What to Consider When Looking for Your Photographer
As a parent, you know how quickly time flies and how important it is to capture precious moments with your family. Whether it's a milestone birthday, a family vacation, or a simple weekend outing, hiring a professional photographer can help you preserve those memories for a lifetime. But with so many photographers out there, how do you find the perfect one for your family and budget? Here are some things to consider when booking a photographer:
1. Style: Take a look at the photographer's portfolio to see if their style aligns with what you envision for your family photos. Some photographers specialize in candid, natural shots while others prefer posed, formal shots. Make sure you choose a photographer whose style resonates with you. Every photographer has their style, so instead of asking your photographer to mimic a portrait you saw online, let them use that as inspiration instead and create something special and unique for you with that idea in mind. If the photographer’s style is dark and dramatic, and you want light and airy, then that photographer isn’t going to be a very good fit for you. Make sure their style matches the aesthetic of your home so that your portraits can accent your design and style.
2. Experience: While there are many talented emerging photographers out there, it's important to consider the experience level of your photographer. Experienced photographers will have a better understanding of lighting, composition, and other technical aspects that can make a big difference in the final product. You also need to take into account the experience that they have, for example, a senior photographer isn't going to be the best at newborn photography. And an outdoor photographer isn’t going to be the best at studio photography. When looking at their work, make sure the style is steady throughout all their pictures. Check out their social media, if their recent shoots or sessions don’t match up with their website, quality-wise, grab the best image from their site and do a google image search to make sure that image does represent their work.
3. Reviews and Recommendations: Look for reviews and recommendations from previous clients to get an idea of the photographer's professionalism, reliability, and quality of work. You can also ask friends and family for referrals. Check out their Google reviews, but we recommend going to Yelp for the photographer’s reviews. At Yelp the reviews are vetted and ensure that the review is coming from a consumer that has used that person before. Sometimes Google reviews can be tarnished with paid reviews, so make sure that the reviews you base your decision on aren’t a bot, or even a family member to ensure that you are getting a good look at the service you are preparing to invest in.
4. Pricing: Of course, pricing is an important factor to consider when choosing a photographer. However, it's important to remember that quality photography is an investment. Many photographers offer packages that include a set number of hours, prints, and/or digital images. Be sure to compare prices and packages from several photographers to find one that fits your budget and needs. If you have questions about pricing, call the photographer that you are interested in and ask exactly how much their products and services cost. If you feel that the photographer you want is overpriced, please take into account that every photographer puts different extras in their portrait experience and has different experience levels and different overheads that have to be reached to continue their business. If the photographer is outside of your budget, it’s completely okay, it’s not personal, there are other photographers out there that will be in your price range and will work with you!!
5. Personality: Finally, consider the photographer's personality. You want someone who is personable, easy to work with, and who makes you and your family feel comfortable in front of the camera. A good photographer should listen to your needs and preferences and offer suggestions to help you capture the best possible photos. When you find the perfect photographer for your family, be sure to communicate your expectations and vision for the photoshoot. With the right photographer, you can create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
Matt Wolcott
Owner/Photographer
Matt & Shea Photography
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Matt has been a professional portrait photographer for 21 years accumulating multiple awards, both local and international. His daughter and he run and operate their studio out of Chattanooga, TN, and travel all across the nation for both photoshoots and education. For information on booking Matt & Shea for a Session or a speaking engagement, please feel free to fill out the form below or click the buttons to text or call the studio for more information.