Choosing a professional photographer to take your photos can be rough. I am a photographer and I even have a hard time choosing. Thankfully I know what I’m looking for when I’m doing a search. So I can easily add and subtract potential photographers from my list based on those criteria.
Below I’m going to share the things you should be looking at when choosing a professional photographer. Some may be obvious, and other you may never have thought of before. Either way, I hope this helps you on your journey to creating the perfect session for you and your family.
STYLE
Editing Style
If you don’t like a photographer’s style, there is zero reason to even consider using them. Some photographers edit everything the same way, and some photographers edit based on the way a session feels, but either way, you can get a feel for how their style connects with you. Check out their website, Facebook Page, or Instagram to see examples from multiple sessions. Look at the coloring, the contrast, the posing. Choose the ones that you are drawn to.
Shooting Style
There are multiple shooting styles. You need to find a photographer with the style that will deliver the types of images you want.
Traditional Portraits
Traditional images are just that, traditional. It’s everyone lined up, looking at the camera, and smiling. There is nothing wrong with that at all, but if you want more interactive images, then traditional portraiture will not give you the images you want.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle images are about connection and emotion. Instead of posed images, you’re going to get more candid or spontaneous images. You can still get images of people looking at the camera a smiling, but there will be more interaction between the people in the photos and the environment around them.
Fine Art
These images can range in posing, but are generally more stylized with a signature look. They are often more extensively edited to create a more dramatic or painted appearance.
I personally love a mix of traditional and lifestyle images. I enjoy getting a few portraits of people looking at the camera, but my joy comes from capturing the connection and emotion of people and families. Families looking at each other and talking, kids playing and running, and people laughing and engaging.
Your Personal Style
Another aspect of style is how a photographer’s style fits with your own. Are you going to put these images on the walls of your home? Then you need images that flow well with your decor and the feel of your home.
Do you like bright, bold colors? Are you more drawn to muted and soft when decorating? Choose a photographer who’s style will make you excited to decorate your home with images from your session.
SESSION TYPE
Even if you love a photographer’s style, if they don’t provide the service you need, then it’s time to cross them off the list. It may seem obvious to some, but not everyone thinks it out.
Are you wanting photos outdoors? Indoors? In a specific location? Does this particular photographer provide that? If you want studio photos, you have to choose a photographer with a studio. There are a lot of portrait photographers that would never dream of doing weddings, and wedding photographers that don’t do portraiture. So know what you want from your session and find a photographer who does that type of session.
So the question is: what type of session are you looking for? Family, extended family, senior, children, newborn? It is a wedding or event?
I currently do portraits and families. Previously, I was mainly a wedding photographer. While I still loving capturing weddings, I now focus mainly on portraiture. I am available for lifestyle newborn sessions, but I don’t have a newborn studio, so I wouldn’t be a good fit if that’s what your heart was set on.
PERSONALITY
Do you have small kids? Are you worried about them taking photos? Then you need a photographer that isn’t going to get stressed out by the high energy kids bring to a session.
Check out reviews and recommendations. How do they describe their experience? Are they good with kids? Are they patient and relaxed? Do they do their research and come prepared for their sessions? Photography sessions can be stressful enough, find a photographer that can help make the experience as pleasant as possible.
INVESTMENT
Honestly, this should be your last thought when choosing a photographer. You definitely want all the other points to line up first. Then you can see if the pricing lines up with your current budget and go from there.
Everyone has a budget, and that’s okay. So be clear on what you CAN spend and what you WANT to spend. Find photographers with the style and personality that call to you, then compare their pricing and offerings with your price range.
There is a whole range of prices within the photography community. These prices are going to differ based on the location, quality of work, products provided, experience, and more. You can easily find someone to snap some photos for you, and for cheap. You simply need to decide if that’s all that you want from a session.
If you are wanting someone who does their research, has invested in their photography, can find the light for great shots, and creates beautiful, quality images to display on your walls, then simple snapshots will not give you what you want.
I love creating a story with my images. Learning more about who I’m photographing and trying to help them shine though the images. I enjoy chatting with clients and capturing their personality and family dynamic along with their faces.
Let your instincts guide you in choosing a professional photographer…
At the end of the day, go with your gut when choosing a professional photographer. Don’t let any of the above factors be the ONLY guide for you. You don’t want to pick a photographer who’s style you love, but who’s pricing will put strain on you. But also don’t choose the cheapest photographer to save money, only to hate your final images. You need to find a balance between all of the points above to make a list and then choose the one who calls to you the most.
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