Choosing a photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when deciding to capture your family’s milestones. The images your photographer takes will become a part of your life—something you’ll look back on for years to come as a reminder of how special that baby, year or family event was in your life.

As you research potential photography companies, you will find that there are a lot of options and variations, not only in style and pricing, but in product offerings and other details. Large photography companies often have multiple photographers working for them, but they may not offer the personal touch you want for your portraits.

That’s why a smaller local photography outlet is often the best choice—and is also well worth the investment.

You can develop a relationship with your photographer

With a large photography company, chances are you will have a photographer assigned to you, and you may not even have the opportunity to meet with them before your session. A local photographer, however, will take the time to meet with you personally, ensuring that you feel comfortable working with them. You will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your session and any specific moments you want the photographer to capture. The chance to get to know your photographer personally means you have more opportunities to ask questions and make sure that you get exactly the images you want.

They will work to make you happy

A smaller local photography company has more to lose if a client is dissatisfied with their service, and for that reason, they work especially hard to meet your needs and make sure you’re happy with your images. While a large company may simply assign a photographer to you and move on, a local photographer will sit down with you and work out all the details, from pre-session styling to the session itself until the images and products are in your hands.

You will know exactly what you’re getting

A local photographer will take time to show you some of their previous work, giving you the opportunity to make sure their style fits the type of images you want. You don’t want to hire a photographer whose style is drastically different from what you’re looking for, but with a larger company, it can sometimes be difficult to know what type of images you will get. A smaller boutique company will work with you to ensure you get the images you’re dreaming of—and will be honest upfront, well before any contract is signed, if those images are not something they can provide.

They will work with your budget

While a larger photography company may offer lower-priced packages, those options may not get you the products or even the service you want. A local photographer, however, will be understanding of and work with your budget, whether that means developing a payment plan or creating a custom package that works with your allotted budget for photography. With a smaller company and a photographer you can talk to easily, you’re more likely to be able to negotiate a package that works for you and your big day.

You deserve that personal touch

Chances are you prefer a local salon to a chain experience because of the difference in service and the relationship you have with your stylist. The same goes for a photographer. You want your images taken and edited with skill, but someone who has spent time speaking with you and knows just what moments are most important to you will go into both the photography and editing process with your desires and needs in mind.

A smaller local photography company can offer the attention to detail and personal relationship that a larger company often lacks. When it comes to your family’s photos, you deserve nothing but the best. These are images that you will enjoy for years to come, photos that even your children and grandchildren may enjoy looking back on one day. Choosing a local photographer can help you get the photos you want and make sure your session is just as memorable and special as you’ve dreamed it to be!