There are some things in life that are worth a splurge. For me, it’s always been good food, vacations, and make-up. I recently found out that a good photographer is also worth the splurge. With so many photographers out there to choose from, how can you make sure you’re choosing one that is worth your money?
Photographers aren’t cheap. And they shouldn’t be. They spend a lot of time taking pictures, and even more time sorting and editing them. So when it comes to parting with your hard earned cash for a photo session, you want to make sure you’re choosing the best photographer for you. That’s why I’ve teamed up with Kristin, from Kristin Moore Photo to give you 3 tips for choosing a photographer.
Naples friends, Kristin will be back in town October 23rd through 26th and has a few sessions open. Make sure to contact her if you are interested!
Kristin just oozes talent. She’s so much more than your run of the mill portrait photographer, she’s a true artist. I love these pictures she took of me and my boys.
She even took some amazing photos of me with my mom shortly after she was diagnosed with cancer. I’ll always treasure these moments that she captured.
So how do you choose a photographer that will produce photos that you will treasure forever?
Follow these 3 tips for choosing a photographer and you’ll be sure to get images that you will love!
3 Tips for Choosing a Photographer
1. Know the style you want and find a photographer who’s work you connect with.
Do your homework. Set up a Pinterest board full of styles you like. Then make sure to find a photographer in your area that takes the kind of pictures you want. Do you want posed family portraits with everyone looking at the camera and smiling? Do you want documentary style images that tell a story? Do you want lifestyle images that are a mix of both? Do you want your photos to be taken indoors? Outdoors?
In addition to the different types of photographers, every photographer also has different editing styles. Some like their images filled with emotion and contrast, while others prefer bright sunny photos. Familiarize yourself with the overall feel of a photographers work, spend time looking through their galleries, and decide on someone whose work you feel a connection.
2. Find someone who’s personality you seem to connect with.
It’s okay to hold an interview. Call a few photographers and find the best fit.
Based on everything you know about the photographer, are they someone you’d want to be friends with? When your photographer is someone who you like, then you will be more comfortable in front of his or her camera and he/she will be able to capture authentic images of you and your family. If you are looking for a wedding photographer – this person will be by your side all day long, so you really want to feel comfortable with that person. Or if you are having photographs with children, make sure that your photographer has worked with kids before and showcases a lot of images of them so you can go into a photoshoot with confidence know that your photographer will be patient when your 2-year old has an inevitable meltdown, and can make beautiful images even when the baby won’t look at the camera, or the oldest is unhappy with their outfit.
3. Know what’s included in their packages
Some photographers charge a session fee which is only for their time shooting, and then you would have to order prints or digital files afterwards. Some photographers offer packages which include the photo time AND the digital downloads with a full print release, so you can print however and wherever you want. Some offer the session time and prints, but then you’d have to buy the digital files if you wanted any more prints. The combinations and add-ons are really infinite – so know what you want and find someone who offers that at a rate that works for your budget!
Check out some of these amazing pictures by Kristin:
Awesome! I entered.. And in the meantime exploring your blog posts
-Liz
I hope you enjoy the posts!
Very good tips! Thank you!
I definitely splurged on wedding photography and don’t regret it one bit! I absolutely agree that you need to interview a photographer, in person if possible!
Definitely a good idea to do it in person. Thanks!
I wish I lived close enough to enter – her photos are gorgeous. Lighting is so important and I loved your tips as well!
I haven’t had the need for a photographer yet, but I might. This is super helpful!
Great article and photos from Kristin! Looking forward to reading more of your blog!
I absolutely love this post. There are so many different styles of photography, you really need to know which you love and find someone who shoots that way or you won’t be happy with pictures!
Great post! I love these tips. I was so happy we put so much time and energy into researching our wedding photographer. It made all the difference to have a good connection with her and to feel comfortable. You can totally tell in the photographs that we felt at ease with her!
Definitely know the style! I made the mistake of just booking one once and it toally didnt work out the way I had hoped!
I agree and getting to know their body of work definitely helps! Research is also one to consider too.
These are all great tips! I especially love that you put in finding someone who you click with personally, I think it’s important to find someone who you feel comfortable with so that you can relax and feel natural during the photoshoot. I am a photographer myself so I really enjoyed reading this post :) Stopping by from the Shine blog hop xo
I’d need a photographer whenever I have my first baby!
Hi, I’m popping over from Sincerely, Paula. As a photographer, I was curious to see your tips. I think they’re great! And yes, Kristen looks very talented. I wish I lived in the area….
Have a great weekend!
We’re looking for a photographer now to take my daughter’s senior photos. She has very high expectations. Good thing we started early.
Excellent tips. Even when it’s not an outright splurge, it’s important to know what you’re getting for your money. Asking to see their contract is a good idea because you never know what sorts of loopholes are hidden in there!
I completely agree that a good photographer is worth the splurge. Looks like you made a great investment in yours!
Having a great photographer for a special occasion, especially a wedding, is a must! I splurged on photography for my wedding and I DON’T REGRET ONE PENNY! Great photos go a long way and provide for years upon years of great memories.
Great Tips… I’m always so scared to hire a photographer. I’ve seen so many bad editing jobs and have heard of so many taking the money and running… Thanks for joining my partying, I hope your weekend is great !! :)
It is so important to hire a pro when capturing family memories or stages in your kids lives as those are the pics you will cherish forever. can I take photos? yeah, but the ones I have arranged with a pro are the ones that I love the best ;)
I isn’t always finding the ideal photography, but these are wonderful tips. Thank you for sharing!
These are awesome tips. Finding a photographer that you can easily get along with is not an easy job.
These are great tips. So important to find someone who gels with your family. We’ve had a couple over the years that just weren’t a good fit. Get recommendations from friends so you know what to expect. That really helps!
Love the personality tip! If you’re not having fun it’s definitely going to show!
I haven’t had the chance to pick a photographer. I have used them but I used a company who just sent someone. I was happy with the pictures though.
what a great giveaway! Your photographer is awesome. n These pictures are fantastic. Your tips are great. My son was a model and I never knew until then how important picking of a photographer is for specific topics
I’m about to hire someone to do some photos of me for my blog. Especially like the tips of what to look for in their portfolio to determine their style! Thanks!
Those 3 tips may look as obvious things but we tend to forget about them all the time! Thanks for sharing!!!
There some great advice here. I can definitely take this at face value as the photos Kristin has taken are lovely. I’m so sad I’m not in the catchment area for the competition (I’m a long, long way away). I’m glad you’ve got some special photos that you can keep forever.
Sally @ Life Loving
#LifeLovingLinkie
P.s. Would you be able to add my link party to your list so others can find it too please?
Great tips!!
Thanks for sharing at Funtastic Friday!!
I wish I lived in Florida! These are gorgeous photos,the photographer is so talented! I tweeted and Pinned, I know that there are lots of people and families that would love to win this! Or to use this photographer!!! Her work is fantastic!
You have some great tips for choosing a photographer. I like your tip about finding someone that you connect with. I think it would be a lot easier to work on getting photos if you liked the person taking them.
Absolutely!
Great tips! I always find it best to look at the photographer’s work. My very best experiences have been when I research the photographer’s portfolios before looking up the reviews of their previous customers and establishing a personal connection with the people who will be capturing important moments. Thank you so much for sharing these awesome tips.
Hi Buddy
Wow!!
What a great post you have shared !
Good tips as always! I agree with you that finding a professional photographer can save our time as well as can make our pictures look more beautiful. Rounding up kids and making sure everyone is happy and smiley can seem like such a hard task but I find that one should keep it light and happy. Often, picture time can be dreaded as they have to stand still and smile but I find that the more content and stress free a child is the better moments are captured! I think with the advent of cheap digital cameras, people are starting to believe that there is no need for a professional photographer. Thanks for sharing this post. I will look forward for more posts from you.
Have a nice day:
Regards:
Chloe Michelides