Choosing a photographer can be daunting. You may have an idea of what you want to hang on your wall, but not sure how to find someone that can deliver. Or maybe you aren’t even sure of what you want and not sure where to begin.
I’m a firm believer that there is a photographer out there for everyone. You just may not know where and how to find them. I have a few tips that I think can help.
Search Social Media
Google is typically a go to, and you should definitely start there, but social media can be a great tool too. Both Facebook and Instagram are great ways to find photographers. Hashtags are a great place to start. Especially ones with locations in them. If you are in my area, you would want to use hashtags like #nnyphotographer #upstatenyphotographer or #watertownphotographer. You can search locations on Instagram. There will be more than just photographers, but when you see an image you like check out their profile to see if they are a photographer. (Give them a “like” while you’re there.) They will probably have their website in their bio which will lead you to more information about who they are and what they offer. Also if your’re on IG looking through hashtags look at top post and most recent. Algorithms can be tricky and you can find some real gems in the most recent.
Research Styles
Photographers should be posting what they love to shoot, and what you can expect in a completed gallery. For example, you will not see me post a picture with everyone looking at the camera (kids are an execption). I do try to snag a few at each session, but most of the galleries my families receive are moments of connection and may even be a little messy. Assume the portfolios on their websites and posted on social media are a photographer’s best work. Honestly, that should be what they are putting out there. Not everyone’s taste is the same. That’s okay! You may love posed, clean, and airy images. If that’s the case you shouldn’t hire me. Figure out what the photographer loves to create and what they specialize in to determine if you want to hire them.
Read the About Me Section
The “About Me” section of a photographers website is exactly as it sounds. It’s a place for you get to know them and get and idea of their vibe. Often times, I meet families for the first time at their session. That can be a little nerve-wracking for some folks. If their website has a newsletter that you can subscribe to, do it! Info usually gets to the email list first, but it’s also a great way to get to know them and what they offer. If the photographer doesn’t seem like the right fit you can always hit the unsubscribe button. Social media and blogs are another great way to get to know them too. Comment on their posts and start a conversation. Not only will they appreciate the activity on their page (algorithms), but they can get to know you too!
Know your Budget
The money conversations can feel a bit awkward, but they don’t have to be. Everyone has a different budget, and that’s okay!!! Photographers set their prices based on experience, cost of doing business, and a living wage. Booking a session can be an investment, a luxury even. Check out websites and see if the pricing (sometimes labeled investment) is on their site. If it’s not, don’t be afraid to email the photographer and ask. If a photographer says sessions “start at", again, ask what could make the price increase. You may want the upgraded package, but it’s better to know what it entails before the session. Not every photographer has the same business model. If it so happens they are not within your budget it’s ok to kindly tell them so. Actually it will likely be appreciated instead of being left hanging.
I hope you found these tips helpful to find a photographer that’s perfect for you. I truly believe there is a photographer out there for everyone. I want nothing more that for everyone to love their pictures, even if it means someone else does them.
