Hiring a photographer is a very personal decision. The thought of showing genuine emotion to a stranger and letting that individual capture that genuine emotion can be a little intimidating (I’m looking at you here, men). Honestly … it doesn’t need to be intimidating. If you take a proper amount of time to do your research, you’ll see that – not only will your photographer be an accomplished in the art of taking photographs, but he/she will also be personable, easy to talk to and like, will make you feel at ease, and will make your session enjoyable from minute one to session close. I know this because relating to people and eliciting genuine emotion from them that can be captured on camera is the hard part – MUCH HARDER than understanding all of the variations and interplay between f-stop, aperture, composition, ISO, posing, and post production/editing.
So let’s break it down. Like most people, you won’t know your photographer personally before contracting their services, so it makes sense (I believe) to get to know him/her as best as you before you decide to hire. Any reputable photographer will want to schedule a meeting before the actual session in order to understand your needs, wishes, wants, and desires, and to clearly communicate expectations, understand logistics, and to discuss pricing and availability. This is YOUR perfect time to assess him/here as a person first and a photographer second. Before that even happens, however, you should be looking at that photographer’s published body of work to see if it something that matches the vision for your particular session. If their published work does intrigue you, look at the environments that surround their previous clients. Are they wide and varied? Do they seem to include a mixture of natural light and flash? Is the “look” pretty consistent throughout? If it doesn’t, I argue that you look elsewhere.
If their work DOES intrigue you and you want to know more, that in person meeting is your time to make like an employer and hold a job interview with this photographer. There are a number of questions that you can ask the photographer in order to understand his/her approach to photography, their work ethic, and their workflow (i.e., the process that includes everything from taking a photograph to actually delivering that photograph to you). While you’re listening to him/her, also step back from the immediate question and try to determine if you’re comfortable with this person. Would you share a meal with this person? Or a long walk? Your task of hiring a photographer really boils down to a two-phased approach. First you’re hiring that person in the belief that he/she can reproduce a previous “look” again with you. Secondly, you’re hiring that person because you can see yourself becoming friends with that person.
Because … after all … it is ZERO fun to be on set/location with an extremely gifted photographer who simply makes everyone uncomfortable. Don’t hire that person.
Here are some questions that you can ask potential photographers when you meet them. Don’t be afraid to take notes to compare and contrast later. Remember … the photographer you do hire will be your employee for an x amount of time. Treat this as a business meeting/job interview and try to get to know the person.
First: I would argue that you want to get to know the person as much as you can (obviously within the confines/limitations of 30/60 min meeting) before jumping into the nuts and bolts of a contract and discussing expectations. So … spend a little bit of time on small talk. YOU should lead this part of the discussion.
EXPERIENCE
What sets you apart from other photographers?
What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
How long have you been a professional photographer?
How many portrait sessions/weddings/headshots (etc) have you shot?
How would you describe your photography style (e.g. traditional, photojournalistic, fine-art, moody)?
How would you describe your working style? (Note: “traditional” photographers generally will be more obvious when working, will “take charge” and may largely rely on posed shots, whereas documentarian/photojournalist-style photographers will primarily attempt to “blend in” and will attempt to (mostly) shoot genuine emotion and interaction between people. Both photographers will often shoot both styles, but they will focus largely on one apporach for most of the event.)
Do you specialize in indoor or outdoor events, or both?
Can I give you a list of specific shots we would like?
What types of settings or situations do you find to be more challenging to photograph than others?
Next, you’ll want to ensure everyone understands the details (how, what, when, where, and why):
LOGISTICS/SCHEDULING
Do you have my date available?
Do I need to book the date in advance / right now?
My event will be held at _________. Have you ever photographed there before?
If not, how do you plan to familiarize yourself with the location prior to the event?
Do you have any other events that you’re shooting on the same day as mine? (Note: this happens and is not necessarily a red flag. Just pay close attention to the proximity (in terms of distance or travel time) between the two events and how long each event will be. You might decide to not go with this photographer if – as an example - he/she admits to having a long shoot just prior to yours at a location that is an hour’s drive away.)
Will you specifically shoot my event? (Note: if the photographer says no to this question, stop the meeting and find someone else. That individual just wasted your time.)
Do you use assistants to help during shoots?
Do you have a backup plan if you become unavailable on our shoot date?
What time will you arrive at the location? What time should I/we arrive at the location?
If I hire you, when will I receive a written contract? (Note: Don't book a photographer—or any vendor—who won't provide a written contract.)
What information do you need from me before the day of the shoot?
FINANCIAL
What are your rates?
How much of a deposit do you require and when is it due?
Do you charge a travel fee and what does that cover?
If my event lasts longer than expected, will you stay? Is there an additional charge?
What is your refund/cancellation policy?
Do you offer payment plans?
Do you have liability insurance?
DELIVERABLES
Can you create a ten minute long movie of our session? If so, will you need to hire an additional videographer to do this?
Can you create a slideshow movie of our photographs?
Do you provide retouching, color adjustment, or other corrective services?
How long after the session will I get our photos?
How will you deliver the photos to us?
How many final images should I expect to receive?
What packages do you offer?
Are your packages customizable?
How many hours are included in each package?
Do you offer physical albums, prints, framed photos, etc?
Will you give me the digital negatives or unlimited downloads so I can make my own prints? (Note: professional photographers own the copyright to the photos they take – unless they sign that copyright over to you via the contract that you both sign. Because of this, they will not (most likely) give you their RAW files.)
May I have a list of references or a link to reviews?
Now … onto some questions you should ask YOURSELF – both while you’re meeting with the photographer and later after you’ve had time to consider his/her answers and presentation.
Do your personalities mesh?
Consider the his/her personal appearance? Everything else being equal, would you feel comfortable having this person photograph your event based on first impressions only?
Would you be comfortable grabbing drinks or sharing a meal with this photographer?
Do you feel a connection with his/her photos?
Are you comfortable with this person's customer service/communication style?
Did the photographer listen well and address all of your concerns?
So there you have it. After you’ve looked at the photographer’s body of published work, and after you’ve met with him/her and have found him/her to be pleasant, reasonable, personable, and likable, then simply rank him/her on a scale of one to ten against the other photographers you interviewed. Pick the one that rises to the top and let the magic happen!
Ready to take the next step? Let’s talk about how I can capture your next portrait. Call me at 310.614.5119 and let’s discuss!