So, you are considering, or you have decided to hire a photographer, but now what, which photographer do you choose? As with many other markets, the photographer market is saturated and leaves so many options to choose from, but how do you choose the right one? There are multiple factors that need to be considered and evaluated, such as the type/purpose of the shoot, the budget, portfolio options, and connection. We will explore each further in an attempt to better understand the options and ultimately, help you in making an informed decision to better meet your needs when hiring a photographer.
First and foremost, what is the type of the shoot or the purpose of the shoot? Is it to document a special event, or just to capture and preserve moments in time so the memories can be revisited at a later date? Or maybe the purpose of the shoot is to document or convey information? What is the story to be told and what is its impact, how will it be used, and where will it be used? Regardless of the type of the shoot, any of its details, and its subsequent image use, you still need to hire the right photographer for the shoot. You need to hire the photographer that has the skill set to meet your needs. Further thought needs to be given to the type of images that you want to receive after the shoot. Do you want prints, digital images, or a combination of both? Not all photographers offer digital images, and when they do, there typically are restrictions on use and specifically, sharing. Obviously, and especially if the shoot is for an important event, such as a proposal, wedding or other event that needs to be captured as right as possible because there are no do overs; these decisions can become critical. They need to be fully evaluated in your final selection with choosing the right photographer.
Secondly, and seemingly one of the most important factors, deals with the budget for the shoot. What can you afford? Many times, that question is not as simple as it sounds. Many times, it is not about which photographer is the cheapest, but rather who offers the best value, who can provide the best overall experience, who can best meet your needs, and which photographer has the means, ability, and skill set to do the shoot that you are looking for. So cheapest is not really the best, and like anything else, you really do get what you pay for. Unfortunately, photography is not “I own a camera, and therefore, I am a photographer”. It is much more complicated than that because not only does it mean the expense of all of the professional equipment that the photographer uses, but there are also many hours, and much time spent in learning and perfecting the craft. From learning how to use the equipment, and knowing which tools are needed in a given situation, to having as much of a mastery in post-processing and editing as possible, it is a never-ending education because technology never stops changing. There is also the cost of just doing business that plays into the cost of the photography, things such as studios, gear, software, insurance, websites and advertising, just to name a few. How much a photographer is willing and able to spend with regards to the service they provide directly determines the cost of them doing business and therefore, how much they charge for their services. Thus, when considering budget, it is best not to just look at the bottom line when choosing a photographer but rather explore who provides the best options within your budget, and where possible, base the budget on your needs and the experience that you want. Decide which photographer offers the best value that meets your needs.
Third, a photographer’s portfolio needs to be researched and reviewed so you can understand their style in their work. Not all photographers are the same. Sure, they are all photographers, but the work and style of the work can be vastly different. Photographers also typically have genres that they work in and specialize in that determine the type of gear that they have/use. Some photographers are natural light photographers, and they use whatever natural, ambient, light that is available, while some photographers use flash/strobes in their work, and some use both. Lighting greatly impacts the style of work and can also define the success of the image. Editing styles and post-processing also influence a photographer’s style. Monochromatic, light and airy, HDR, saturated, and high contrast are all different editing styles and each effect the appearance of the image. Post-processing includes things like color balance, exposure, brightness/darkness, color, etc., that allow the photographer to further alter aspects of the image. It is not important for you to understand the details of photography; you just need to understand that many elements enable the photographer to create their own style in their images. By reviewing their portfolio, it allows you to decide if their style compliments your style and exactly what you are looking for with the images that you need to have created/captured.
Lastly, the aspect of connection needs to be discussed. Why is connection with the prospective photographer important? Because like anything else, personality matters. It is important to have a sense of connection and to build a rapport with your photographer because it will influence the photographer’s ability to capture more meaningful images and memories. If the photographer and client establish the connection, not only does it create a better experience, but it also allows the photographer to capture people with more emotion and intimacy, that again, convey and tell a better story about the subject being captured. Connection can also help people relax more in portrait or headshot shoots. Thus, a connection with your photographer becomes another key component to creating strong images.
Therefore, and in summary, choosing the right photographer for your needs of your photo shoot, should be based on the factors discussed in this blog, and not just the photographer’s bottom line. You can hire someone for cheap, but if the images do not meet your needs, they have no value. It is ultimately a waste of your time and your money. When images are created, they need to meet a client’s needs, and with an understanding of these factors, you can choose the right photographer to capture the moment, preserve the memory, to tell the story to be told, and/or convey the information that needs to be conveyed in a way that yields the best overall experience and value to you. Taking the time to explore and research these factors will give you the means to choose the right photographer for your shoot.