What You Should Know About Hiring a Professional Photographer | Beautiful Soul Portraits

How do you know which photographer to hire? A photo session should really be about an experience just as much as the products you receive. You should ask yourself these questions before hiring any photographer.

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1. Does he/she share my values or shoot my needed genre?

What is most important to you vs the photographer's specialty or genre? One photographer to rule them all is not really a thing, (Lord of the Rings Reference) contrary to popular belief. No photographer can shoot every single genre perfectly. It is the same with any other skills, most people have a few talents they excel at while the other stuff is mediocre at best. In general, photographers have two or three genres they love to shoot and do an amazing job at.  Sometimes when photographers first start out, they will accept every opportunity to shoot and that is fine but chances are, you are not going to get that wow photo you really wanted. Are you asking them to shoot within their genre or are they just doing you a solid? If family portraits are really important to you, ask yourself, will this photographer know how to capture a bond between parent and child and siblings etc? If you want pictures of your children, do they have/love children? Have they had any life experiences that have given them insight into this type of session? When it comes to memories on the wall, are you a "this is good enough" type person or are you a "this means the world to me" type person? Do you consider images to be a moment in time that you will never have again- timeless and priceless? Does their work truly represent what it is you are looking for?

2. Do I want to hire a professional photographer or a hobbyist photographer?

Most people do not realize that there are different levels of photographers. There are hobbyist photographers accepting payment for sessions as well as professionals. How do you tell the difference? Hobbyist photographers are not licensed in their city, county or town because it does get expensive. It is actually illegal to accept money for services if you are not licensed. They can face a huge fine for accepting money for a shoot if caught and yes, certain areas enforce this to the fullest. A few towns have even gone back several years and made these photographers pay for the years missed. Also, hobbyist very likely do not pay for education or updated equipment. This is why they are a great deal cheaper than a professional and for some people, that is acceptable. Professional photographers charge more because they have to pay more in order to bring you the greatest quality. They also spend countless hours working hard to make your images beautiful. Just know the right questions to ask.

3. Do they provide quality images?

Have you seen examples of their work both printed and not? Do they offer print options for you? With all the digital images these days, it is rare to see those images printed- the purpose for which they were intended. A lot of people do not realize that what you see in digital format does not always look the same when printed. Furthermore, it matters 1000% where you choose to have those images printed. The local pharmacy photo labs are not even in the same league as a professional print lab. It matters. It's like the difference between those little gumball machine rings and a Zale's diamond ring.

4. Is their photographic style one that I want to see hanging on my wall?

Never hire a photographer based off of pricing alone. Pricing structure is sorted out per photographer based off of their cost of doing business. The service, location, quality, qualifications and time spent on you should be reflected in that pricing. Choose someone who creates the type of image that you would truly love and be proud to have on your wall or even on your Facebook page/Instagram etc. Do you love their style? Hire them for that because you can't duplicate their uniqueness. If they are over your budget, save up or ask them if they have a payment plan, some photographers offer that. Ask about gift cards as well.

5. Did they ask you to meet or have a phone consult prior to your session (a consultation)? 

Meeting your photographer before your session is so important. Did you click with one another? It is pretty safe to say that if you didn't really feel a connection before the session, you certainly won't during your session. When you get in front of a camera, you are the most insecure you could ever be so choose wisely. Select a photographer who makes you comfortable and who makes you feel like you can totally be yourself. 

6. Do the people in their images look engaged and authentic?

No one wants a photo that looks like they are pretending. This all goes back to connecting with the photographer. Will you be meeting prior to the session? Will you click with one another? Are you comfortable with him or her? Sure there is always that one person who just can't seem to let down their guard and give the authentic expression in a session but for the most part, the photographer should be able to make you feel comfortable enough to get a couple of shots where you are engaged and relaxed enough to look believable in your pose and expression. 

7. Do they require you to sign a contract before the session? 

This is so important. If they require you to sign a contract, then they are likely legit. They are keeping up with the legal stuff and they are running a real business. There may be some cases, if you know them very well, that they do not require a contract because you are friends and have built trust. But if you are hiring a photographer you do not know very well, they should ask you to sign one to secure your date. Why? Because they have other bookings and obligations outside of your session. They need to know for sure you are going to keep your appointment because if not, they can offer that date to someone else. They also need to protect themselves and their business regarding copyright laws. A photographer's work is their work and they have full creative license to do with it as they wish. Without a contract, their work can be stolen. The contract also protects you/the client and insures they will show up to your session and provide you with whatever you agreed upon. Contracts protect you and your retainer fee if they should have an emergency arise that prevents them from fulfilling their end of the contract. 

These are just a few things you may want to ask yourself when looking for portraits. Protect your investment and make sure you are getting the best possible experience. Just like any other job out there, photographers are all different. Choose the one that best suits your needs. 

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