Choosing a photographer whether it's for an event like a wedding, to update your family photos or to capture your pregnancy & motherhood journey; can get overwhelming. With so many photographers to choose from. How do you know which one is the right one for you?
A lot of people's first instinct is to go by pricing, but that's not the only factor worth considering when choosing. If you're looking for a photographer it means you're looking to invest in someone who can capture your memories in a way that you can't do on your own. Or else you'd just use your phone right? When choosing a photographer you're trusting that they can capture what your vision is for your photos and that they will do so in a professional manner that delivers you results that you will cherish forever and be happy with your investment when you look back on them years later.
1. Figure Out Your Budget
Before inquiring or booking a photo session, you should have a clear idea of how much you're looking to invest. Most photographers have a range of what they charge or the packages they offer, up on their website. Do your homework to determine if you can afford to work with certain photographers, that will save you time & disappointments, as you'll know right away if working with a particular photographer is just not possible for you.
2. Make sure they match your style
We all have different styles, and so do photographers. Do you like bright & airy? Dark & moody? Are you looking to have your photos captured in a more candid, natural way? Or are you more comfortable with having more guidance and posed portraits? These are all things to consider and you can usually get your answers to these while reviewing the photographers portfolio. Having a clear vision of the style you want will also help you make an informed decision and will allow you to have confidence in that the photographer you're choosing will deliver the images you actually want & need.
3. Check the photographer's specialty
Another big thing to consider is what's the photographer specialty. Do they specialize in maternity or family photography? If that's what you're looking for then you'd more than likely not choose a photographer who specializes in landscape photography, as that won't be helpful to you. Is their location specialty outdoors or Studio settings? That's also important to note. If your preference for your photoshoot is to have beautiful photos out in nature, then a studio photographer wouldn't be the choice for you. Find a photographer who specializes in the type of photoshoot you're looking for.
4. Don't be afraid to ask all the questions
You want to be clear that before you book your session all your questions are answered. As photographers you're paying us to provide you with a service. Part of that service is answering the questions or addressing any concerns you may have. Wheter it's packages, ideas, options, we'll discuss it all with you. So never be afraid to ask, we're more than happy to give you all the answers!
5. Communicate!
Let your photographer know exactly what your expectations are for your photoshoot. The best way for a photographer to bring your vision to life is to communicate with them. Bounce off ideas, explain clearly what you're looking for. The more you share the more you can make sure your expectations will be met. And if you don't know exactly what you're looking for, let them know that too.
6. Make sure overall they're a good fit
Some photographers can be very professional, but does their vibe & personality match yours? Choosing a photographer that matches your personality will help immensely to have your photoshoot run smoothly and without awkwardness. Cause let's be honest, having someone pointing a camera at you can get awkward. That's why you want to make sure the person you choose to work with can make you feel comfortable and help you enjoy the process. Check out their social media, is the way they express themselves something you can relate to?
Do you feel comfortable when communicating with them? Ask to set up a quick phone call if that would help you connect with them better.
All of these things are essential to ensure that you will have an enjoyable and even fun experience with your photographer and will make the memories you create even more meaningful when looking back at them.
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We hope these tips have helped you narrow down your search. And if you've chosen us to work with, give us a shout and let's connect!