Hello there! Thanks for stopping by the blog!
Sometimes it is hard to find a photographer. There are so many out there and it can make it hard to choose the right one for you and your situation. I want to help you look into some areas that will help you decide on the best photographer for you.
We will be looking into the specialty of the photographer, full-service vs shoot and burn, quality, budget, personality and comfort and supporting friends and family.
1. Photographer's specialty
Most photographers specialize in a certain area of photography that they love and do really well. When looking for a photographer, make sure they have experience in the specialty you will be asking for. Specialties may include family portraits, children's portraits, newborn portraits, fine art portraits, wedding portraits, etc. If you are looking for a newborn photographer, you probably are not going to be looking at a wedding photographer.
However, some photographers can photograph multiple specialties. For example a newborn photographer can also do a wonderful job with children and family portraits. If you love the photographer, ask if they also photograph the specialty you want to hire a photographer for.
Some photographers only photograph in studio or outside on location. You will need to consider what you want for your portraits.
2. Full- service vs shoot and burn photographer
Do you expect to be provided a great service? A full-service photographer will provide a great service. They help you through every part of the process. It is a very stress free experience. You will be served very well if you decide to see a full-service photographer.
A shoot and burn photographer can be a great experience too. However, they do not provide the luxury of helping you through everything. They are called shoot and burn photographers because they take your portraits and send you away with the digital images to do with as you please.
Each option has positive and negatives. With a full-service photographer you will have a luxury and stress-free experience. You do pay for the luxury experience and quality, so you should expect to spend more with this type of photographer.
A shoot and burn photographer is typically (not always) more budget friendly. However, you will be in charge of making the decisions for the session with little or no help from the photographer. You will also have to print your own portraits after you get the digital files. Please print! Digital files are not archivable. That means they do not last forever, they lose data all the time. Please don't lose your precious memories.
3. Quality
There are photographers everywhere. When you hire a photographer, you need to decide how important the quality of the portraits and products are to you. Just like anything else the higher the quality, the higher the prices can be. If quality is not that big of a deal to you, then this part will be easy for you.
If you are on a tight budget, quality that you love may be hard to find. You want to be happy with the money you do spend; so take your time researching and looking through the work of photographers that are in your budget.
You can always save money to hire the photographer with the quality of photography you love. If you need to save money to be happy with your portraits, then take the time to save.
4. Budget
This is usually the first thing you look at when trying to find a photographer. What can you spend on a sessions fee? What can you spend to buy prints and wall art? Can you afford the luxury of a full-service photographer or do need to find a cheaper option?
Decide what is more important to you. If you go the cheap route and are not satisfied with your portraits; did you actually save money? Trust me I know this all to well. I went the cheap route on my wedding photos and I wish I hadn't!
If you want the luxury experience and better quality portraits, then save for it. Most people do not know this; photographers do offer payment plans! So take the time to see if the photographer you love offers payment plans.
5. Personality and Comfort
Do you and the photographer get along well? Are you comfortable around him or her?
Personalities that go well together and your comfort level with the photographer are very important. A photographer that makes you feel confident and at ease is so important for great portraits. This is especially important for children.
Some photographers offer consultations so you can meet them and get to know each other. It is a great way to see if you and/or your children will work well with them. Ask a photographer you are considering hiring, if they would meet for a consultation. A full-service photographer will always do this with their sessions. Shoot and burn photographers may not be able to provide this service.
6. Support a Friend or Family Member
I know people in my circle who have businesses, and when I can I buy from them, I do. They depend on our support. If you can afford to go to a friend for your photography needs please do! We are creatives after all and being so, we are emotional beings lol. We can get hurt when we see you go to other photographers.
It can be very tricky to navigate friendship and business. If they are not the photographer that can provide the service and quality you desire then you should go to someone else. Please do not ask for a discount from your friends. If you value their friendship and their happiness you should pay full price for their services.
Finding a photographer can be hard. Take into consideration the items I have discussed. They can make it easier for you to pick the right one for you.
I hope this was helpful for you.
If you have any questions about a full-service photography experience please ask! I would love to help you!
Fall sessions are now being booked! It is the most popular time of the year for portraits. Have you scheduled yours yet?
Have a fantastic day!
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