Are you a savvy shopper? Do you compare products on line and in-person before you commit? Well … if you’re like me, you certainly do your research before making a final decision on a service or product to purchase. But what do you do when you’re interested in purchasing a service (such as portrait photography), but don’t know enough about the process in order to arrive at an informed decision?
Well … fear not intrepid shopper, for I am here to assist you! Here are four basic categories (experience, logistics/scheduling, financial, & deliverables) that you’ll want to fully understand before you hand over your well-earned dollars to a photographer. The basic questions that follow should form the foundation of your research (on line and in person) as you’re making your decision.
Some of these questions can be answered via FAQ/help pages that your potential photographers have published. Even so, you still should ask these questions when you meet with the photographer. And yes … you should ABSOLUTELY meet the photographer in person before hiring. Modern trends aside, you’ll get a much better appreciation for the photographer as a person in a face to face meeting than you will via a Zoom call. My advise is not hire a photographer who doesn’t want to meet and answer your questions in person before the shoot.
OK. Still with me? Excellent!
You’ll want to review all of the photographer’s published work and read his/her “about” page and any FAQs or help pages they have. Remember that (as best as you can) and compare what you’ve read with what the photographer tells you. This is a job interview. This is business. The photographer will want to “sell” you on his/her capabilities, so be aware of that and don’t leave any of your questions unanswered. Don’t be embarrassed to take notes – especially if you plan to interview more than one photographer.
EXPERIENCE
What sets you apart from other photographers? (This is your photographer’s “elevator speech”. This should be a quick answer and goes to intention, motivation, style, and personality.)
How long have you been a professional photographer? (This will give you some insight into how much experience the individual has. With experience comes a variety of scenarios that will “stretch” a photographer’s ability to either get an image or to create a body of work that is consistent.)
How many portrait sessions/weddings/headshots (etc) have you shot?
How would you describe your photography style (e.g. traditional, photojournalistic, fine-art, moody) (Note: “traditional” photographers generally will be more obvious when working, will “take charge” and may largely rely on posed shots, whereas documentarian/photojournalist-style photographers will primarily attempt to “blend in” and will attempt to (mostly) shoot genuine emotion and interaction between people. Both photographers will often shoot both styles, but they will focus largely on one approach for most of the event. This distinction is really only relevant for wedding and event photographers.)
Do you specialize in indoor or outdoor events, or both?
Can I give you a list of specific shots we would like?
What types of settings or situations do you find to be more challenging to photograph than others?
Are you a “natural light” or “off camera flash” photographer? (Neither is better or worse, they’re just different approaches to the craft of photography. Natural light photographers will likely only carry cameras and a reflector or two, so don’t be surprised if he/she shows up with what appears to be a minimal amount of kit.)
Next, you’ll want to ensure you understands the details of the shoot (how, what, when, where, and why):
LOGISTICS/SCHEDULING
Do you have my date available?
Do I need to book the date in advance / right now?
My event will be held at _________. Have you ever photographed there before?
If not, how will you familiarize yourself with the location prior to the event?
Do you have any other events that you’re shooting on the same day as mine? (Note: this happens and is not necessarily a red flag. Just pay close attention to the proximity (in terms of distance or travel time) between the two events and how long each event will be. You might decide to not go with this photographer if – as an example - he/she admits to having a long shoot just prior to yours at a location that is an hour’s drive away.)
Will you specifically shoot my event? (Note: if the photographer says no to this question, stop the meeting and find someone else. That individual just wasted your time. You want to interview the person who will be shooting your event specifically.)
Do you use assistants to help during shoots?
What is your backup plan if you become unavailable on our shoot date?
What time will you arrive at the location? What time should I/we arrive at the location?
If I hire you, when will I receive a written contract? (Note: Never book a photographer who won't generate a contract for you and him/her to sign prior to the event.)
What information do you need from me before the day of the shoot?
FINANCIAL
What are your rates?
Do you charge fees that are above and beyond your quoted rates? What are they and what do they cover?
How much of a deposit do you require and when is it due?
Will you staff if my event lasts longer than expected? If so, will there be an additional charge?
What is your refund/cancellation policy?
DELIVERABLES
Do you also do videography? If so, will you need to hire an additional person to do this?
Can you create a slideshow movie of our photographs?
Do you do your retouching/editing yourself?
How long after the session will I get our photos?
How will you deliver the photos to us?
How many final images should I expect to receive?
What packages do you offer?
Are your packages customizable?
How many hours are included in each package?
Do you offer physical albums, prints, framed photos, etc?
Will you give me the digital negatives or unlimited downloads so I can make my own prints? (Note: professional photographers own the copyright to the photos they take – unless they sign that copyright over to you via the contract that you both sign. Because of this, they will not (most likely) give you their RAW files/digital negatives.)
May I have a list of references or a link to reviews?
Now … onto some questions you should ask YOURSELF – both while you’re meeting with the photographer and later after you’ve had time to consider his/her answers and presentation.
Do your personalities mesh?
Consider the his/her personal appearance? Everything else being equal, would you feel comfortable having this person photograph your event based on first impressions only?
Would you be comfortable grabbing drinks or sharing a meal with this person?
Do you feel a connection with him/her and his/her photos?
Are you comfortable with this person's customer service/communication style?
Did the photographer listen well and address all of your concerns?
OK. That sounds like a lot, but if you’re looking to spend upwards of $1,000 or more for family portraits or weddings … or if you’re a corporate customer who needs headshots for 20-30-40 people, you’ll want to do your due diligence and to ensure you’ve vetted the photographer as best as you can prior to opening your world up to him/her however briefly.
If you’re currently in the market for a photographer, consider what we’ve discussed above, take a look at my portfolio, and then call me at 310.614.5119 if you have additional questions or want to take the next step!