As a CONSUMER what should I be looking for?
Photography, as with all forms of art is a very subjective medium. Technically there are certain ‘rules’ to follow (or sometimes break) but as a consumer there are a few things you can consider when choosing a photographer to create your memories....
What appeals to your taste?
When looking through photographers’ websites, blogs or facebook don’t just look at one or two images, take your time to look through a range of their work. All photographers – aspiring or professional – have a style. This might be something you can recognise easily or it might be more subtle but regardless, there is always a style, and that style needs to appeal to you. Your images are a valuable part of your history. You need to be proud to display them, whether it’s on your wall, in a portrait album, on your digital frame or even in your wallet. Remember FIRST ask yourself – Do I like this photographers’ style?
What is your house decor?
This may or may not be important to you but it is something you might like to give thought to. It can help you when choosing clothing for your session, or deciding what ‘look’ you would like out of your images. It can also help with your decision making at your ordering appointment, because you will also have an idea of what walls you will display your images in your home.
Who are you as a family?
This question goes a long way again towards the ‘look’ you want out of your images, and also helps your photographer gently direct your session to suit your personalities.
Are you an outgoing family? Are you adventurous and willing to go wherever your photographer requests and try anything they suggest (within reason of course) or is your family more reserved, more comfortable keeping your session low key, less ‘set up’, more natural?
Think about the IMPORTANCE of this question.....
How comfortable or uncomfortable would you feel if your session was in the middle of the city with people all around watching?
Communicate with your photographer; don’t be afraid to speak up. There is nothing more disappointing for you OR your photographer than creating images you are less than thrilled with.
Do we feel comfortable with this photographer?
Being comfortable with your photographer is a crucial component to consider before making any bookings. Why is it so important? Because if you don’t feel comfortable..... with your photographer, your surrounds, what you’re wearing then this is going to show in your images and the last thing you want to do is look back with any regret.
You need to feel relaxed with the person who is helping to create your memories with you, you will probably be nervous enough being in front of the camera. You need to hire someone you feel CONFIDENT will be able to get the ‘best’ out of you and your family.
Value for money vs. cheap....
The investment you outlay for your images is obviously something that must be factored in to your decision making when choosing a photographer. However it is very easy to get caught in the ‘trap’ of saving a ‘few bucks’.
I am not here to say that you absolutely MUST spend more to receive more but there ARE a few points to consider before making up your mind.....
Are you choosing a photographer based on price alone? If you are, that’s ok but based on price alone do you get to ‘tick’ all of your other boxes?
- Can this photographer deliver the quality of service and product that my family deserves?
- Will my images be what I want for my family?
- Can this photographer capture the style of image I am looking for?
- Is this photographer willing to travel to a location I want?
- Am I getting VALUE for my money?
- Can I relate to this photographer?
- Does this photographer have the knowledge and experience to get the best images of us?
- Does this photographer have the necessary skills to create our portrait art or am I hiring someone to take nice snapshots of my family?
- How important are these images to me?
Whether you are looking for a photographer for the first time or are looking for someone new to capture your family memories, I hope this information helps you to sort through the many many choices out there, and hopefully you will find a photographer to meet all your needs and who you will entrust your memories to time and time again.
copyright Jodie Towell bounce! Photography 2010
