With the huge influx of photographers entering the market on a (seemingly) daily basis, it can be difficult to narrow down one that is right for you. Peek onto any thread on a Facebook yard sale page of someone looking for “an xyz photographer” and the list of responses can be downright daunting. Of course, one of the best ways is to ask local friends and family, which can help shorten your list. Once you have that shortlist in hand, be sure to check each photographer’s website and other social media platforms. Initial questions to ask yourself might include style and budget, but here are six questions you should be asking your *potential* photographer.
How long have you been a photographer? The longer a photographer has been in business, the more likely it is that it’s not just a hobby for them. And why is this important? A professional photographer will cost you more than a hobbyist, but you will also be receiving higher quality service and products. The old adage is true, “You get what you pay for.” The date this blog post goes live, MMP has been in business for over 11 years. We are a legitimate, tax-paying business licensed through the county, fully insured, and we pride ourselves in offering top-notch, heirloom-quality products for our clients.
Which types of photography do you specialize in? It’s uncommon for a photographer to specialize in several different types of photography as they often only specialize in one or two genres. For example, a photographer who specializes in newborn photography might not be the best candidate to shoot a wedding unless they have experience in doing so. I fully believe in the “jack of all trades, master of nothing” philosophy, so have chosen to specialize in portraiture, focusing on children and families.
Do you have many repeat clients? This is a great litmus test of not only the quality of a photographer’s work but of their customer service, too. Whether it be through Grow With Me plans, yearly family sessions, growing families, or repeat clientele for our limited edition and annual sessions, we pride ourselves on a huge percentage of our clients returning to us year after year to capture their memories.
What is your policy on rescheduling a session? This may seem like a silly or odd question to ask, but an experienced, professional photographer will definitely have policies in place that include customer cancellations or rescheduling a photography session. A photographer with policies indicates that they have experience with different types of customers and situations and have created policies accordingly. There’s no need to worry when you book a session with MMP. Our contract is there to protect both parties.
Have you had any experience with (name your specific concern)? If you have any specific concerns regarding your photo session such as the photographer’s ability to work with a special needs child, for example, find out if they have ever handled that type of situation before. Do not dismiss a photographer and their abilities based on their answers to your concerns. If given adequate notice, an experienced photographer should be able to deal with any situation you present them. This is the hallmark of a true pro. Our pre-session consultation will put your mind at ease as we are able to discuss, at length, any concerns you might have.
Silent Question: Use your gut to judge this photographer’s personality and rapport. A photographer’s main job is to capture emotions and moments. If your photographer doesn’t mesh well with you on the phone or in person, chances are you and your family will not mesh well with them at your session and this will show in your images. The pre-session consultation is a great way to determine if we are a good match. We are interested in building life-long relationships, and meeting before you book your session is the ideal way to see if we are the photographer for you!
Selecting a family photographer is a task that shouldn’t be taken lightly. You are investing your time, money, and memories in this specific person, so be sure to take your time and choose wisely. Hopefully, these six questions will help you find the photographer of your dreams.
