There are a lot of photographers out there. A LOT! The days of JcPenny Portraits, and Olan Mills have been eclipsed by the digital age, and the availability of "nice" cameras at an affordable price.
On any given day you can ask your facebook friends for a photographer and easily get 30 business names.
So how do you choose? Take a look at these 5 steps that can help you find YOUR perfect photographer.
This may seem obvious, but I assure you it's important to check where the photographer you are looking at is located. You may find yourself paying a travel fee if you are far outside of their area.
Also, having a photographer that is familiar with your area is a huge bonus. They will know some great locations that someone who isn't local won't be aware of, and they will rely on you to know the spot. As a photographer I know this can be difficult because I need to know where the sun dips in a location to tell you if it's a good spot, and that isn't information most clients will know.
EXTRA TIP: If your photographer doesn't seem interested in the time of day that the session is planned, or the location, you may be either looking at a novice photographer, or one that isn't well versed in outdoor shooting.
Every photographer has a different style of posing and editing. It's good to know the difference between them so you can decide which best suites you.
Portrait Posed
This style is used by most photographers. They will place their clients in the pose, and ask them to smile on cue.
+ You get a great view of everyone's face.
- You may end up with stiff and awkward smiles
Lifestyle
This style is focused on allowing the clients to move freely and the photographer captures the portraits organically.
+ Real smiles and connection
- No direction can make some clients feel nervous and uncomfortable.
Prompting
This style combines the first two. The photographer will pose their clients but then give them prompts to create that genuine interaction.
+ Best of both worlds
- The prompts could make shy people feel a little awkward.
If you aren't sure which your photographer focuses on you can ask them!
Editing
Moody
This style will keep your photos looking a little darker and less saturated. I like the old film look that it creates.
This photo was taken by Michelle Elyse Photography . I love her style and the connection in this photo.
Light and Airy
This style will keep your photos looking bright and clean! It reminds me of a pile of clean towels waving in the breeze outside.
This photo was taken by Suzi Bird.
Editorial Style
This style will keep your photos looking true to color. The colors are saturated, the photo isn't dark, or bright, it's just a good representation of what you saw the day you took your photos.
This photo was taken by Me! Here is more of my work to get a better idea of this style!
This really is a just a matter of visual preference, but also your interior design style. If you plan on hanging a wall gallery it would be great to match your photography style with that of your home.
There are many different types of photography sessions, and it's important to find someone who specializes in that type if at all possible.
I personally specialize in Connective Portraits. That means that sessions that involve family, couples or siblings are what I'm the best at. If you desire to capture the true connection you share with your loved ones, I'm your gal!
I do not however even try Newborn photography, because that takes some super magic skills that I do not have. Photographer Melissa Thornton at Quibby-Made Photography, for example, is amazing at her specialty of Newborn photography.
Branding photography is another one that is important to make sure the photographer specializes in that type. Personal branding is the modern way of marketing. It gives your client the ability to know you, without ever saying a word. Hands down I think Meagan Stone is the best there is in the Baton Rouge area.
Boudoir Photography has become very popular. This photographer has really outdone herself when it comes to quality and service! The Beauty of Boudoir, in my opinion, is the best to go to in our local area.
Wedding is another specialty and I am hoping to break into this myself soon, because there is no better connection than at a wedding - am I right?!
So take a look at your photographer's website, look at the portraits that you see, and read what the photographer says. It should be easy to spot which kind of photography you are looking at, if that's their specialty.
Along with the digital age of photography came the rise of shoot and burn. Shoot and burn is photography lingo for taking photos and placing the images on cds, usbs, or digital galleries for the clients to then print the images themselves, or just use on social media. It became THE thing to do as a photographer. It was no longer popular for photographers to use their professional labs to get prints to their clients.
Over time however, that trend is starting to shift. It became apparent that many people loved having their digital files, because it's nice to be able to use them on social media, but when it came time to print them it was overwhelming. The best intentions brought a lot of empty walls, lost usb drives, broken discs and expired galleries.
So there are photographers out there who put print first, and digitals second. Some don't sell digital images at all, some sell them separate from the session fee as stand alone items, and some sell them with the prints that are made from their studio. I know that just getting your digital images sounds like the easiest solution, but for many people, it really leads to more stress.
So check your photographer's services or ask them. Don't just expect that they give their digital images, or that they will print your photos, go in knowing exactly what you will receive.
Once you have done all of your research into your photographer, and have found out they are the right pick for you, it's time to see if their price is where you need it to be.
As much as I want to say, "if you love them, don't worry about price!", but I know the reality of my own situation. Many of you may have said to yourself, "that's the first thing I check for!" In which case I understand. But once you fall in love with "your" photographer, you may decide that they are worth saving for.
Keep in mind that you do get what you pay for. There is nothing wrong with going to a "cheap photographer" if you really just "need a couple good pictures." But you will be at their service, not the other way around. I can't remember a time that I went to burger king and got my 10 nuggets for a dollar, and they asked me if I was happy with them. But when I go to Juban's, they make sure I am satisfied with my meal. Same with photography. If you want magic to happen on a canvas, choose a photographer who charges for their years of experience, and their customer service.
So there you have it!! 5 steps to finding YOUR photographer!
If you have any questions feel free to reach out!
