Hiring a Professional Photographer

If you are going to spend your money to hire a professional photographer, you should do a few things to make sure you get the pictures you want. There are a few things you can do to help yourself (and your photographer) meet expectations.

1. Do a little research, so you can hire a photographer whose style matches yours. Ask friends, look in local parenting/kids magazines, and do an Internet search. Any professional worth hiring will have a portfolio for you to view. Look closely at the images. Are they mostly posed pictures or mostly photo-journalistic? Does the photographer shoot in color, black & white, or both? Don't expect a photographer to change his or her style for you. Instead, hire the photographer who will best meet your expectations.

2. If possible, meet with the photographer before the shoot. At the very least, have a detailed phone conversation. During the meeting, discuss things like locations, wardrobe, style, length of the session, cost of prints, proofing options, etc. Be sure you know what you are getting before you pay anything.

3. Email or bring to your meeting photos you like. Begin collecting images you find in magazines or catalogs that depict your style and desires. Showing these images to your photographer will help him or her know what you really want. Trust me; we want you to be happy with your pictures, and communicating your expectations is a huge step in the right direction.

4. Arrive at your photo shoot with a creative, playful and open mind. I, for one, love it when clients arrive with ideas of their own. It's important to find a photographer who is a team player, who will be your partner (and guide, if necessary) in capturing the fleeting moments in your life.

You are welcome to contact me if you have questions, suggestions or stories relating to any of my blogs. cstockstill@austin.rr.com