8 Things To Know Before You Hire A Photographer
Hiring a photographer can be a challenging endeavor. I would like to give you 8 important things you should know before you decide to make the financial commitment. There are other factors to consider, but this quick reference will help you navigate the competitive market of photographers. Don’t hesitate to send them an email with your questions, especially if the answer wasn’t available on their website. All the photographers I know are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
What's their style of photography?
Matching their shooting style to your personal taste is important. You may be a fan of light and airy images, but the photographer shoots exclusively dark and moody images. Obviously, you will not be satisfied with the final images. This is why it’s important to look at their portfolio and make sure they are a good match for what you’re looking for.
Read their reviews!
Reviews are the inside track from clients that have sat where you’re considering. Reviews will tell you what it was like working with the photographer and provide you with simple and relevant guidance. A business card or a website can say a lot of things, but a review from an actual client expresses the true customer experience.
What's the pricing structure?
Price structure can be part of a sales and marketing strategy involving a product or service. Price structure often involves finding a price point to maximize sales or appeal to a target demographic group. Understanding how the photographer has structured their prices will save you a lot of time and money. Some Photographers charge a sitting fee (usually non-refundable) but will apply it towards the purchase of any prints or package you decide to purchase. It’s very important that you understand what you are paying for before you sign the contract. If you’re not certain, ask!
What's the payment structure?
Usually, photographers will accept cash, bank transfers (PayPal, Zelle), credit card and require a 50% retainer due before the shoot. The exact due date for the retainer and the balance is up to the photographer. Be certain that you understand the preferred method of payment, terms of payment, and the amount of the retainer the photographer will require before you book your session. Don’t assume anything, remember this is a business transaction.
Check a few albums or galleries.
When you look at their work, look for consistency. There should be a harmony throughout their images. Their style should easily be recognized across their body of work. This doesn’t mean every image is going to look identical, but the editing, lighting, color harmony, and composition should be consistent. If their work varies from one extreme to another, there’s no way of being certain of the style they’ll deliver to you.
Do they help with Posing?
Most seasoned photographers will have a set number of poses that they’ll be happy to coach you through during your session. The term “Coaching” is what most professional photographers use because it denotes giving guidance and a more relaxed process of capturing the most flattering images. Feel free to ask about their posing/coaching methodology before your shoot.
Do they have insurance?
Slips, trips, and falls can happen anywhere. It’s comforting to know as the client if an unexpected accident were to happen during your session, the photographer has insurance to cover any injury you may incur.
What's the image turnaround time?
Timing is everything and getting your final images in a timely manner will leave you shouting for joy. Make sure you understand their turnaround time and be certain to ask if there’s any compensation if your final images aren’t delivered as promised.
I hope this helps with the process. If you have any additional questions, feel free to send them to me and I’ll be happy to answer them for you.
Shawn
