5 Essentials Every New Photographer Should Have on Their Website | San Jose Family Photographer

Creating a professional website is one of the most important steps you can take as a new photographer. Your website isn’t just a place to showcase your images—it’s your digital storefront, your personal brand, and the main way clients find and book you. Especially as a San Jose family photographer, where competition is high and the market is saturated, a strong website helps you stand out and build trust with potential clients.

Whether you’re just starting out or refreshing your site, here are five crucial things you absolutely need to include to turn curious browsers into excited clients.

5 Essentials Every New Photographer Should Have on Their Website

1. A Genuinely Written “About Me” Page

Your “About Me” page is where connection begins. When people are choosing someone to photograph their family, they aren’t just hiring a service—they’re trusting someone with their memories. Let them get to know the person behind the lens.

This page should tell a bit of your story: how you got into photography, what you love about capturing families, and how you approach each session. Don’t be afraid to include personal details—your favorite coffee shop in San Jose, your weekend routine, or what makes you laugh. That’s what makes you relatable.

What to include:

• A professional (but friendly) photo of yourself
• Your location (mentioning you’re a San Jose family photographer helps with SEO!)
• A few lines about your style and approach
• A little personality! Think of it as writing to a future friend, not a faceless crowd

2. A Curated Portfolio That Reflects Your Style

Your portfolio is one of the most powerful parts of your website. Instead of trying to show everything, focus on showing the kind of work you want more of. If you want to shoot more family sessions, show family sessions. If you love capturing lifestyle moments over stiff poses, make sure that comes through in the photos you share.

As a San Jose family photographer, location matters too. Include images from local parks, beaches, and scenic areas so potential clients can envision their session in those settings. Make sure your images load quickly and display beautifully on both desktop and mobile.

What to include:

• A variety of galleries or categories (e.g., maternity, family, milestone sessions)
• Your strongest, most recent work
• Images that reflect your ideal client and preferred style

3. Clear Contact Info That Makes It Easy to Book

If someone has fallen in love with your work, don’t make it hard for them to take the next step. Your contact page should be simple, straightforward, and inviting. Include multiple ways to get in touch—some people love forms, others prefer email or even texting.

Make sure your contact form includes the questions that matter most to you (like desired session type or ideal date), but don’t overload it. The easier it is to fill out, the more likely people are to actually do it.

What to include:

• A contact form that’s mobile-friendly and easy to use
• Your direct email address and business phone number (if applicable)
• Links to your Instagram or other social platforms
• A brief message about when they can expect a reply

4. Detailed Information on Services and Pricing

Transparency is key. Many photographers hesitate to post pricing, but clear starting prices help set expectations and save you and potential clients a lot of back-and-forth. Describe what’s included in each session, what the process looks like, and what makes your experience special.

This section is also a great place to show value. Talk about your client closet, the planning help you offer, the turnaround time, and how you guide clients through the entire session experience.

What to include:

• Session types (e.g., family, maternity, newborn) with descriptions
• Starting prices or package overviews
• Answers to common questions
• A short explanation of your booking process

5. A Blog (Yes, Even If You’re Just Starting Out)

Blogging can feel like one more thing on your to-do list, but it’s a secret weapon. Not only does it boost your visibility in search engines (hello, SEO!), but it’s also a chance to show off your expertise and help your ideal clients get to know you.

You can write posts about recent sessions, share tips for what to wear to a family session, list the best spots for photos in San Jose, or walk clients through your process. Don’t worry about being perfect—just be helpful and genuine.

What to include:

• Regular posts that show off your recent work
• Guides and tips for clients (like outfit inspiration or session prep)
• Location features (especially helpful for local SEO)
• Keywords naturally sprinkled in—like “San Jose family photographer”

Ready to Use These Tips?

As a new photographer, your website is more than just a portfolio—it’s the place where people decide if you’re the right fit to document their most important moments. The more thoughtful and intentional your site is, the more confidence it will inspire.

By including these five essential pieces, you’re not only presenting your work professionally, you’re creating a space that feels welcoming and aligned with your brand. If you’re in the beginning stages, start small and build as you go. You don’t need to have everything perfect right away. What matters most is showing up online in a way that reflects who you are and who you’re excited to serve.

Curious about an experience with a San Jose Family Photographer? Check out my most recent family session blog post to see the magic we can create! If you are looking for a lifestyle Bay Area family photographer, be sure to check out my portfolio and contact me today to discuss your ideal Bay Area family photography session! Also be sure to follow me on Instagram to see my latest work!