5 Tips When Looking for a Photographer
Searching for a photographer for your wedding or engagement is like the story of goldilocks and the three bears. Except instead of 3 bowls of porridge, she had a choice between thousands. With how prolific photography has become and how easy it is to start your own business (at least here in the state of Georgia), it can be overwhelming to search around for a photographer that will suit your needs. I’m hoping that my 5 tips here will better help you decide on your photographer.
1. Decide on your style
Yup that’s right: YOUR style. You don’t have to be a photo gallery curator to know what you want, but think about what are the qualities that you want your photos to have. Light and airy? Dark and moody? Photojournalistic or staged? Remember, style is not only about the how the images appear, but how the photographer takes the images. Regardless of style, you want to make sure your photographer goes for this next characteristic.
2. Timelessness
We live in a time of fads and trends and the media we consume show it. In the photo world, there was a time when photographing portraits on train tracks was the hot thing to do. Now not so much. Aim for a photographer who will produce timeless images so when you look back on your images in 20-30-40 years, you won’t be cringing at how Instagrammy your photos look. Your images should last the test of time just as the purpose for why you are getting your photos done.
3. Partners in the Mission
It’s very rare that a photographer will be working solo for big productions or events. For example, for weddings I regularly coordinate with the wedding planner, decorators, videographer, etc. What good is it if the photographer took great photos, but then your videographer wasn’t able to get any good shots because the photographer was uncooperative? Through partnership, everyone should be working together to achieve your goal of preserving treasured memories.
4. The Advocate
Shoot days can have high tension. With fast-paced schedules and many people involved, sometimes clients get overwhelmed and it’s not uncommon that something goes wrong. Chances are, your photographer will be spending the most time with you so you want someone who will be a constant source of encouragement, groundedness, and positive energy. We are like the coach championing you on even when the team is tired and down 20 points in the 4th quarter. We see you in victory!
5. A Positive Memory
Lastly, choose a photographer that you feel will leave you with positive memories. Someone who isn’t afraid to crack jokes, laugh with you, and add to the celebration. It would be a shame to have a photographer who was only there to snap photos and disappear. As an artist, I want to make sure you are left with not just great images but a memorable experience that will be remembered going forward.