Three key things to consider when booking your photographer

You’ve decided to hire a photographer and now you are embarking on a mission to find the perfect one. There are a few key things to keep in mind on how to pick your photographer.

1. Initial Research

The first thing to decide is what kind of session (maternity, newborn, family, wedding, etc.) are you looking to book? This is important because not all photographers photograph all kinds of sessions. Most photographers will specialize in a certain niche (family, wedding, event photography). Once you find a photographer you are considering make sure to do your research. Take the time to scroll their instagram, website, and pinterest to make sure you like an overall majority of that person’s images. If there are only a few images that really grab your attention then it might be best to keep looking. Some important things to consider when booking a photographer:

1. What niche that photographer photographs
2. Editing style
3. Experience/ education.
4. Communication

2. Communication

Now that you have a list of photographers you are interested in booking it’s time to reach out to them for more information. When you reach out make sure to be specific on the session (family, wedding, event) you want more information about. This will help to ensure you get the correct information you are asking for right away. You should receive a response from the photographer within a few days. You shouldn’t feel like you need to chase down the photographer for information. If this is the case I would consider finding another photographer. Here are some things that should happen after you reach out to the photographer:

1. Receive a response after a few days.
2. If the photographer doesn’t hear back from you then he/she should follow up with you about questions you have about the session.
3. Select a date and time for the session (if booking).
4. Send you a prep guide (depending on the session you are booking).
5. Reach out to you as the session date gets closer to answer any more questions that will come up.
6. Send a reminder text/email/call the week of the session.
7. The day before the session send another reminder and answer last minute questions.

Communication is one of the most important aspects in making sure the client and photographer are prepared for the session.

3. Overall Vibe

Selecting a photographer you feel a connection with is very important. Photography can be very intrusive. You are allowing a stranger to photograph some very important and raw emotions. This process will be easier if you get a feeling of comfort from that person. You want to be able to trust and allow your photographer to guide you through the session. If you love the photographer’s photos but don’t feel a connection with that person when you text/speak on the phone that could be a problem during the session. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Could you see yourself grabbing coffee together?
2. Is this someone you feel comfortable having in your home?
3. Do you feel like you can reach out to him/her with questions about the session?
4. Is the photographer just as excited or more excited than you for the session? (You want a photographer who is passionate).

Finding the right photographer can take some time but once you found him/her it will make all the research worth it!

Still looking to book a photographer? I would love to photograph your love story!