5 Tips For Choosing The Right Photographer For Your Shoot
Here’s 5 important factors to consider before booking A Photographer
1. Type of shoot
Define what you’re looking for
Branding, E-comm, Lifestyle, Portrait, Maternity, Family, Wedding, Baby, Couple, Boudoir, Documentary, Interior, Product…there are MANY different types of photoshoots out there and most photographers won’t shoot everything. You want to work with someone who excels and loves what they shoot. Once you know what type of shoot you’re doing, you can narrow down your search for someone who offers those specific services.
2. SpeCIALIZATION
Choosing a photographer who specializes in your type of shoot
Often, a photographer who specializes in a niche really knows their stuff and can bring a high level of expertise and professionalism to your shoot. They work with individuals who have the same core goals as you all the time so they truly understand what you’re looking for, where the best spots are, how to prepare, and how to take you there! They should have a portfolio that exemplifies that.
3. Portfolio
Always review their portfolio of work
Once you’ve found what niche of photographer you should hire for the job, check out their portfolio to make sure you adore their work. Look at their editing style, the variety of shots, the types of environments they shoot in, and the light they use (do they shoot studio or natural light atmospheres), you want to get a sense of their style to see if it aligns with your aesthetic. Every photographer is unique in their own way so it’s important to thoroughly check ‘em out before inquiring.
4. The “it” factor
When you know you’ve found the one
So you’ve checked out who’s out there, and you like this person’s photography style, but do you vibe with their personality/branding as well? You want to work with someone you’d enjoy having coffee with, photography is intimate work, and finding someone who you think you’ll love spending some time with is also important. Do you see yourselves jamming together? You’re looking for that guttural, “love at first sight” (kinda) feeling from both their work and personal presence online.
5. Pricing & Availability
Inquire about their services
Photographers often share some sort of information about their services or process online, so after doing your work of checking out their website and contact info, send them a message introducing yourself. Include details about when and what (where is also nice if you can bring some ideas to the table) you’d like to do your shoot. You’ll want to do this step earlier rather than later as most professional photographers book their schedules in advance, and you also might need the time to prepare, find the perfect location or budget accordingly.
There is no “standard” price for photography services (other than it’s probably more expensive than you thought), and each photographer will also have their own process too. If you’re curious about why photographers charge what they do, check out my “Why is Photography So Expensive” blog here.
Here’s to hoping everything aligns for you in your quest for finding “the one”! You put a lot of commitment and work into your shoot, personal or business. Finding someone you trust and feel confident delivering your desired outcome is worth taking the time to carefully consider all of the above.
I also recommend checking out this blog “How to Plan for a Successful Photoshoot” while you’re preparing for your shoot.
Welcome!
I’m Ashley, a Toronto/Montreal Based Editorial Personal and Brand Photographer. Curious about services? Check out my ABOUT page here.