Its 2021. You are thinking about maybe reaching out to find a photographer to capture some new family photos... Or you are expecting and need some Maternity and Newborn photos taken. Maybe you are getting married.. its a big day and you need to find the right person. But who? How do you choose? Photography is my passion. In fact I have been capturing memories of many sorts for about 27 years now. I am a Wife, a mother of 3, a daughter and a co-worker. I know what it is like to be on all sides of this issue as I have had to choose photographers in the past for my wedding, family photos, and work related photos. I know how hard it is to find that "right" person. So I am here today to indulge you with my expertise on the issue from both a "client" standpoint as well as a "photographers" standpoint. I am here to give you a few things to consider when you start reaching out to find that certain photographer that is going to capture memories that will outlast your lifetime and generations to come.
STYLE!
I cannot stress this enough. Just like any other form of art, all photographers have their own STYLE! Some will produce more posed shots, some more candid. Some like darker and more bold colored photos while some create lighter photos appearing to be almost "washed out". It is the first step to finding the ONE! Take a look at photos that the photographer has already produced. What is their style? When you see what is consistent in about 99% of their photos... that is their style. The question you need to ask yourself is... Does this fit with my vision? If you are looking for someone who specializes in documentary style wedding photography.. do not hire one that captures a majority of posed groups in photos. There is talent and passion needed for every different style out there.. look for the photographer whos style best fits what you are wanting your photos to look like. I strive to make my photos my own. I do not try to copy any other photographers style...I have my own which comes from many years of experience and much education in the field!
WHAT DO THEY PROVIDE? So there are some photographers that will capture your photos then send you a digital download of all your edited photo files. There is no obligation after that to purchase prints or products in the future. There are other photographers who will charge you a "sitting fee" which you pay upfront, then once the files are ready for viewing, you look at them and choose which ones you want to order in photo form, canvas wrap, framed print etc. Basically you pay to have the photo taken then pay the photographer for the products you want. I have always leaned towards priding the digital files to my clients. I always encourage them to order any enlargements for their walls from me as I want the most professional quality product to showcase my work, but I aim to keep it very affordable for my clients. So it really depends on what you are looking for. If you are one of those people who share your photos digitally and never end up printing any... why be pressured into purchasing something you do not need?
HOW DO THEY COMMUNICATE THEIR WORK? Meaning.. do they just have a facebook page? Or do they actually have a website they have invested in to showcase their work? This may seem small but it is significant I assure you. If a person is actually running a legitimate business, chances are they have invested in a website. Websites are a way for a photographer to showcase their work in a way that Instagram and Facebook couldn't come close to. It is an investment in promotion!
INSURANCE If a photographer is legitimately running a professional business they will have insurance. Do not be afraid to ask!! Especially for wedding photographer where there is typically a large required deposit. You want to be assured that there will be someone showing up on your special day.
TRAINING AND SAFETY Lets be honest... If you are paying anyone for photos you want to make sure they have had some professional training to do so. When I started in the business... all my sessions for the first 2 to 3 years were FREE... That's right.. completely free for my services. I approached people I knew... neighbors, relatives and friends. I would do their sessions at no charge just to get the experience. It drives me nuts when I see a brand new photographer asking top dollar for services they have little ability to provide. Its entertaining sometimes watching some of the new ones.. they are gung ho to start doing a huge business... After all they just purchased a really expensive camera... so the have to be good right? Not exactly.. There is a lot more to being a photographer than just buying a nice camera. Training and experience are sooooo very important. Don't be afraid to ask your photographer how they got to be where they are today.
PERSONALITY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE OMG! This is another really big one in my opinion. Being a photographer is not just about having a great camera and taking nice photos. You have to have tremendous people skills and customer service skills don't go amiss either. I think this is the biggest misconception for newbies starting out. They have no idea that they are going to have to play therapist to the woman they are taking boudoir shots of, reassuring her she looks beautiful after she has asked for the 100th if you put the "skinny" lens on. No idea that they are going to have to be diplomatic in the way they handle Aunt Betty at a wedding when she is making suggestions on how and where to take photos as if she has been a wedding photographer since she exited the womb. They have no idea they are going to have to deal with the wild toddler who runs around their studio breaking anything and everything that is not a solid fixture while Mom smiles and tries to control her sweet little demon child. Newbies have no idea that they will have to play marriage counsellor when Wife brings reluctant husband to their family photo session and has no interest being there. It is the photographer that smooths over all of these situations. Its the photographer that provides humor when everything falls apart... just to attempt to create a calmness in an otherwise stressful situation. These are the situations that make or break a photographer. The funny thing is .. all the talent behind the lens cannot fix these issues above. You need the personality and the skills to go with the flow and make sure all sessions end in positivity and have empathy towards your clients. Make sure you feel a connection to your photographer.. that you can work with them and you feel comfortable. You want to be put at ease by the one who is capturing your photo. If not, your results are going to be less than desirable. Sometimes its just a personality thing...
PRICE This is one of the main considerations people have when it comes to choose most anything now a days. I understand.. I am totally guilty of this as well. We have never been rich and I know how hard money is to come by. Having said that, I really want to stress... when it comes to precious memories... you really need to consider the aforementioned criteria first and foremost when choosing your photographer. I mean, if you feel a connection to their personality, they produce awesome work in the style you are looking for, they offer the services you are looking for and are easy to get to... price should be a little less of an issue. If they are way out of your ball park right off the bat then its a given. If you can't afford it you can't afford it. But maybe its a situation where you save for a couple months.. or collect some donations from family members. If its a good fit do your best to hire that photographer. If you settle with someone else just because they are cheaper... that's maybe what you will get, an inferior service and product. It shouldn't always be about the price!
So I hope I have given you a little something to think about the next time you are in the market for a photographer. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to book a session.
705-879-5796
www.pbellphotography.com
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