What to Consider When Choosing a Photographer
Getting professional pictures taken can be a great way to commemorate a special season in your life or to capture sweet moments with the ones you love. Choosing the right photographer for the job is integral in making sure that you get the photos you want and will cherish for a lifetime.
With so many photographers out there, how do you know who to pick? Well, after years of working with mamas and families around the US, I have some tips for you as you search for your photographer.
Know Your Style, and Know Their Style
Every photographer will shoot an image in their own unique way, some choosing to use specific colors or editing with similar presets. Additionally, some prefer different landscapes or portrait styles. Before employing someone, know exactly what kind of pictures you want to capture. Some potential image styles:
Portrait Photography
Candid Photography
Event Photography
Product or Fashion Photography
Sports Photography
The personal style of the photographer will also matter, so look around your home and think about whether your preference leans more towards:
Rustic
Beachy
Modern
Natural
By looking at the type of photos that will fit in your home, you can likely determine if you want to have a beach session or find a local farm to be the venue of your session.
Look Them Up!
The beauty of the internet and of social media is that you can look up your local options and see their portfolio. My website and Instagram are filled with highlights from my recent sessions so any potential clients can check out my galleries and see if we are a good fit.
If you are looking at a gallery and you don’t completely love the style, keep looking for a different photographer. Someone is very unlikely to completely alter their creative preferences for a single shoot and you are more likely to end up with similar photos.
Additionally, by seeing their online profile you can see their level of experience in the field. If years of experience are an important factor in your choice, familiarizing yourself with their credentials can help to make your decision easy.
Deadlines?
Do you need your photos to be taken at a specific time or to have them delivered by a certain date? Time-restrictions and other factors may limit your selection of photographers if you are booking at the last minute. Check to see if your photographer is available around your intended dates and inquire about their gallery delivery timelines.
Budget
Most photographers will list their pricing packages on their website or on their social profiles. Check out their pricing pages and decide if the investment is right for you. Doing your research will also allow you to avoid any sticker-shock after the session has taken place.
Message Your Photographer
A photo session includes intimate moments with a stranger taking photos of you. You want to feel comfortable and make sure your trust the photographer so that you can have photos that don’t look too staged or uncomfortable. Send your intended photographer a message and strike up a conversation, learn more about them, and discuss your goals. As you talk you will likely be able to discern if your personalities are a good fit.
During your conversation, you can also ask the photographer for any other examples of their work that would be comparable to what you want. Online galleries are not all-encompassing and they may have other images to share with you.
Work With Me!
If you are in the Northwest Florida area, send me a message! I would love to work with you and capture your special moments.
