Four things to do before hiring a professional photographer
A real person looking happy and relaxed in a studio set up in hard to achieve. But I did it!
Do you need dynamic portraits of your incredible team to share with the world? But you have no idea on what photographer? It can be hard working out how to make this essential and expensive project work for you; I have come up with a plan to help you along the way.
Four things to do before hiring a professional photographer.
Can they shoot in the style you want?
I can shoot in whatever style you want, but I love to shoot my way, and in my style, that's what makes me unique. So please don't ask me to shoot like another photographer that you can afford. It will never look the same as that photographer. Make sure the photographer can shoot the brief you have provided.
2. Please do your research.
Most of my clients are word of mouth, which is fantastic! But I'm confident that each time I'm referred to a potential client, they take the time to check out my work and me. So before you go ahead and book a photographer, make sure you do some research on them. If you invest in a photographer, whether for fashion or portraits, make sure you are a fan of their work. You are giving them a detailed brief before the shoot is imperative.
3. Have they communicated with you?
In last months journal, I talked at length about the topic of communication, and I have recently streamlined my processes, so I don't leave any client hanging. It's been a game-changer for the client and me. Once someone contacts me, I send them information detailing my process, that way; they understand what to expect and when to expect it. For example, I let the client know when they will receive the images before we embark on our shoot. Make sure your photographer is catering to your needs, answering your emails and setting a clear timeline for how the shoot will go. Purchasing any photography session is an investment. I prefer that every client feels involved in every aspect of the shoot.
4. Do you think they will make you feel comfortable?
There is nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable in front of the camera. It's hard enough posing a smiling for an hour, let alone being around someone who doesn't make you feel at ease. So I love to rabbit on about inane stories to help my subjects feel like they are just chatting to a mate, not having their photo taken. It's my superpower talking! So before you shoot with them, maybe check out their socials. That way, you can get a sense of what they are like in person. Ahh, the magic of social media, what did we do before then? Before the photoshoot begins, I always let my clients know how to stand or sit to look their best. But it's about taking it one step further and making you feel strong and confident in front of the camera as the photographer sees it before them.
Does this help? Let me know what you think here.
Katie xo