How to Choose the Right Photographer
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I wrote a longer blog post called How to Prepare for Your Brand Photoshoot, which gave me the idea for this one. I cannot emphasize how important it is to hire the right photographer for your personal brand photos.
If you’re stuck on how to find a photographer, message me for my contact list. You can search google or Pinterest for “brand photography (your city),” …but to be honest, I have had the best luck by finding photographers on Instagram.
All photographers ARE NOT EQUAL. Do not hire the cheapest person you will find, because you will get what you pay for. Professional photography is an investment, and having the right professional images, to showcase you and your business, can make or break a website and social media presence. This is not the time to cut corners and cheap out.
Here’s what to look for in a photographer:
Someone local or willing to travel to you (usually for a fee.) It does you no good if you find your dream photographer on Insta, but they live across the country.
A portfolio and photography style that resonates with you. This is the most important thing. Make sure the photographer does portrait and/or lifestyle photography, if that’s what you’re hiring them for. (Don’t hire someone to take your personal brand photos if they have only ever shot weddings, real estate, products, etc.)
Every photographer’s style is unique. Some will take portraits that are light and bright, while others will have an editing style that is more dark and moody. It just comes down to personal preference, and what you want the aesthetic of your brand to be. A photographer’s portfolio is typically a good way to tell beforehand what your photos are going to come out like.
A photographer who fits your budget. As I said before, pro photography is an investment and not a time to cheap out.. HOWEVER, I don’t recommend breaking the bank or going into debt over this. You should be able to find someone who fits your budget as well as your specific needs and aesthetic preferences.
If you’re budget is tight, ask if they offer a mini-session option. (This is a quick photoshoot that usually results in about 20 images.) Or you can try reaching out, telling the photographer you needs and budget, and asking if there’s a way they can make it work, by offering you a modified package (if their standard packages are just out of reach.)
Before you sign or pay for anything, ask exactly what your session will include, and get it in writing. You need to know:
- how long your session will be
- how many outfit changes they allow
- who will be handling your hair & makeup
- where you will be shooting
- how many locations
- how many images they will take
- their process for selecting which images will be edited (will you decide or them? It’s much better if it’s you!)
- how many final, high resolution images they will deliver
- how you will receive the final image filesMake sure expectations are set in stone on both ends, you don’t want any surprises!!
I think you’ll also love this blog post: How to Prepare for Your Brand Photoshoot
That’s it! Do you enjoy this mini-blog posts? Leave your feedback in the comments section down below, or send me an email at hello@gretchenkamp.com
x, gretchen
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I’m a Brand Designer and Strategist living in NYC. 9 years ago I quit my job to start this business, and now I’m here to help you do it too! I specialize in helping established female millennial entrepreneurs transform their brands.. to attract Dream Clients and grow their businesses, so that they can make more money, be their own bosses and live the life they deserve!