Finding the right photographer can be super overwhelming. So many questions run through your head:
How many photos do I need? Where am I going to put my photos?
How much is this going to cost me? What do we wear?
How could anyone get a toddler and a newborn in the same shot?
As a mom myself, I can totally empathize with the stress you might go through when looking for the right photographer. That is why I have come up with a short list of tips that have helped my clients create an amazing photography session.
1. Find your own style.
This is probably the hardest part. Like most of us, you are probably a mix of many different styles. From my experience, the best way to find YOUR style is to look at the clothes in your closet, as well as the furniture throughout your house.
- Are you attracted to traditional or contemporary pieces?
- Do you like symmetry or eclectic arrangements?
- Bright colors or muted?
- Rustic or modern?
Use your home to come up with 3 words that define your style best. Have those words handy when looking up photographers.
A photographer’s style should closely match your own personal style, making your images the perfect accessory for your home.
2. Know your budget.
Yeah a budget can be a bummer, but knowing your budget will allow you to walk away from your photography experience feeling like you won the lottery instead of like you lost the farm.
With that said, let’s be real. If you are looking at a legitimate professional business…a business that pays taxes, insurance, professional memberships, and has vast experience in the field of photography...it is not going to be cheap.
There are major expenses to running a business!
No
matter how passionate a person is about photography, they will still
have bills to pay. So please keep a realistic expectation.
While there is a photographer for literally every budget, don’t ever settle for something you are not in love with.
Sit down with your photographer. Ask about fees, prices of prints, payment plans and budget, budget, budget! If you need a payment plan option, ask! Most professional photographers are happy to work with you to make all your dreams come true.
3. Check out referrals.
Definitely ask around! Your friends and family, your co-workers, even your hair dresser. Write down all of their recommendations, and google them all. Read online reviews, website testimonials, and even ask photographers for referrals to past clients.
Do your research!
4. Interview & Ask questions.
Never hire a photographer just because they make pretty pictures. Creating beautiful art should always be a factor, but so should the photographers personality. You need to meet them, talk with them, and ask them questions before you book them.
Many a client has come to me saying "my photographer took nice photos, but...." Customer service matters, and you deserve to feel special during your session.
Now, I could list here a hundred questions you should ask, however they won’t be YOUR questions.
So, here are the basics….
1.) Are they licensed and insured? (aka: a legit business)
2.) How much professional experience do they have?
3.) Do their prices seem reasonable for their level of experience?
4.) How is their communication style compared to your own?
Those are the bare bone basics, and you should have several more that are unique to your situation.
My best advice...trust your gut!
5. Relax & Have Fun!
Congratulations! You have chosen a photographer and have booked a session with them. Woo Hoo!
While
you may have some worries on whether your kiddos will participate
during the session, trust your photographer knows what they are doing.
After all, you picked an experienced professional, right?!
So sit back, relax and enjoy your photo session.
Be in the moment and have fun!
