4 Essentials to Consider When Looking for a Photographer

There’s a lot that goes into finding the go-to photographer for your profile image, event, or family portraits. I’m sharing four things that I hope help you feel confident as you choose.

1. Style
   Every photographer has a unique look to their work. It’s their signature style. For example, photographs can look business professional, casual, artistic, classic, dramatic, or can have a combination of looks. When considering hiring a photographer, think about what you like best about their work. What do the photos have in common that you like?

   • Are you drawn to creativity–an artistic flair?

   • Do you like the professional feel of the photos?

   • Do you appreciate colorful looks?

   Beyond the general feel of the images, your photographer should have a keen understanding of composition and posing, which make for a good photo.
   

2. Personality

   During the consultation or first meeting, do you and the photographer ‘click’ (pun intended)? It’s important to enjoy the experience or at minimum to feel comfortable. Feeling good about your session goes a long way towards its success. Think about what type of personality you would want to engage with: entertaining, business-like, considerate, friendly, calming.
   

3. Professionalism
   Does the photographer spend time preparing you for what to expect: time investment, delivery dates, contracts, final pricing? A good photographer is organized and can easily explain what will happen before, during, and after your shoot. They’ll maintain a comfortable studio space or suggest venues and come dressed appropriately and on time. It’s important that she have expertise in lighting, color correction, retouching, and image optimization for online use or for print.
   
   Some professional photographers are part-time and have other full-time jobs. While others are full-time photographers. In either case, you want to consider working with a professional who you can rely on and who has good reviews.

4. Budget

   It’s old as dirt, but true what they say, “You get what you pay for.” To hire a quality service and get professional results, you can expect to pay more. Consider the value of the photos you need. For example, family photos and portraits are a legacy to inform and comfort future generations—so they should last. Headshots and business profiles are an investment in you—making an impression on clients so that you can make money.

   An experienced professional, has had formal, hands-on, and self-training. They also pay insurance, licensing and business fees, rent, equipment costs and repairs, photo storage and backup, and the list goes on. Newer or less experienced photographers can typically charge less than seasoned professionals or boutique photography houses. However, they may not offer things like professional hair and makeup styling, consultation, proper lighting, posing guidance, photo editing, or professional printing.

   
   Have realistic expectations about what you can expect to pay for good photos and balance that with the photographer’s style, personality, experience, and professionalism.

Feel free to contact me about questions you may have. I’d love to chat.