What To Know Before Hiring A Photographer
KNOW THE PHOTOGRAPHERS SPECIALTY
You might think all photographers are created equal. This is not true.
This is the most important thing to ask!
A lot of photographers that are new to the industry and try to do it all.
It is hard to perfect one area of your craft when you are trying to do it all. Newborns for example are extremely hard to wrap and pose.
It takes time too perfect these poses and to learn all the different ways to wrap.
Not to mention that it takes a special skill to handle newborns and to learn all the tricks for getting them to sleep.
ASK FOR SOME RECOMMENDATIONS
Hiring a professional photographer is an investment.
You want a photographer that will make the experience enjoyable for everyone.
Long gone are the days of awkward posing at JC Penny's that the entire family hates!
KNOW THE PHOTOGRAPHERS STYLE
Some photographers have a light an airy style while others may have a dark and moody style.
Some are more creative and fine art while others are more casual and relaxed.
Check out their website to see if you like their style.
What do you like about the photos?
Are they simple and classic, match your clothes to the styles of what is shown.
If you are unsure about the photographers style then you probably shouldn't hire them.
Some photographers haven't found their style yet and are still trying to figure it out.
Another common mistake in the industry is photographers who change their style to match the clients.
You might see this as a benefit but it is not.
If your style doesn't match theirs then the end result might not be what you were hoping for.
EXPERIENCE
There are many things to think about when you are taking photographs.
Is everyone's hair in place, any bra straps showing, is baby looking at the camera, what is the best lighting, what is the best aperture/shutter speed/ISO for the scene, what is going on in the background, how to pose everyone to show connection and make you look your best, etc...
These things take time to perfect!
This is especially important for weddings, newborns or anything that is hard/impossible to redo.
ASK TO SEE A BEFORE AND AFTER
You want a photographer that is capable of getting a good photograph without a lot of editing.
Photoshop is a skill of its own and can really enhance a great photograph, but you want to make sure that they have the technical skills to produce a quality photograph, without a lot of editing.
A skilled photographer will have no problem showing you a before and after.
DO THEY LISTEN TO YOU?
Pay attention to questions they ask you. Do they care about what you want?