Here’s some general free advice for anyone seeking a photographer, coming from my experience as one. These tips can potentially save you a lot of money and grief. I encourage you to keep my advice in mind – even if you don’t choose me to be your photographer (though I hope you do).
Pick the right photographer for you. This is probably the most important aspect to consider when looking for someone to cover your event or take your portrait. With that said, I believe that photography is truly a dynamic process that relies on interaction between the subject and the photographer. So, choose a photographer not only on style, but also on personality. Ask yourself questions like: “Do I like his/her shooting style? Is this person fun to work with?”
Be up front. Let your photographer know exactly what you want. Clear expectations help me to deliver my best possible product to you.
Allocate enough time. Plan events in a realistic timeframe to allow the creative process to happen. Although I work as efficiently as possible, nobody likes to work feeling rushed – and you’ll probably get better pictures!
Go for the best value. Let’s face it, we are in a serious economic recession. Now more than ever, it is necessary to make sound financial decisions – including your photography budget. After you’ve narrowed your search down to photographers that can achieve the look you want, sort by overall value – not just price. What level of service do they provide? The age-old aphorism that “you get what you pay for” is usually true. I aim to deliver high-quality images with your needs in mind.
Don’t risk it. It may seem increasingly tempting in this economy to let a close family member, friend, or associate shoot a major event (like a wedding) for free, especially when money is tight. Such a gesture can be an irreplaceable gift – but you should be aware of a few things. Professional photographers not only have fancy cameras, but we know the ins and outs of how to use them, and have the training and the right equipment to handle even tough lighting situations. There is no substitute for experience. Now, although I do my best to meet your needs, professional photography may not be affordable for everyone - but I believe that everyone deserves pro quality pictures. So, if you have a friend doing you a favor, at least encourage them to assist a professional photographer to learn how to do it well. I’d rather that your friend gets the right training so that your big day isn’t ruined. Even then, things can still go wrong. Honestly, it’s better not to risk it if it’s really important.
Now that you have a good idea of how to choose a photographer, I encourage you to put the first tip in practice, and check out my galleries to see if I’m the right photographer for you.
Ken
