Communication is key when choosing your photographer. You need to make sure you ‘gel well’ with each other and your photographer needs to understand exactly what you’re hoping to achieve.
Before you start to narrow down your options, it’s important to have a plan of action in mind so that you understand what your priorities are and what expectations you have. Once you know what they are it will be easier for your photographer to understand.
Choosing the right photographer will map out your experience. You can discuss the finer details together to ensure your photoshoot is enjoyable.
You may be feeling overwhelmed with the choice of photographers available to you. So where do you start?
Some photographers may specialise in certain areas of photography, ie newborn shoots, weddings, branding etc. Whereas others like ourselves cover all aspects of photography.
To help you narrow down your options, here are 5 things you should consider before choosing your photographer.
Budget
Money, something people don’t like to talk about! But, it’s going to play a big part in your decision-making process. Everyone will have different budgets to work with, you need to be mindful of what you can afford and be realistic, don’t be ripped off by people charging over the odds but don’t settle for cheap. Make sure you know what you are paying for and you know what’s included in your quote. Some photographers charge a session fee which seems a lot cheaper but you have to get a second mortgage to actually get the photos from them! You’re paying for a service which will be a memorable one, photography is worth investing in – but that doesn’t mean your photoshoot has to cost you the earth.
Style
Arguably the most important factor to take into consideration is a photographer’s style. When you chose a photographer, what are you hiring them for? Of course it’s about the end product, what your photos will look like, but it’s about the experience too!
Do you like the way they edit? Is the look you’re going for more natural or posed? Do you want black and white, or coloured images? Does their style match with the look and feel you want to create? Be it moody, business, light and airy, or romantic, the photographer should be on the same wavelength as you. You’re creating memories and the photos will be there to look back on, you don’t to be disappointed because the photographer’s style didn’t live up to the vision you had in mind.
Personality
You’ll be spending time with your photographer so you’re going to want to get along. Like any professional relationship, the comfortable rapport built between the people involved will remove tension that will allow the photoshoot to run as smoothly as possible.
Having a connection with your photographer will put you at ease – which will give you better results. You will feel more relaxed and that will be reflected in your photos. At Bourne Photographic Studios we like to ensure that you experience is as enjoyable as possible, we are laid back, friendly and approachable and we’re experts at putting you at ease!
If you can, arrange to call or meet the photographer to get a sense of their personality and whether or not you think their vibe is the right fit for you. Use this conversation to gauge how they might be if you chose to hire them.
Credibility
Do some research. It’s easy to get carried away with beautiful images but remember, you’re paying for a service and you want to make sure that the photographer you’re hiring is a credible professional that can do their job.
How can you do this?
See how long they’ve been in the business. Use word of mouth (or digital word of mouth) by looking at reviews and testimonials online. Look at the communication between yourself and the photographer. They should be approachable and present in a professional manner. If you feel like something isn’t quite right with the interaction, move on. Any credible photographer will be more than happy to answer any questions you have.
Take your time and look at the information available to you. There shouldn’t be any pressure.
Location and Logistics
To decide who to hire, you need to know where you want to have your photos taken. Is hiring someone local important to you, or are you happy to find a photographer further afield? (bearing in mind that this may include travel fees)
If you want someone that’s miles away from your preferred location then check to see if they are happy to travel. If not, it may be in your best interest to look for a photographer closer by.
If you are looking to have a shoot done in a studio setting, then someone that has the space to provide this setup will be the better option for you. At Bourne Photographic studios we have the space available for you to do this in our studio and we also offer the flexibility of choosing the location for your shoot.
Taking the time to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision will make the process stress-free. Ultimately, who you choose as your photographer should feel right. Follow your gut and you’ll just know.
Comments