How to choose the right photographer for you.

If you are anything like me, a busy woman with a lot on her plate, you’ve made this mistake countless times. To get something done efficiently, you hired someone without doing much research. Maybe you have a referral or you chose the first Google result. Somehow things just don’t end up the way you want. You are left feeling frustrated.

Finding the right person is never as simple as it seems. While I can’t help in all areas of your life, hopefully, these guidelines will help you understand what to think about when choosing a photographer.

There are quite a few photographers out there, which is incredible! That means you can find the person that is right for you. The countless options available to you don’t have to be overwhelming. To choose the right photographer, ask yourself these questions:

• What type of photos do I want? – Ex. Family, branding, wedding, etc.
• What style of photography do I like? – Ex. Dark, bright, dramatic, fun.
• What personality do you like to work with? – Ex. Fun, extroverted, introverted, serious, etc.
• What do I expect to get from this session? – Ex. Prints, digital gallery, social media, a certain number of images, etc.

 

Type

Think about what and whom you want to capture. Then search for that type on Instagram, Google, or ask for a referral from friends. I recommend searching by hashtags on Instagram with your area and type. For example, if you are looking for a branding photographer in San Francisco, try #brandingphotographersf or #brandingphotographerbayarea to find some options. 

Once you have some options, I recommend checking their online portfolios to make sure you see the types of photos you want there. If you are looking for lifestyle family photos, do you see candid portraits outside or in a home on their Instagram/website?

Style

Pay attention to the types of photos you like. Are they dark, dramatic? Are they bright and fun? Are they black and white? Once you have a sense of the style you want, look for photographers that match that style. For example, if you love bright and airy photos, check their portfolio for a more natural look and bright settings. If you want serious and traditional photographs, make sure you see that type of work in their portfolio. This will save you a lot of headaches when you see the end result.

Personality

This is a tough one, but definitely not something to overlook. Think about the people that make you the most comfortable. Are they extroverted or introverted? Do they make more jokes? Do they make you feel like they have everything under control? Your comfort during a portrait session is essential to how they turn out. If you choose someone that you don’t mesh well with, it’s possible you may not get the result you want. The best way to understand if someone is the right personality fit is to look at the reviews on their site, schedule a first call with them and see how you feel after.

Value

We all bring different expectations and needs to the table. It’s what makes us human! These also can be the things we forget about when making a purchase. Think about what yours are, look for someone that fits them and then ask the important questions to clarify if it’s really a fit. Do you expect to have unlimited calls and emails with your photographer during the planning phase? Do you expect them to help you choose outfits or to be a source of confidence in the process? Look for this in their services. Ask them these questions before booking.

Bringing it all Together

This is a quick way to narrow things down and find what you need. Once you finish this exercise you will feel more confident when choosing a photographer. Happy searching and reach out if you have more questions!