Taking decent quality pictures used to require highly specialized equipment. However, ever since the release of the first camera phone over 22 years ago, it’s become easier and easier for the average consumer to take portrait-quality photos. Still, there is no substitute for a trained professional to cover your next major event.
How can you tell that you’ve got the right portrait photographer hired for your next event? Here are 7 key factors that you should keep in mind.
1. Check Their Portrait Photographs Portfolio
Due to the advent of smartphones, almost anyone can advertise themselves as a portrait photographer. However, you can tell the difference between an amateur and a professional by examining their portfolio. A true professional photographer will have a robust portfolio with a variety of subjects and settings to showcase their work.
2. Make Sure Their Style Matches Your Vision
There are many different styles of portrait photographs. Some portrait photographers prefer having live, natural backgrounds, while others would rather shoot in a studio. Others prefer to get candid portraits of their subjects. Consider what suits your needs best.
3. Know Your Budget
Naturally, when hiring a photographer, you need to keep your budget in mind. Paying a photoshoot professional what they’re worth should be a priority. While you can get a professional photographer to cover your event for cheap, you can expect the quality of the portraits to reflect what you paid.
4. Meet With Your Portrait Photographer Before the Shoot
While there’s plenty of information you can exchange with your photographer before the shoot, there’s no substitute for meeting in person. There could be a serious personality clash between the photographer and yourself or their subjects. It’s better to know about such conflicts before you commit to a date and time.
5. Determine the Best Time, Date, and Session Length
Professional photography relies heavily on lighting, location, and access. Therefore, a key part of your hiring process should be determining availability. Make sure your photographer can meet with you on the best date and time for your needs, and can keep the session length reasonable.
6. Draw Up a Contract With the Terms of the Shoot
Once you’ve met with your photographer in person, it’s best to get the terms of your photoshoot in writing. The last thing you want is a sticky legal situation over the usage of your portraits or the amount paid to the portrait photographer.
7. Know Exactly How Many Photos You Want
Lastly, before you hire your professional photographer, you should know how many photos you want. Different photographers have different policies on the release of the material they shoot for you. Make sure you know theirs before you agree to hire them.
For More Information About Finding a Portrait Photographer…
Hiring the perfect portrait photographer can be difficult at times. However, if you follow the tips we listed above, you can surely find the right fit. And, if you still need more information and assistance, why not check out our blog? We update each day with more handy articles like this one!