Low-Cost Family Photos

Family photos are a great way to keep memories sharp and clear. You'll always remember that haircut or how cute the little ones were. Having good photos is also important if you like to scrapbook or put together albums for your coffee table. It's also important if you have long-distance relatives who like to stay in touch and updated on your family. There are four main ways to get good quality, low-cost family photos.

• Do it yourself. Have a look at camera prices. You may be surprised at how inexpensive some of them are. It may be more cost-effective in the long run for you to buy a camera and tripod and put it on a timer while you all pose, or else just as you take candid snapshots.
• Get a friend to take your pictures and bribe him with dinner or babysitting, or simply plain old cash. Or you can cash in on a favor they owe you. If you're lucky, he may even provide the camera.
• Have a photography student to take your pictures. Be sure to have a look at her portfolio first and ask questions. She may only be willing to do really unusual things when all you want is a traditional portrait. On the other hand, perhaps you want something more artsy and all she does is product pictures. Make sure you like what you see, and if you don't, ask if she has any examples of something closer to what you want. She may have only made the portfolio with a certain employer or internship in mind.
• Look in the classifieds. Some photographers advertise in the classifieds in the newspaper. Again, ask to see a portfolio. And don't pay upfront. You want to make sure you get your pictures before you pay anyone anything. See if he has his own studio or if you'll need to provide the venue.

Extra tip: If you provide the venue, you can go to a park, or if you can get permission, you can go to the botanic gardens (though that cost can add up, since you'll be paying for your whole family and the photographer. See if your botanic gardens have any free days and be aware that the gardens may be crowded on those days). Even in the winter, they'll probably have an enclosed space with nice foliage and flowers in it. Other, more creative venues are: a costume shop, a museum, downtown, any kind of factory that makes candy or has some kind of kid-friendly guided tour, or while camping in the backyard.