You have to make a lot of choices every day, so when it comes time to pick who will take your family pictures it can seem easy to just choose the photographer with the lowest rates and run with it. You might luck out and get great pictures, or you could have sunk your money into a waste of time. To make your decision easier, here are some tips to find the best photographer to add to your web photo album.
What kind of credentials do they have?
There’s no official licensing that makes someone a professional photographer but there is training that photographers take. Does the person have a degree in photography? Have they taken any courses in photography? Some people are self-taught and naturally good. They should have a portfolio of work available and references you can contact. Do it if you’re unsure. Find out what the experience was like for that person and if their situation is similar to yours.
How long have they been working?
If the person is a relatively new photographer that is still building their photo galleries, then you may be able to get a better deal if you’re willing to take the chance. Maybe they did a different type of photography. If someone was a commercial product photographer they may have the technical skills to take photographs but that doesn’t mean they’ll be a great portrait photographer.
What is their Style?
You want to find a photographer that matches your style. Does the person shoot in a studio or do they prefer to work outdoors? Are they willing and able to shoot off the cuff or do they prefer to always use a tripod. Do they like kids or not? Do they prefer a natural feel or a more posed feel? Flipping through their portfolios will give you a good idea of their style and you should take the time to do this. Ask them lots of questions on their style as well as ideas they have for you and your family.
Are they invested?
Some photographers are very busy and crank through clients. While others may still be busy but take their time to get to know you and what you want. Chances are you’ll want the latter. They should spend time getting to know you and what you really want out of your photographs. This is a major investment and a good photographer recognizes this. They should want to form a relationship where you’ll come back for newborn portraits, special occasions like graduation and wedding photographs instead of just a one off opportunity.
Sometimes it will cost you more to get good quality. This is an investment and you should be prepared to pay a good photographer well for their time and expertise. Interview several different photographers that fit into your budget range and keep an eye out for any specials your photographer of choice may offer. You could get in on something great!
What kind of credentials do they have?
There’s no official licensing that makes someone a professional photographer but there is training that photographers take. Does the person have a degree in photography? Have they taken any courses in photography? Some people are self-taught and naturally good. They should have a portfolio of work available and references you can contact. Do it if you’re unsure. Find out what the experience was like for that person and if their situation is similar to yours.
How long have they been working?
If the person is a relatively new photographer that is still building their photo galleries, then you may be able to get a better deal if you’re willing to take the chance. Maybe they did a different type of photography. If someone was a commercial product photographer they may have the technical skills to take photographs but that doesn’t mean they’ll be a great portrait photographer.
What is their Style?
You want to find a photographer that matches your style. Does the person shoot in a studio or do they prefer to work outdoors? Are they willing and able to shoot off the cuff or do they prefer to always use a tripod. Do they like kids or not? Do they prefer a natural feel or a more posed feel? Flipping through their portfolios will give you a good idea of their style and you should take the time to do this. Ask them lots of questions on their style as well as ideas they have for you and your family.
Are they invested?
Some photographers are very busy and crank through clients. While others may still be busy but take their time to get to know you and what you want. Chances are you’ll want the latter. They should spend time getting to know you and what you really want out of your photographs. This is a major investment and a good photographer recognizes this. They should want to form a relationship where you’ll come back for newborn portraits, special occasions like graduation and wedding photographs instead of just a one off opportunity.
Sometimes it will cost you more to get good quality. This is an investment and you should be prepared to pay a good photographer well for their time and expertise. Interview several different photographers that fit into your budget range and keep an eye out for any specials your photographer of choice may offer. You could get in on something great!
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