So you’ve decided to hire a professional photographer - or maybe you’re just thinking about it. (If you’re unsure, check out my previous post on 8 Reasons to Hire a Professional Photographer). There’s just one problem.
There’s a whole lot of options.
You’re feeling overwhelmed by choice. Do you shop based on budget? Do you shop based on website design? How do you assess the reputation of a photographer?
Sometimes, the questions will buzz in your brain and make you want to stop looking - don’t.
Here’s the process I recommend for choosing the ideal professional for you.
Step 1: Identify your needs
What exactly do you need? Is it portraiture? Do you need product images for your business? Maybe you need wedding or engagement photographs.
Figure out what you really want. Then, search for a photographer who advertises a specialty in that area. Start a list with their websites and social media.
While most professionals CAN shoot other genres - they may not be as experienced or as passionate about those genres. You wouldn’t expect a master sushi chef to prepare a grilled steak, likewise find someone who specializes in what you NEED and WANT.
Step 2: Think about image style
Image style? I hear you ask.
Yes. Think about the images you want made like an artist.
Maybe you want light, airy, bright images…
A beautiful young woman posing in the outdoors. The soft light combined with the slight over exposure give the image a light mood that feels open.
Or perhaps you’re interested in something more dark, brooding, and moody.
A self portrait, in a brooding and moody style. Also just a touch crazy with the direct eye-to-lens contact.
Maybe a more neutral style is what you’re wanting, something timeless (which I specialize in).
Here we see an image that is neither very bright, nor very dark, but is neutral in mood and has natural (yet vibrant colors) - which is also my specialty.
From your pool of photographers in step one, look through their portfolios and see what they can do. Check out their presence on sites like Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. See what they’re uploading and see if you can imagine yourself in those kinds of shots. Is it the look your after? Do they present other looks? If so, they may be willing and able to be flexible for you. If not, then you may want to pass on them unless they’re in your preferred style.
While most photographers can and will alter their style on demand, some of us prefer to shoot in one style for a majority of the time - so this represents the bulk of their work.
That being said, I personally, can and will give you whatever style you want. My default though, is neutral mood with clean, natural, and vibrant colors. I like the timeless look.
Your goal in this step - should simply be to narrow your list down to a reasonable number of preliminary candidates to contact. The hard number on that list is really up to you - how much time are you willing to spend on your research?
Step 3: First Contact
You’ve narrowed down your list to a handful of hopefuls. Now is the hard step, to actually reach out.
Check out their sites, see how they like to do business. Maybe they’re very responsive on Facebook, or perhaps e-mail works best. Each of us has our own preferred method.
Here at CFP, I like to sit down face-to-face with a prospective client so they can review my portfolio, my location look books and we can chat about what they want, what they need, and everything else involved. I’m a relaxed guy, and so I don’t up-sell, I don’t get pushy. I let you lead the way. That doesn’t mean I’m not flexible, but I know how I prefer to conduct myself as a professional.
The key with this step, is to get a feel for the personality of your prospective photographers, and also scope out some of the early details. Things you should discuss with a photographer at this first contact are:
What you are looking for.
The style of the images you want.
The number of final images you want.
Your Budget
I know what you’re thinking, “Contacting a bunch of photographers is a lot of time.”
Yes, yes it is.
Think of it this way though, you’re investing in a new relationship. You’re making a connection with someone who will give you exactly what you like, and capture your memories for the rest of your life.
It’s like hiring a personal trainer, or a personal chef, or a nanny. Is it worth the time investment to you, to find a person who you can work with over the years to come, and who always delivers EXACTLY what you want? Only you can answer that. I’d think it is though, since you’re reading this blog…
While you’re talking to them, look out for your personal red flags. If you find yourself becoming uncomfortable, don’t ghost them, just politely explain that you don’t think they’re the ideal photographer for you and unless they’re a real jerk they will back off. Remember, we do this to help provide for our families, so when you know the relationship won’t work it’s best for everyone to break it off clearly. Your goal here is to narrow your options to two or three people.
4. Getting all the details
Okay, you’ve narrowed down your preliminaries and you’ve got two or three final candidates. Time to really dig into the process.
Here’s where you ask the big questions:
What’s their timeline to delivery? (e.g. at CFP I promise returns within 2 weeks of your event/shoot).
What form do they deliver in?
Do they charge you for prints, or do you get digital copies with a release?
What’s their image backup policy, in case something happens to your copies, can you get new ones? For example, here at CFP I hold onto your images for you for up to a year (and usually longer).
Do they do their own editing, or do they send it out? Do they up-charge for basic edits? (i.e. is getting anything other than images as shot extra?) This is a red flag for me, as someone who charges extra for basic editing (I don’t mean a heavy photo-manipulation, but just exposure, color, sharpening, etc.) means either they’re awful at post-process, or they have trouble getting it right in camera.
In short, you are trying to get the details of how they do business. You want someone who will give you what you want, but also give it to you in a timely fashion, and won’t nickel and dime you to death.
5. Make your final selection
So you’ve done it. You’ve found the perfect photographer who you get along with, shoots exactly what you’re after, in the style you like, and fits your budget. GREAT!
Time to let them know - You’ll make their day.
At this point, the process is a concert between the two of you. You’ll have to find a time and place that works for you both. But soon, you’ll have images that are exactly what you wanted them to be, and memories that can be treasured for a lifetime.
If you think I’m the photographer for you - then let me know right away! If it turns out I’m not really the best fit for you I will personally help you find the one who is. For me, it’s all about making people happy.