HOW TO CHOSE A PHOTOGRAPHER THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU
Memories of your precious moments matter. Your son or daughter's 1st birthday, debut/18th Birthday, wedding, or even your pregnancy journey, your 30th and 60th birthday plus retirement or even your Nth birthdays are just once in a life time moment to cherish. You need to have a memory of that moment to cherish and to reminisce in the future. This is one of the many reasons why you need to hire a professional photographer. To creatively capture your memorable moments.
But how will you know whose the one who'll capture your moments? In this generation, lots of photographers came out. Many are new in the field, many are knowledgeable about photography, and many are pro on their genre of photography.
Who and How will you choose?
1. Determine your "event"
You must first determine and consider what type of event you are going to do or celebrate. Is it a maternity shoot, pre-debut and debut, Baptism Coverage, pre-nup shoot and wedding coverage, architectural or field blessings? Your "event" will determine what type of photographers you are going to need.
My point here is you must hire a photographer that's pro with the genre you have in mind. Don't hire a fashion photographer if you need an architectural design. The fashion photographer may be knowledgeable about it, but there are better architectural photographers out there.
2. Know thy photographers!
If you do not know any photographers, go to your soc-med and research or even ask your friends about "their" photographers. If you found one, look at their works first. How much it cost will be the last thing you will think of.
Study their work first. How they capture, how creative they are, how they put your stories in their photographs. In short, how their output looks like. If you like their output, proceed to No. 3
3. Befriend the photographer
Here comes the time that you will contact the photographer . Befriend them. A simple polite message or call will be enough. Ask about their services. Most photographers have their packages already in hand.
Befriending your photographer develops that connection of a photographer and muse chemistry. Awkwardness will be washed out and both of you can deliver the best and make great photographs.
4. Be Honest with the Photographer
Be honest with your event so the photographer can give you his packages and rates in accordance with your event.
If you like their packages, inform them in advance about your needs so that they can prepare the things they 'll bring for your event. Do not hide your event from them or else they'll show up in your event without the proper gears.
We had an experience before, our one photographer was caught off guard when he arrived at the event. The client booked us for a birthday party, a regular one so we gave the client a regular package with only one photographer, but when our photographer arrived at the event, he was shocked! It was a debut event. When a girl turns into a lady on her 18th birthday is very far different from a regular birthday parties. This is why there is a pre-debut shoot and an on the day coverage. Aside from that, debut event cost different from a regular birthday events.
So, what happened at the event, our photographer was in the difficult situation. His gears he has were not enough for this type of event. His source of lights were not enough for a better shots. Of course, he still pulled it off but always be honest with your photographers. A new born portraits is very different from a 1 year old portraits, as well as it is to an 18th birthday portraits.. as well in wedding portraits.
5. The Rates
Here comes the moment that you will think of the photographer's rate. Is his rate worthy of his output? If it is and you like it, and you can afford it, go book an appointment. If you can't afford his rate, haggle a little lower. If still you cannot, find another photographer who can give you a better price with a better output.
Today, it's sad to know that lots of new photographers are giving rates that are lower or very low from the market price just to have a client. Clients also tend to be with this trend, instead of choosing a photographer based on his output, they are basing from the price.
Remember, photography is not cheap. It's like a painting painted by an artist. If a man painted a piece just because he has paint brushes and acrylic colors, it does not mean he is a painter. This is also true with photographers.
6. Book your event
If you like the service of the photographer, then book a session. If not, he or she may not be the right photographer for you,
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