How To Choose The Right Photographer For You

Photography is an investment! Just Google “photographer near me” and you’ll be bombarded with literally hundreds of options. How do you find that perfect mix of budget, style, and reliability for you?

First, Decide What’s Most Important

What are your top priorities? There are so many variables, but let’s talk about a few of the most important.

Let’s be real… money is a thing. Even if we have a healthy budget, we all still want to get what we pay for. It might seem like a straight forward question – how much do you charge? – but there are actually a variety of photography pricing structures that will affect your final cost. Some photographers are all-inclusive, meaning you get all acceptable photos taken for one upfront price. This might seem like the most bang for your buck, and in a sense it is, but again, what is most important to you? Do you value quality over quantity? Many times, a photographer who limits the number of total images offered has more time for attention to detail in editing, posing, and your overall experience. This is why some photographers choose to go with a limited number of included images along with ala carte pricing for additional. You are not looking for a photographer whose prices don’t allow them to offer well-planned, quality work. Might that mean saving up for your ideal photographer? It might! Will it be worth it for photos you’ll love forever? Absolutely!

On to style! Once you’ve decided on a budget, this is where you’ll really spend your time. Have you ever attended an art class where the instructor has a painting for the class to try to replicate? I have! A good part of the fun was looking around and seeing how different each student’s interpretation was. No two were alike, and that’s just what you would hope for! Photography is similar. Each photographer brings their unique experience and personality, and that alchemy of YOU mixed with THEM is one-of-a-kind. Did you know that photographers can spend years perfecting their style? It’s true! The lighting, posing, and editing are all chosen with that style in mind. You wouldn’t go to Picasso and ask him to paint like Monet. So choose a style you love first, and then find a photographer whose work reflects that style, not the other way around.

Factors That Raise Your Trust Level

Especially if you’ve saved your pennies for a particular photographer whose work you love, you need reassurance that they are trustworthy. Here are a few things to look for.

How did you find them? Word of mouth is my favorite, because at least one person, preferably someone you already know and trust, has had a positive experience. You can tell a lot from Google as well. Do they have a Google business page with positive reviews? Do they have a professional looking website? I’ll let you in on a pet peeve of mine… when posting on social media, do they exclusively use their own work? This seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many photographers advertise using “inspiration photos” from other photographers, usually ones who have no idea their work is being used for someone else’s marketing. On both their website and socials, your ideal photographer should have a deep enough portfolio for you to get a good grasp of their style and consistency in various settings, so you know what to expect from your own photos.

Another must is contracts. So boring, right? Not really! A contract shows that your photographer takes her responsibility to you and to her work seriously. A contract is there to protect both of you by spelling out ahead of time what expectations are on both sides. Any misalignment of these expectations can be worked out ahead of time, ensuring a positive experience for both parties.

Happy Photographer Hunting!

Just like in love, there’s a photographer for everyone, and I hope this helps you find YOUR photographer. Feel free to reach out if I can answer any questions to see if we’re a match!