Angie's list helps you capture memories, keep cost down

CLEVELAND - A photo session and pictures can cost you a few hundred to a thousand dollars. But highly-rated photographers on Angie's List said discounts are common if you ask.

If you have a small child and want to capture pictures of them growing up, ask if there's a discount for repeat sessions. And mini-sessions are another way to save money.

In the digital age, it's common for a photographer to put your entire session on a DVD. Ask if you can reduce the price if you only pick and choose a few photos for the DVD. Then, you can print them yourself if you get a copyright release.

Once you find ways to save money, focus on getting a good snapshot.

Angie Hicks of Angie's List said, "First start with exactly what you are looking for as far as the photos. Do you want them to be spontaneous? Do you want them to be a fixed portrait? Also figure out when the best time is for your family to have their photo taken. If you have small children scheduling during nap time is never a great suggestion."

Some photographers will even come to your house to make the photo session smoother.

How to Have a Stress-Free Family Photo Shoot:

• Talk to the photographer prior to the session about the kind of look you want and the results you want to achieve. Do you want an indoor or outdoor photo shoot? Posed photos or candid? Will the photographer come to you? We've heard from Angie's List members who prefer to schedule the shoot at home so the family is more relaxed in their element.
• Schedule the session around the best times for the kids. If you have kids, schedule the session after naps and meals to ensure the little ones are happy, well-rested and relaxed.
• If you are including the family pet in on the photos, take your dog for a good walk before the session and bring treats. Many photographers will meet you at a park or come to your home. If you have a high energy dog, this may be a better option than going to a studio.
• When choosing what to wear for the photo session, coordinate the clothes. They don't have to match, but don't have to clash either.
• Get a couple of available photo shoot dates from your relatives before you call the photographer. That way you don't have to keep going back and forth trying to set an appointment. Don't wait until the last minute to book an appointment.

Photographer Hiring Tips:

• Each photographer has his/her own style. Look at photos on the photographer's website to give you some insight on whether the style fits your needs.
• Call and talk to the photographer. Do you have a good rapport with them? Communication is always important when hiring.
• You should feel comfortable telling the photographer exactly what you want the end product to be.
• Is the photographer available to meet for a consultation? During this time you can talk about all the details prior to the shoot.
• If your photographer is not giving you any direction during the photo shoot, find another photographer. A professional photographer should be able to determine your best features and pose you in a very natural and flattering manner.
• If there is something that you feel self conscious about talk to the photographer about it before the session.

Money Saving Tips on Photos:

• A photo session and pictures can cost anywhere from a couple hundred of dollars to a thousand dollars.
• We talked to highly-rated photographers on Angie's List who told us many photographers offer discounts for many different things -- so it doesn't hurt to ask! Some offer "baby plans" in which you can save money by committing to more than one session. Others offer "mini sessions" that have shorter, less expensive session fees.
• Instead of purchasing the entire photo shoot on DVD, which the photographer initially suggested, one Angie's List member purchased just a handful of photos, but asked the photographer to put them on a disc -- that way she didn't have to purchase the entire shoot's worth of photos disc, but was still able to print them herself -- saving even more money.
• Don't spend a lot of money on a new outfit that you or your children will only wear once. If you want to buy something special, make sure it is something that will be worn again.