5 QUESTIONS to ASK your PHOTOGRAPHER
What does your process of hiring a photographer look like? I imagine it at least starts with a Google search of something similar to “headshots in Sarasota”, “best photographer in Bradenton” or “portrait photographer near me”. Maybe, you already have a photographer in mind and know exactly where to find them. Whatever the case is, whether you’re looking to update your headshot or find a brand photographer, you’re trusting a complete stranger to capture your most authentic self!
A photographer that specializes in corporate photos may not be the best to hire if you wanted wedding images. Finding the right photographer for you and your purposes is important.
So how do you find the right one? More importantly, how do you make sure the two of you are on the same page?
Ask questions! And I’m going to share five questions you should be asking every photographer you’re interested in.
1. “What’s Your Area of Expertise?”
I know, of course. But always ask this question even if you think you know the answer. Some of us can be a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, while others tend to specialize in a specific type of photography. As I mentioned before, if you want stunning wedding photos then a photographer that mainly works with headshots probably isn’t the best choice. Not every photographer has to specialize in a specific niche of photography but it’s not uncommon for many of us to enjoy a favorite style.
So, be sure you’re asking your photographer what their area of expertise is and always check on their website to look through their portfolio galleries, so you know their style!
Bonus tip: Always check their website to review their portfolio galleries, so you know the style they offer. Also look at the reviews on Google
2. “Can You Walk Me Through an Experience with You?”
The right answer to this question will leave you with an idea of the prep needed to work with this photographer, along with how the shoot will go and what the ordering process is like. Does the photographer offer any help during the planning phase? Some photographers, like me, will assist you with what to wear and/or will arrange hair & makeup services for your session day.
Great photographers will guide you through every single step, so you never wonder what’s next.
For example, every portrait client in my studio have a pre-session consultation to help with outfit selection, to brainstorm ideas of the locations and poses you might like, a fully guided session, my expertise in portrait selection, master retouching of your chosen portraits, custom designed albums and wall art and, my favorite part – product delivery and wall art installation.
My business clients have similar custom experience with fully guided process starting with pre-session consultation, outfit and branding photo ideas, image selection based on your business and marketing needs, master retouching and cropping to dimensions that would be best for your final image display.
3. “How Long Would the Session Be?”
Session time depends greatly on the type of portraits you need, and can be as fast as 10-20 minutes for the simple corporate headshot to full day session for some family/senior/branding session with many locations.
Usually photographer will give you an average based on your needs. Being aware of the session length allows you to visualize the timeline a bit easier and to plan your day accordingly.
4. “What Products Do You Offer?”
The product photographers offer greatly varies as there are so many professional labs that studio are outsourcing their products. When you are scheduling your session, it is always important to think on how you would like to have your portraits presented and what are your plans to display it. Are you an album or wall art person? Or maybe you just really need digital files for your marketing?
If your portraits will be a new “show-stopper” pieces in your living room, then it’s important to find a photographer that specialize in designing a wall art. For example, I meet at my client’s home so we can pre-visualize the space where the portrait will go and design custom wall art that will seamlessly fit into home decor. With proper software I can design the perfect display to make sure the portrait looks perfect and is in optimal size for the wall.
5. “What is your cancellation policy?”
This question will protect you in case you need to reschedule or cancel your session. Please be mindful that last minute changes in anyone’s schedule are disruptive, so only reschedule if you really need it, like due to sickness.
We all live busy life and our calendars are usually pretty full, so sometimes it is easy to forget about upcoming appointments. That’s why I always send reminders to every client few days before the session, so they are aware and know the session is coming up. In situation of sickness, the session is rescheduled for another day.
Overall, updating your headshot regularly can help you ensure a fantastic first impression, be professional, maintain a strong sense of consistency, show your human side, and boost your confidence.
Would you like to receive my Headshot & Branding Online Magazine to get inspired and to learn more about headshots and branding photography? Click here and I will send you a link 🙂
And if you are ready to create portraits either for your home or business with one of the best photographers in Sarasota/Bradenton, give me a call at 941.224.0550 or fill the contact form to start the process. I would love to help you with all your photography needs and elevate your professional look in custom portrait experience!
