Finding the RIGHT photographer in Las Vegas or anywhere in the world.
10 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Photographer
When hiring a professional photographer, you want the final results to be perfect. After all, these are the memories that will be forever frozen in time, images that represent a moment in the life of your child, family, or loved one.
Choosing the perfect photographer ensures the finished product is exactly what you had in mind. Here are ten tips to help you select the best person for the job.
- Do your research. If your method for finding the most talented photographer in your area is to type “photographer” into Google and hope for the best, you’re likely going to be disappointed. Ask your friends and family for recommendations, scour websites, and find reviews. The more photographers you compare, the better chance you’ll have of finding a gem.
- Hire a true professional. We all know someone who “takes photos.” But taking great pictures on vacation and actually understanding how to set up a great shot, engage with clients, provide perfect lighting, and edit the photos is a skill that requires training and experience. Don’t just hire someone who thinks they are a photographer: hire a professional photographer who has an established track record.
- Check credentials. Along the same lines, check the photographer’s background, credentials, education, and experience. Everyone has to start somewhere, but for the best results, it’s important to have someone with experience in the field. Ask if the perspective photographer has education in art, photography, or photo editing as this can make a huge difference in the quality of the finished product.
- Read reviews and talk to former clients. If you can find reviews online, be sure the read through them thoroughly. You may also consider contacting former clients if they are available to ask about the experience. Satisfied clients will be able to tell you exactly what they liked about working with the photographer, giving you insight into her creative process. You can learn a lot about a professional photographer from talking to former customers.
- Find someone whose style you love. Visit the photographer’s website and social media pages and scour her portfolio. Does the photography style match your vision for your family portraits or newborn photos? If the style is completely different than your own, you’re not going to be pleased with the results. Make sure you pick a photographer whose photos you think are absolutely stunning: that way, you’re more likely to love your photos as well.
- Interview the photographer and test your comfort level. Once you’ve narrowed down your search to a few prospects, ask for an interview. You should be able to communicate freely and easily with your photographer, so speaking to candidates in person or over the phone will give you a feel for how your personalities mix. If you’re comfortable chatting over the phone, you’re more likely to be completely at ease during the shoot. Be sure the photographer is relaxed with you as well: explain what kind of photos you would like and be sure the photographer is comfortable with kids and babies if they’ll be in the shots.
- Focus on the photographer’s specialty. Just like other professions, photographers tend to specialize in one or two areas of photography: weddings, maternity, newborns, families, portraits, landscapes, nature, etc. Wedding photographers, for instance, might not be the best choice to take your newborn’s photos. Likewise, someone who specializes in nature photography might not be an ideal match to shoot your wedding. Find a photographer who specializes in the kind of pictures you want.
- Ask about the editing process. The best photographers also know how to edit photos to perfection. However, not all editors are created equal. Ask about the photographer’s editing software and skill level, and make known your expectations: do you want black and white photos? Are you looking for minimal editing, lots of editing, or somewhere in between? You want to ensure that the photographer you choose can meet your needs both behind the lens and in front of the computer.
- Check the fees. It might be tempting to choose the photographer who charges the least, but often this lower price reflects a lack of skill and experience. Photographers charge what they’re worth, and you get what you pay for. Also, be sure to ask about any hidden fees: does the upfront cost include editing, prints, and other services, or are each of those extra? You don’t need to break the bank to afford a quality photographer, but you should be willing to invest a fair amount to ensure you get the best possible result.
- Find the perfect location. Particularly if you’re hiring a portrait photographer, location is everything. Ask the photographer about her favorite shooting locations, or if you have somewhere specific in mind, see if that location will work for your project. Make sure the location is close to home and that any travel time is already included in your agreed-upon fee.
Taking the time to research your chosen photographer can make all the difference. By following these tips, you can be sure that the person you hire is professional, qualified, and will provide you with the best memories money can buy.
