How To Pick Your Photographer

I kid you not, 90% of my sessions start with my clients saying, “we are awkward in front of a camera, so you’ll have to help us”. And believe it or not, 100% of my sessions come out awkward-free! Honestly, the best thing you can do for yourself when looking for the right photographer is looking at their work. This seems obvious, but there are actually a couple of things you should look for when you browse their look. Let me share a few!

1. Do their subjects look awkward?
   If they look uncomfortable, or posed, this should be a red flag for you. The photos where the subjects look like they don’t even realize a camera is smooshed up next to their face are the photos you should be looking for. Those ones show you that the photographer is comfortable to be around & great at giving those subjects prompts & guiding them through their session! You want your photos to look like you are always frolicking through the mountains in your high heels & 3 coats of mascara!

2. Is their style somewhat consistent?
   I’m not saying you need to find a photographer’s instagram that is perfectly from photo to photo without a flaw in their feed. But you should find someone who has a general style throughout their photos. Are they bright & airy? Dark & moody? Lots of contrast? Light colors? etc. This will help you to know exactly what you’re getting. If you don’t care what it looks like, then that’s great! But keep in mind that you will most likely be hanging these photos in your home, so you should have a general idea of the style that matches your home!

3. Do they take the type of photos you are looking for?
   I have been doing photography long enough to know that just because we photographers know how to use a camera, it doesn’t mean we can take photos of anything, anywhere. I get by okay taking indoor photos, but my expertise is definitely families & couples. It is what I have had the most experience with & what I am most comfortable doing! When you look for a photographer, look through their photos & make sure they have done the type of photography you are looking for!

4. Do they have any reviews or testimonials?
   THIS IS SO IMPORTANT! Even if the photographer you have decided is the best for you, if they don’t have good (or any) reviews, you should question this. This is a red flag. Photographers can post only the highlights & make it appear as though they are the best person to book, but if they have poor reviews, I will tell you right now, those pictures will not be worth it. Book someone who others have good things to say aboout!

5. Are they easy to talk to/get ahold of?
   Okay, so you’ve decided to book someone! Yay! Message them & start a conversation (please don’t start with “what is your pricing”)! If they don’t message back, or are hard to talk to, or for some reason or another you don’t vibe with them, this is a red flag. Being in front of a camera can already be an uncomfortable experience for people, but if you don’t vibe with the person taking them, you will be looking stressed & unhappy in those photos, & that will ruin the whole thing! Find a photographer you you mesh with & who is easy to talk to! That will elevate your photos in and of itself because you will be relaxed during your session!

I could name plenty of other things to look for, but this should cover the bases. Of course, I hope I can be the winning photographer for you, but ultimately, I want you to have the best photo experience ever, whether that’s with me or someone else! Don’t forget, we work hard to make our clients happy, so if you book a photographer, make sure to let them know you enjoyed your experience! It means the absolute world to us!