But even better than google is asking people – just ask around, ask a lot of people. You might start hearing the same names over and over. You might start hearing names to avoid too – recommenations are a great way to choose a local business, in ANY field. I know I rely on referrals all the time when I am choosing places or services for my own family.
Here are a few things to consider when you are researching your choice for a professional photographer:
1. Specialization (aka what kind of photographs do they do best) – This is REALLY important to consider right from the beginning. If you are looking for a newborn portrait for example, be sure to hire someone with experience and competence with newborns. If you want a professional headshot, please make sure they know what constitutes a professional headshot for your industry (or be able to work to achieve it). If you are getting married, please hire a wedding expert. Photographers are not jack of all trades – they all have competencies and expertise in different types of sessions and scenarios.
2. Style and artistic vision – When viewing a photographers work, carefully consider their style – not all wedding photographers will photograph your event the same way, not all child photographers will have the same outlook on child portraits. A very good idea for when you are deciding among several photographers is to ask them to see not only their online portfolio, but something printed. Even better, ask to see the results of 2-3 full sessions, not just the one or two most amazing shots from a session.
3. Price – everyone has a budget. Mine might be a discount beer budget, yours might be a champagne shower everyday budget. So understanding the pricing of any given photographer is really important. And so confusing these days because there is enormous range in pricing, and you can’t assume that all photographers price their work with the same considerations in mind. Differences in experience, personal value, range of products, range of services, creativity and problem solving, along with business acumen, overhead and salary needs will affect how one professional is priced over another.
Consider all of the pricing information before hiring a photographer – it can be very frustrating for you and for the photographer if you discover after the session that your budget does not stretch far enough for you to get the photographic products you truly desire.This was a complaint I heard from a TON of photographers last fall during our busy season…most of them said that conversations, web links and print outs about pricing were just NOT read or understood before the session, and much disappointment and frustration was felt by everyone afterwards because no one was getting their needs met – the photographers need to earn their salary and pay business expenses, and the clients need to have their photographs in hand to enjoy.
Because of that, this point is truly important – read everything before you book your session and ask questions if you have them – no question is wrong so don’t feel badly – most people only hire a professional photographer occasionally, so of course you may not understand everything at first. Add to that every photographer is different, so what one offers for XX amount, then next may not offer that at all.
4. Product lines and services – this is another factor in pricing and budget to consider. Is the photographer a digital photographer that offers limited service after the session – this would be great for the DIYer or someone that has experience with photoshop and access to professional printing services? Or does the photographer offer more service to take on all the work for you? Are their product lines in check with your long term needs? If for example you are creating a product catalogue, you likely won’t need prints or canvas. You will need digital files, prepped and ready for use. Or is this a newborn or family session, images that will become artwork for your home and family heirlooms for future generations? In this example, archival and lovely physical products would better suit your needs.Talk to the photographer you are considering about what they suggest for you, depending on the type of session you want and your goals for what the images are ultimately to be used for.
5. Personality…do you like them – for some types of photography, this many not be as big of an issue – if someone is kinda weird but they take awesome images of automotive parts, you can likely overlook quirky personalities. But if you are looking for someone to work directly with people, it is a really big deal to find out if you get along, if they understand your needs and lifestyle, if they know how to talk to a child, or if they can calm a nervous bride and her mom, or undertand skater slang. Ask for a consulation in person if possible, or at least by phone – it will definitely help you feel confident that everyone is on the same page.
Most importantly, enjoy the process. Believe me when I say, most professional photographers are in it because they love creating imagery and being able to earn a living doing work they love is a privilege. We WANT you to be happy and we want to meet your photographic needs. Making sure you choose a professional that is the right fit while guarantee that you will be pleased and delighted with the results.























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