Finding the Perfect Family Photographer
After practicing and loving photography for as long as I, you learn one valuable and important thing when working with new clients; Make sure you both have the same vision for your session together!!
Choosing the right photographer can be daunting and overwhelming. After all, there are several of us all over the place wanting you as a client! We all offer something different from an artistic standpoint and our pricing and product offering may vary.
Choosing the right photographer can be daunting and overwhelming. After all, there are several of us all over the place wanting you as a client! We all offer something different from an artistic standpoint and our pricing and product offering may vary.
So how do you choose the perfect photographer?
Here are a list of 6 tips that will hopefully make your decision easier the next time you need a family portrait update, have a new addition coming into the family, have a high school graduate in your midst or simply want to build a new memory of your children's sweet faces...
Tip #1: Shared Vision and Trust
You can give 3 photographers the same subject to shoot, in the same lighting, same location and all 3 will produce a different looking image. This is because every photographer looks at every session, event or background differently. After deciding that you like your photographers past work, look for images that you can see yourself in. Tell the photographer why
you're having images created and the story you want your photographs to
tell. Think of three words that describe you and share those with your
photographer. You're counting on their knowledge of art, lighting,
posing and more to create images that fit your vision. The more you trust the person behind the camera, the more
comfortable you'll be in front of it, allowing your photographer to
capture more authentic, intimate and emotional images.
Tip #2: Client Focused
When you first talk to a photographer, it is always recommended to meet them in person, if possible. Most photographers will offer a complimentary pre-consultation... take them up on this! This will help you gauge their personality and ensure that they are focused on you, as a client. As an artist, photographers are usually a bit controlling from the start to ensure the right composition, lighting and overall look of the image. Having a photographer with this knowledge but flexibility in the session is oh, so important! How else is your family and individual personalities going to translate through the lens? Your overall vision and ideas should be the most important goal to the photographer you hire.
Tip #3: Right Specialty
This may seem like a no-brainer, but depending on the type of portraits you want, make sure to go to a photographer that specializes in that area. For example, you wouldn't hire a boudoir photographer for a family portrait nor would you hire a wedding photographer to shoot images of your newborn. Try making sure you can find someone who has the
style and know-how for the final product you are looking for and want.
Tip #4: Demonstrates Consistency
You have seen the images on their website and possibly even on social media, but were those lucky shots or is your photographer consistent? Seeing an entire photo gallery from the same session will also show you a glimpse of the photographer's creativity and storytelling ability. A good photographer will paint the picture of your entire time together and each image will feel consistent with the next.
Tip #5: Professional and Transparent
While photography agreements and contracts are mainly created for weddings and large events, it is equally important that the same sorts of "what if" questions are answered. A few of the important ones are:
- What is the cancellation policy?
- What if there is bad weather on my session day?
- What is the normal delivery of prints and product?
- When can I expect to see the final images taken?
A photographer equipped to answer these questions is looking out not only for their business but most importantly their clients. This document should set all the guidelines of the services and product the photographer is responsible for delivering, as well as, stipulate all client responsibility in an easy, transparent way.
Tip #6: Fits Your Budget
Portrait photography is an investment that reaps lifelong memories enjoyed for years to come. It is important for you to have a budgeted figure in mind before choosing your photographer. Think about whether you’re OK with going out of your budget a little bit
for the right photographer, and consider what each prospective photographer has to
offer in prints and product for their stated price. Some photographers offer a very low session fee
but don’t include the cost of prints and digital images so be sure to
double check the information about total cost and request a quote before opening up your pocketbook. Pricing should be clear and easy to understand. It also doesn't hurt to ask the photographer
and see if they’re willing to work with you on the overall cost, as well.
Once you find a photographer you love... stay with them! Most portrait photographers like me, love to be able to watch families and children grow year over year! I promise that every session gets better, more fun and more precious when you make a lucky portrait photographer a permanent part of your family moments and events!
Until next time!
Julia
Comments
Post a Comment