5 Things You Should Know Before Booking Your Photographer

We are charged with the tall task of preserving life's big moments.

We do whatever it takes to make sure your legacy is captured.

And we don't take our job lightly...

And you shouldn't, either!

So before you book your next photographer, give this a skim.

ONE

Does your photographer communicate well with you?

There is nothing worse then having to wait a week, a month or even two to hear back from your photographer. Purchasing any photography session is an investment. You want to see a timely turnaround for your photos alongside their craftsmanship. But often times, photographers, known for their creative brains, lose sight of the logistics of their business, causing a delay in turnaround. Make sure your photographer is catering to your needs, answering your emails and setting a clear timeline for how the shoot will go.

TWO

Will they make you feel comfortable?

Unless you're a fashion photographer, it is rare to photograph someone who likes to be photographed. It is important to work with someone who makes you feel good about yourself. I have heard too many horror stories of photographers denying someone business based on their religious beliefs or lack of proper direction during the shoot. Before the photoshoot even begins, I always tell my clients how I will direct them so that they 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.

THREE

Do they fit your style?

When hiring a photographer, you want to make sure they are going to capture you and your style. Do you like black & white photos? Do you prefer grainy images? Do you like high contrasts in color? Are you a fan of black-and-white photos with touches of color on certain objects? Do you like photos indoors or strictly outdoors? These are the questions you need to be thinking about before booking your photographer. Picture yourself as the subjects in their portfolio. If you love the direction they're going, great. If you don't, it's time to keep searching.

FOUR

Have you seen their work before?

Before you reach into your wallet, you need to see the photographer's work. Most photographers can send you a couple of sample images or can direct you to their social media pages for reference. If you are investing in a photographer, whether it be for your wedding or portraits, make sure you are a fan of their work. Showing them images on Pinterest that you want to recreate can be used as a guide for a photographer, but will not ensure that you will get that exact replication. If you want that same exact photo from Pinterest, then hire that same exact photographer. Do not expect them to be able to recreate it exactly. I always tell my clients that I will use the photos for reference but will not try and recreate it precisely. So look at their work and feel confident in what they can do as a photographer.

FIVE

Do you know the number?

Before going in to the shoot, you should know exactly when your payment is due. Most photographers' expect payment on the day of the shoot or prior. Too many conflicts can occur if the photographer waits until after the photoshoot for full payment. I always ask for a non-refundable deposit for half of the total amount due upon booking and then the remaining amount to be due on the day of the shoot. This holds their scheduled time and date and allows us to have a solid agreement about payment expectations.