Tips for choosing your photographer

Today I booked my family photographer for later in the year. Yes, even professional photographers need family photos. I usually try and get family photos done twice a year, once as a family and one session just for my kids. I haven’t managed the child session yet this year, but I have booked out family photographer for November and I cannot wait! Family photographs are so important to capture your family as they are and each year that I look back on all the photos I take I’m reminded how tricky it is for me to be in the frame too. Hiring a professional means that I can be in my family photographs – and in the years to come, I know my little girls will really appreciate that. Even as a photographer it is a daunting experience to hire the person you think is right for the job for your family, so here are my five tips for choosing your photographer!

1. Review their Portfolio

When you start the search for a photographer have in mind whether you want studio photographs or an outdoor setting – straight away that will help your narrow down your search.
Check out their portfolio of images on their website or Facebook page and see if you can imagine yourself in that setting. If you’re looking at a photo of everyone sitting in a row as if they are lined up for a footy photo and thinking how stiff it looks, then they probably aren’t the photographer for you. If you’re looking at their images and they are all inside a studio and your dream photos have big tress and skies – also not the photographer for you. Another great place to look is their blog. You’ll find recent sessions here, and plenty of images to look at!

2. What type of photographer do you want?

What are you after? Family photos? Newborn photos? Couples photos? Knowing you exact purpose for a photographer will help you narrow down who you need. You want to be confident that the photographer you choose has experience in the area you need. If you’re not sure – this is a great thing to ask them during your initial phone call.

3. Talk to Them!

Find out if your photographer offers a pre consultation either in person or via phone. This way you can ask them all those questions you’ve been wondering about when having a session. You might be wondering what the exact cost will be? What products they offer? What’s the best time of day to have the photos? How do you decide what to wear? Where will it be?
The best way to get to know someone is to talk to them. You’ll know pretty quickly if they’re the photographer for you. You can also usually find information about the photographer on their website which tells you a bit about them. (Here is mine in case you’re wondering!)

4. Why do you want these photos?

Are you wanting a huge canvas to adorn your wall? Do you want a small subtle set of mounted prints? Are you into having an album with all your images in it?

It is ok to have a clear indication of your budget before you enter into getting professional photography. A lot of photographers offer a session fee that covers their time and talent for taking the images and then products that are additional to this. If you’re clear on your budget, you can discuss with your photographer how you would like to showcase your images after your session and find out what will work with their products and packages. If you’re a diehard canvas fan – then you need a photographer that offers this product. If you’re an album lover, then you need a photographer that can make an amazing album for you.

The photographer is there to help you navigate through your budget with the best possible outcome for your family memories.

5. Client Experience

Most photographers have a little space on their website for client reviews or testimonials. This is a space where you can read about what past clients have said. These days, you’re also likely to find out what people think by visiting their Facebook page. Often clients will have left comments under their images or blog post links which will give you a feel for their experience with the photographer.

You can also ask around – the photographer has been around for some time, then they will have worked with quite a few people. Someone out there will be happy to tell you about their experience.

 I hope that you’ve found these tips for choosing your photographer useful! Let me know in the comments below if you can think of anything else that I should add. Have you get any other tips for choosing your photographer?

JG Images is a professional family and couples photographer that services Bathurst and surrounds. You can contact me to find out more about my services – drop me an email and ask me anything! Contact Jo now.