Testing, Testing
You are an informed consumer and quite possibly a fantastic photographer yourself. This combination is a powerful one especially if you are looking to work with a professional photographer to capture the images you want. So to a certain degree you are the best judge for selecting the professional you’d like to work with. However, there are couple of “rules” – okay, let’s call them guidelines – you can follow to help you make the best choice.
First, as we discussed in our last session, all photographers will have at least one or two areas of expertise. You will likely not want to choose a photographer who works primarily in the area of architectural imagery to shoot your wedding, unless there is a compelling reason for doing so.
Additionally, photographers will have their own unique sense of style and way of shooting their subject matter. So you’ll want to research, interview, look at portfolios of at least three (3) to five (5) photographers before making a selection. This is not a hard and fast rule but one that can ensure that the individual or individuals you choose to work with match your unique style as well! You have to feel comfortable with this individual in their studio and possibly in your home or place of business. You don’t have to be best friends with the person you select to do your job but you do have to have rapport and trust. So ask any burning questions of them upfront.
This brings me to my next point. Someone once said in regards to purchasing a product or service: “You can cheap, fast or good. Pick two but can’t have all three.” This was the best advice I think I have ever heard. Ever pay less than 50% for something and think you got a good deal only to find that it wasn’t event worth the price you paid???? Yeah, in most instances, you definitely will get what you pay for. When hiring a professional photographer the same rules apply.
Now, that all being said, photographers will generally try to price their work and their time in line with other photographers providing the same service in their geographic area. So the price for a commercial advertising shoot in Albany, NY is going to be very different than for one done in Las Angeles or New York City. So bear this in mind. The photographer you choose should have a fair pricing structure, provided upfront and with services priced in line with other photographers in your area. Additionally, with most photographic services (bar Sears or Walmart or whatever), you may sign a contract with the photographer for work for hire. This will ensure that he or she delivers what they said they would and also protects the photographer in cases of having to collect for payment.
Finally, the photographer you select will be able to give an estimate as to how long your particular photo session will take. In the case of weddings, they will have packages for you to choose from ranging from 2 – 8 hours of time. If you have particular arrangements or scenes you’d like to be capture it is best to let them know before the day of the shoot and as part of the pre-shoot preparation. You and the photographer should discuss some of the following details as well prior to your shoot: date, time, location, attire (if applicable), any particular protocols associated with a particular venue (especially a place of worship or business), and how the pictures will be used (whether for personal or business purposes).
We have covered the essentials when it comes to choosing a professional photographer these last few weeks. I hope the topics has been helpful! If you have like what you’ve been reading please be sure to pass this blog along. The more educated and informed your friends are the happier you’ll be discussing things with them…So why not pass it on!!
Do you have a topic that you’d like to have explored here? Let me know. In the coming weeks we will continue to most more photographic insights and information. Next time, let’s discuss photographic equipment…how to choose the equipment that’s right for you.
Until next time CLiCK!
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