Almost every person I talk to tells me that picking your perfect photographer for your session or event is overwhelming because there are so many out here. How do you pick one?
The biggest tip I can give you is to ask your friends and family if they have used a photographer, how they felt about them, how they felt about the final gallery, and ask if they mind you viewing them. Most people will be more than happy to show off their newest imagery!
I'm here to give you a few steps and quick tips! When you are elbows deep in your search to hire a professional photographer, consider following these steps:
Step #1 - Define Your Budget
Determine your budget. This is absolutely essential because, like other fields, pricing ranges depending on years of experience. This is also important when asking or searching on public platforms and groups. Having this is so much better than using phrases like "...who don't charge an arm and a leg..." or "someone who doesn't rob the bank..." where professionals then have to ask for more details.
Step #2 - Research Photography Professionals In Your Area
Look for professionals with experience in what services you are looking for and who are in the location/area you are looking to have your session or event. The biggest tip is to always look at their portfolios, reviews, and testimonials to assess their work quality. This is how you get a real idea of what it will be like to work with them, what to expect, and what your final product will look like.
ALWAYS REVIEW THIER PORTFOLIO, REVIEWS, AND TESTIMONIALS SO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR FINAL PRODUCT WILL LOOK LIKE.
Step #3 - Inquire and Communicate With Your Selected Photographer
Reach out and inquire with your photographer(s) of choice! Submit that contact form or send that email! They will more than likely schedule a discovery call and send along some information on their inquiry process, and send along pricing previews. This way when you chat, you can talk more in depth about who they are, why they do what they do, pricing/payment plans, discuss location ideas, and get any and all questions answered. My biggest tip is to never be afraid to ask questions! We know you don't hire photographers often, so we are here to walk you through it and make it a painless experience.
Step #4 - Evaluate Proposal(s) and Make A Decision
Review the proposals received from your selected photographers (these should have all goods and services being received, payment terms, and any other details), compare offerings and make a decision on who you would like to work with! Let them know!
Step #5 - Finalizing The Booking Process
Once you have chosen your photographer, you should receive/sign your contract and pay the retainer portion of your invoice. This is what officially gets you on the calendar with us! After that, it's easy peasy lemon-squeezy!
Step #6 - Schedule Your Consultation Call
These calls take place after all of the above has been done. These are utilized to nail down specific details like location, timing of your session or timeline for your event, number of guests, prop discussions, wardrobe discussions, and anything else you can think of.
Now It's Time For Your Session/Event!
How easy was that?! That is my exact process, and I would love the opportunity to serve you as your photographer! The booking process is super easy!
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