It's a photographer's job to capture those special moments in your life, whether you're getting married, hosting a family event or celebrating the arrival of a new baby. You'll want to swoon over your photos for many years to come, so choosing the right photographer is imperative, and not a decision to be taken lightly. Here's how to get someone who suits you:
Subject specialist
Look for a photographer who has experience or a specialism in the subject you want capturing. If you want a photographer for a wedding, family portrait or to take shots of a baby or pet, choose someone who specialises in social and lifestyle photography. Alternatively, if you want shots for business purposes, a commercial or corporate photographer will be more suitable.
Style of photos
It's not just subject experience that should determine which photographer you choose, but what kind of style they portray. Photo styles can be formal or informal, and what you choose is down to personal preference and the specific occasion. Shots can also be staged or set up, where you've got your subjects looking into the camera, or they can be more natural, to capture the essence of a particular moment, atmosphere or setting.
Review their portfolio
You can't possibly know what a photographer's work is like without reviewing their portfolio, so this is a prerequisite before making any decisions. A photographer's portfolio details their previous work and gives a flavour of their individual style. Use the portfolio for deciding if this is the type of photography that would suit your occasion. Ask to see all the photos of one particular event, and not just the best ones of lots of different events.
Professional reputation
As well as reviewing a photographer's portfolio, find out what qualifications they have in this area, and if they're a member of any relevant associations, such as the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP), the Society of Wedding & Portrait Photographers (SWPP) or the Guild of Photographers. This can indicate a professional reputation and dedication to their career. Find out also if a photographer has received any accreditations or awards for their work. If they boast glowing customer testimonials, this is also a positive indication of a good reputation.
Budget considerations
When deciding how to choose the right photographer, your budget will determine what options are available to you. But, don't be swayed by opting for the cheapest quote. If you want photos to treasure forever that capture a one-off, special occasion, it makes sense to stretch you budget as far as you can to ensure the highest quality results.
Social interaction
It's not just photography skills that make a great photographer, but how they interact and engage with others to capture a particular moment is equally as important. If you're seeking a photographer for a social occasion or event, assess how they come across when you talk to them and how comfortable they make you feel. Do they give the impression they could put people at ease? Do they possess warmth of character and humour that will encourage babies and young children to pose? These attributes are important if you want to capture natural shots of an occasion, as well as staged poses.
Suiting your needs
A good photographer will listen to your specific requirements regarding the types of images you want to capture, but they should also be able to offer advice and suggestions that may enhance your shots, or things you hadn't thought about. Ultimately, the decision is yours, so choose a photographer who aims to fulfil your requirements as best as possible, without forcing you to fit into what suits them best. The photographer should be willing to visit your photo location prior to taking the shots, so they can discuss the different options with you, and consider aspects such as lighting.
Contingency plans
Photo shoots don't always go to plan, whether it's bad weather spoiling outdoor shots, or a crying toddler who refuses to pose. If there is any element of your photography session that may be hindered by potential hitches, choose a photographer who has experience of responding to such situations and has contingency plans tucked up their sleeve. Don't be afraid to ask those 'what if' types of questions - it's your special moment, after all, so it's important that everything goes as smoothly as possible.
Practicalities
There are lots of practicalities to consider when thinking about how to choose the right photographer. Aspects such as how long the session will be, how many shots you get, whether you keep the proofs, how and when you get the photos and in what format or style of presentation, all spring to mind, but you should also think about things such as whether the photographer is fully insured, and if they work alone or not.
Whatever your need for a professional phototographer, be sure to look through the photographers listed on Trust Local.
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