriously has some of the BEST engagement session locations. From Downtown Houston, to open fields, Galveston beach, LOTS of public park filled with greenery. So honestly the skies the limit. Enjoy some of my favorite tips for planning and having the most successful engagement session in Houston.

LOCATION

Pick a location that has a lot of coverage options! The more scenery the location has the more places we have to play around with shots. I also would encourage verifying if the location requires a permit fee​​​​​​​​. We love a good park but downtown comes at a price. Not open to paying a permit fee? Thats totally fine I have lots of options out of the city with the same feel without a permit fee.

Day of the week!

Choose a day that will be less busy! Houston Texas engagement season will be in full effect! So the less people there are out and about. The less likely they’ll be in the back of your photos & you can be more comfortable without worrying about people during your session. ​​​​​​​​

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​​​​​​​​Make it you!

Make sure the location you chose is the best that suites your personalities! If you love trees, let’s explore those woodsy areas!!! Or if you love downtown, let’s hit the streets!!​​​​​​​​ Met at your favorite restaurant (i love food and trying new things) let’s do it! Honestly the skies the limit when it comes to location.

“Props”

Bring a “prop” of some-sort. When I say “prop” i mean like a blanket, your favorite drink, a mini picnic, something to utilize at your session’s location. Things that you enjoy doing together or to enhance your outfits are always a plus! They also can add a pop of color to your session while showcasing your personality.​​​​​​​​ (PS cowboy boots and hats count) we love a good Houston engagement session with cowboy boots.

OUTFITS

I am always here to help you plan your Houston engagement session outfit ideas. I love using Style & Select to help show you what your complete outfit would visually look like. As well a help come up with a cohesive color scheme. I always! recommend staying away from patterns or logos. Neutral is always better. Beige, grey’s, ceam, natural tones always work best together. With that I always advise you bring one more “Casual” outfit, and one more “fancy” “done up” outfit.

Hair and Makeup Trial

When you book hair and makeup for your wedding often times it comes with or has the option to add on a trial run. I always like to recommend using this trial run for the day of your Houston engagement photo session. You can see how the makeup will last, do you like it, do you love the makeup artist etc!

Pets

Let’s talk pets, If you’re bringing your adorably lovable furry friend, bring a (human) buddy too! This way your human friend can take care of your pet while we capture other shots. Often times we think our pets are the best behaved animals ever. Well Ish happens and instead of you getting frustrated or feeling overwhelmed you have someone who can help out. And we get to take advantage of all that extra time and yummy light without getting flustered, or worried.
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Drop in the comments the prop you would bring to you engagement session! I’d bring a quilt or blanket.
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Want to chat about the possibility of me photographing your Downtown Houston, Engagement session?  Contact me to learn more!

Top 5 Things to Do In Houston, TX

As a Florida native, i have combined a list of the Top 5 things to do in Houston, Texas. This list gives you everything Houston has to offer. Kid friendly, to shopping, nature, and art. There is definitely something on this list for you! Don’t forget the insane amount of incredible places to eat! We are one of the top cities for food after all.

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  1. Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston offers an array of exhibits and experiences for those fascinated by the universe! The center focuses on education and fun. It’s perfect for families!

  1. Cockrell Butterfly Center

Be inspired by nature’s beauty at the Cockrell Butterfly Center in Houston. Walk through the Rainforest Conservatory, a live butterfly habitat that will make you feel like you’ve been transported across oceans! The center also doubles as a museum for butterflies and entomology for those who love the science of nature. 

  1. Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo is full of animal encounters that will leave you in awe! This is a fun attraction for all ages. It’s also a favorite amongst locals!

  1. The Galleria

If you love shopping, The Galleria is Houston’s top shopping destination. It’s also the largest shopping center in Texas and the fourth largest in the country! With luxury shopping, fine dining and an indoor ice skating rink, there’s something for everyone at this shopping destination. 

  1. Houston Mural Instagram Tour

Want to find the perfect spot to document your Houston trip to share with your online community? Visit Houston’s beautiful street art and murals that are Instagram worthy! You can book a private tour by cart with Joyride to visit some of Houston’s lesser known murals as well as some of the most popular. Or you can discover them on your own with friends! 

Houston, TX is a fun, vibrant destination perfect for families, couples and friend groups alike! The next time you’re in town, don’t forget to check out these top 5 things to do in Houston, TX.

Want to book a photography session while you’re here to commemorate your adventure? Contact me to learn more!

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Whether you’re a Texas local looking to experience Austin like a tourist, or a tourist looking to see Austin like a Texan. Here is my list of the Top five things to do in Austin, Texas! Maybe you’re looking for a family-friendly environment or a local hangout with a chill vibe. Maybe you’re in search of a historical experience or something FUN to do while you’re in Austin, Texas. Either way, Austin, Texas has something for everyone!

FIVE THINGS TO DO IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

 1. Get Inspired at Wonderspaces
This 28,000 sq. foot immersive experience will leave you dazzled and inspired. Wonderspaces is full of art installations made up of lights, technology and more that will blow your mind!
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 2. Tour Austin’s Famous Distilleries and Breweries
Take a tour of some of Austin’s local breweries and distilleries. Head over to Dripping Springs Distilling, Treaty Oaks Distillery, and the Desert Door Distillery. If brews are your thing, try out some of the local IPA’s and ales through Texas Twisted Tours that will leave you wanting more.
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 3. Visit South Congress Avenue and “Keep Austin Weird”

Head on over to South Congress Avenue to find unique restaurants, live music and local shops with that signature Austin, Texas flair!

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4. Make A Splash at Lake Travis Waterloo Adventures
Looking for some summer family fun? Try out Lake Travis Waterloo Adventures which is a blend of American Ninja Warrior meets your favorite bounce house on the water! The whole family is sure to love this adventure.

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 5. Snap an Instagram-Worthy Photo
No trip is complete without a good photo! Visit some of Austin’s best selfie spots like the Austin Mural at Roadhouse Relics. You can find a complete list of Austin’s top instagram worthy locations here.

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I hope you found this list of five things to do in Austin, Texas helpful! May you find Austin as fun and exciting as the locals do. There is so much more to explore and see and this is only the very tip of the iceberg. Come see what the fuss is all about and keep Austin weird

LOOKING TO BOOK YOUR NEXT PHOTO SESSION WHILE YOUR IN AUSTIN?

 CONTACT ME HE

Sometimes people choose to have these extravagant wedding, and sometimes people just want their closest friends and family in their backyard. Neither option is the “wrong” option. Outdoor Texas Backyard weddings, are honestly my favorite!

First off let me start by saying there are so many pros and cons to every wedding option. I wanted to add some pros to a smaller backyard wedding in the Houston, texas area because well they are incredible!

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Bride inside home seeing her guests for the first time

 Pro 2. Secondly Your space allows for a comfortable getting ready location. What do i mean by that… well, my job as a storyteller is to capture you in your element. You’re home creates a sense of peace, enjoyment, comfortability. The more comfortable the more you trust me and give me your true raw self.

Bride getting into her dress being helped by her mother

Pro #3 NO ONE WILL HAVE THE SAME IMAGES AS YOU. I feel like this is self explanatory :] Your space = your images. We live for originality!

Maid of honor putting on brides shoes Pro #4 You make the rules. No one can tell you how many people can be in your space at one time, or what food and drinks you can have, how long you have to get ready, and no one to care about if you decide to party till 2am instead of the allotted time of 10pm.

Bride posing for the camera in her wedding gown

Pro # 5. You can have as little or as many people as you want / can fit. Typically I find my clients love a smaller intimate wedding to allow for more details, and extra money spent on important things like photographer (me 😝), florals, details, dj etc.

Outdoor wedding ceremony under big tree in backyard

Wedding party cheering on the newly married couple

Lastly Pro #6 and my personal favorite WE GET TO TAKE PORTRAITS FOR AS LONG AS YOU WANT! I mean this is your Outdoor Texas Backyard Wedding, You run the show and it’s your space. So we can go anywhere, do anything, and create as much as we want. You want to frolic in the cow pasture and take portraits next to cow pies I’m game. Im here for you!

Outdoor portraits of bride and groom in the pasture

Bride and groom during the sunset kissing

Enjoy the Full gallery of this Outdoor Houston Texas wedding HERE!

Now tell me about you! I want to know all the things!

Let’s talk moving your business…. Bleghhhhh this is not a fun topic I know. Trying to navigate moving my business has been Hard! to say the least but im here to stay and I cannot wait to get going once everything calms down a little. One of the things I have always been a proponent for is giveaways. I know some people are like no! Dont do it! but honestly with the times the way they are and not being able to meet the new amazing clients out and about I have to bring them to me! So Meet Marcella and Her beautiful family. She is one of my engagement session giveaway winners!

If we do an engagement session and you bring your little one’s be warned they will be added! I love! children and will add them in on your engagement session as much as I can and this handsome boy is no exception!

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Lastly, trust your photographer, for me I always help you pick out your outfits, locations, posing (or lack thereof) and all the things you need! Never hesitate to ask or message your photographer with any questions we are here to help!

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Tips on how to have the best Family Session in The Woodlands Texas

Ahhhh its the Holiday season and Mini sessions are rampant!! I won’t lie Mini’s are my favorite time of year. It’s a quick, easy, and fun time to get some refreshed images for your holiday cards or just your wall in general. Here are some fun ideas to help make your Woodlands Family Mini session the best It can be!

First things first OUTFITS! if you’ve been with me for a while you know I’m very open, honest, and to the point. If your outfits don’t look like a million bucks your results won’t look like a million bucks. Looking like a million bucks is EASY! For starters, pick a color scheme and match colors within that color scheme. So for example below. My clients went with a very fall vibe incorporating similar colors but never matching each other perfectly.

Next Textures… You would think this doesn’t matter but I always recommend trying to create the same vibe across the board. (So in a way picking a theme) So pairing a Silk babydoll dress with a boho lace gown probably won’t mix as nicely. So pick a theme! Boho, casual, beachy, elegant etc.

Finally, trust your Woodlands Family photographer… A lot! can happen in 15, 20 minutes and I promise you’ll love them! Just pay attention listen to the tips and you are golden! Enjoy this Mini session at WG Jones, The Woodlands Texas.

 

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Let’s create some epic images together! Contact Me!

Who is Rkm Photography… besides a Houston Texas Wedding Photographer? So this will be something new for me… I am normally not a big get in front of the camera person BUTT I still do it every so often to understand how you feel as a client or just anyone who has their picture taken. It helps me understand how you feel and how I can help you feel better during our time together. Be it an engagement session in the woodlands, a Family session in Spring, or a Wedding in Houston.
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But enough about that… I have never made a formal THIS IS ME post. So here goes nothing…

I am a 30-year-old living in The Woodlands, Texas as of well…. 2 weeks ago 😀 I absolutely loveeee WEDDINGS and everything about them. The love, emotions, even the chaos, I thrive in that shit. I live in my cute apartment that has a very mid century modern farmhouse vibe. (Sadly no plants… yet! Leave your easy to keep alive plant recommendations in the comments pleaseee!!!). I can probable be found making food, hanging out with my friends having a beer, or enjoying some COD warzone… Yes I am that kind of girl.

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Some of my favorite things are in no particular order (my dog being first though).

My dog (Mufasa) Beer (Crawford Bock is definitely my new fav Coffee Video Games Trees (really anything outdoors) and sadly.. I love reality tv!
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If any of these things we have in common you should definitely message me!! I am so excited to share a little about myself, and learn more about you in the process!

LOOKING TO BOOK YOUR NEXT PHOTO SESSION? CONTACT ME HERE!

COVID mixed with weddings can be TERRIFYING!

But i am here to help you make the best of a stinky situation. Your wedding doesn’t have to be boring and lame, due to a lame situation. Some of my favorite weddings have been small, intimate, and emotional. Let’s look at some ideas that can help you plan the most epic backyard small wedding.

Tip 1.) inviting fewer people allows you to have more fun! When you invite a small number of guests it allows you to spend more on each of those guests, making them feel special and loved just as they make you feel attending your small intimate wedding.

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Tip 2.) Now that you have spent less on your number of guests ( food prices, table settings etc. Spend more on your decor, photographer, vendors, etc. The vendors can make or break your day. Get that video you’ve been eyeing or that incredible photographer who is out of this world but you just couldn’t afford with a big wedding.

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Tip 3.) Rely on your vendors to help you plan and organize and enjoy! With way less people and way less moving parts, you can just sit back and enjoy! I always like to help plan epic locations or the timeline for my clients and with a small wedding you tend to have more time to play with!

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Tip 4) Pick an epic location and ask them about their offseason, or days during the week to get a better deal!

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My first official family photography session in Texas was incredible!

I CANNOT! WAIT TO PHOTOGRAPH IN THIS LIGHT WHENEVER I WANT!

All the things I look for in a family session these guys had. I wanted to make a post to highlight this session but also provide some awesome tips on how to have an amazing family session. I promise even if you think your kids won’t “cooperate” you will be surprised what your photographer can pull off.

Step 1. Pick outfits that represent your family but aren’t too “matchy-matchy” (Sorry I am not a fan of white shirts and Jeans :O) Your pictures will come out much more professional if you look the part. I always like to recommend you pick complementing colors or a color scheme, and make sure to stick with one type of theme like boho, beachy etc.

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Step 2. Make sure everyone has had naps, snacks, and their favorite toy!

Step 3. Have fun! If your family is goofy embrace the goof, if you are more cuddly then cuddle, your photographer will know how to navigate every family dynamic, even if you think your kids are being “difficult” we will get those amazing moments.

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and

Step 4. Read the guide your photographer sends out to you. These are free tips and tricks to help you navigate your session for your particular photographer and what they recommend.

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LOOKING TO BOOK YOUR NEXT PHOTO SESSION? CONTACT ME HERE!