How to Find Your Perfect Photographer
Finding the right photographer for you can be difficult. There are so many photographers to choose from and it can be intimidating to know where to start. Whether you are looking for someone to capture your wedding, help you welcome a new family addition, celebrate a graduation, or simply need some portraits done for a job, there are many factors that can set apart a professional from an amature photographer and help you find your perfect fit.
Style & Specialization
Finding the perfect photographer is like finding a creative soulmate. The key is to prioritize style! Maybe you know what your favorite photography style is, or maybe you have no clue! Either way, take some time to explore everything the photography world has to offer.
Start by browsing portfolios and social media to discover photographers whose work resonates with you. Ask yourself these questions along the way:
Does their work make you feel anything?
The first test of a photographer’s work is if it touches your emotions. Maybe their photos are touchingly intimate. Or maybe their joy is leaping off the screen making you feel like the subjects are having the time of their life! Did you gasp when you saw a certain photo?
You gut reaction to a photographer’s work is usually there for a reason, so make sure to listen to it and identify it.
Are you gravitating toward a certain photography style?
Do you find yourself drawn toward light and airy photos or dramatic, moody tones? Are you drawn to natural, candid moments or posed, editorial looks? If you aren’t sure what styles are out there or what you like, one great place to start is to hop onto Instagram or Pinterest and start searching photo styles like “light and airy photography” or “dark and moody photography.” Once you identify styles you love, delve deeper.
Insider tip: Most photographers will describe their photography style in their social media bios or on their website. This can be a great place to start getting an idea of what to expect with their work!
Are you happy with their body of work?
Before you commit to a photographer, make sure to look past their social media. Check out full wedding galleries or family session examples to ensure consistency throughout their work. This way, you'll enter the shoot confident that the final images will reflect your vision and personal aesthetic.
Expertise vs. Enthusiasm
There are lots of photographers out there...but how do you find someone who is a true expert?
An expert photographer transcends the act of simply pressing a button. Photography can be a fun hobby to pick up and there are a lot of photography enthusiasts who may be testing the professional photography waters. What are some things that set an expert apart from someone who is just enthusiastic about photography?
A professional didn’t go out yesterday, (or even this year), and buy any-old camera and lens, then start shooting. They possess a deep understanding of professional equipment and technical aspects like exposure, aperture, and shutter speed, wielding them like tools to achieve their desired effect.
They will have developed an eye for composition using strategic posing and placement of elements. They understand lighting, manipulating natural or artificial light sources to create atmosphere and enhance their subject.
Finally, an expert photographer is a master of post-processing, subtly refining their images to bring out their full potential. This combination of technical prowess, artistic vision, and post-production mastery allows them to consistently produce captivating photographs that tell a story or evoke an emotion.
Here’s some equipment you can expect a professional to have in their kit:
A full-frame camera with dual card slots
Full-frame cameras employ image sensors that can record the most information in your image with no cropping occurring inside the camera.
Dual card slots are a critical way to ensure your photos are backed up by saving every image to two memory cards simultaneously. This can be a lifesaver if something were to happen to one of the memory cards on a shoot.
Professional lenses
Look for a photographer who has multiple lenses ready to use. This can include a combination of prime lenses, telephoto lenses, or wide-angle/macro lenses.
Typically, your photographer should have at least one lens with a wide aperture of 2.8 or less. This will allow them to capture crips, well-exposed images even in low-light situations while still producing beautiful, creamy backgrounds.
Flash equipment
For events which take place after dark, it is important that your photographer has an on-camera flash. They may also come with external flash systems that they can set up, adding more light to the images.
Connection & Communication
Building a connection with your photographer goes beyond booking the shoot.
It's about fostering open communication and establishing a sense of trust.
Don't be afraid to ask questions – understanding their process will ease any anxieties. Likewise, share details about yourself and what you hope to capture during the shoot. This personal touch allows them to personalize the experience and tailor their approach to draw out your most natural self.
Do you feel comfortable chatting with this photographer? Do you trust them to capture your intimate moments and put you at ease? Ultimately, a strong photographer-client connection leads to a relaxed and enjoyable shoot, which will shine through in the final, authentic images.
Consultation is Key
Every photographer will have consultation process where they can walk you through their processes and ensure that they are the right fit for you. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions and take notes on their answers. To help you out, I wanted to give you some questions to start out with along with some questions you may want to consider:
Consultation Questions
How would you describe your photography?
What is your creative process?
Can you break down your pricing for me?
What equipment will you be using?
Do you have any add-on services or customizations you think would be right for me?
What should I expect for image delivery timeline?
Questions to Consider
Are there any concerns you have for your images? Where will your eyes go first when you look at yourself in your photos?
Maybe you want them to watch out for flyaway hairs, or you like a particular angle of your face. Is there a special detail of your outfits that you want captured a specific way? Sharing your priorities and concerns helps prepare the photographer to be your advocate and ensure you look the way you want to look in your final images!
Does the location of your shoot have any special significance? How did you choose it?
This question is a great opportunity for a photographer to understand more about you and what your vision for your photos is. If you have a special request for something to be in your photos, this is important for your photographer to know so they can make a plan for capturing that element.
Are there any special considerations or accommodations you would like me to know about?
Accommodations are easy to incorporate. Whether it is simply a fussy baby/young child, a grandparent with mobility concerns, or any other accommodation, you should always feel free to advocate for the needs of your family and friends who will be in your images with you. Your photographer should be able to adjust their photo plans easily to create the best experience possible.
These questions and more are simply the beginning to help you start open and honest communication with your photographer and help you feel as prepared as possible. While there are many more questions that may come up, I hope this information gives you a solid foundation to feel confident in choosing the right photographer for you.