So the time has come for you to book a photography session. Maybe you have a senior who will be graduating high school soon that needs photos taken. Maybe you realized it’s been 5 years since your last family photo. Maybe you are welcoming in a new addition to your family and you want photos of them. Whatever your reason may be, you need to find a photographer to take your beloved photos! Take a moment to ask yourself and answer the 3 questions below before choosing your photographer.

1.) Am I just hiring this person because of their price point?

Can I be real for a second? I like to think that we are friends and that I can be real =) . Often times when people are asking for referrals on their Facebook page, they will post a status like this: “Does anyone know a good, cheap photographer? Thanks in advance!” The words “good” and “cheap” should never be used to describe a photographer. A “good” photographer knows their worth and charges the appropriate price for their services. When you see someone offering a 2 hour session for $50 with all digital files and a free print release, this is not a deal. This is a train wreck waiting to happen. I know that sounds harsh, but most likely that is someone who just bought a camera and has no concept of their camera settings, lighting, composition, how to create moments between their clients, and all of the other unspoken skills that make a photographer a master of their craft. Your photos are an investment! Treat them as such. If you want great photos, gladly pay a photographer who knows their worth and who will use all of their skills to create beautiful images for you.

2.) Do you like their style?

No, I’m not talking about the way they dress. As a creative, each and every photographer brings their own unique style to the way they photograph people. Some photographers focus on making the emotions experienced by the client the focal point of a photo, while other photographers focus on incorporating the beauty of the landscape in which they are photographing their clients. Neither are wrong approaches, they are just different! Not only do all photographers capture their subjects differently, they also edit differently. For instance, take a look at the images above to see an example of four popular editing styles. You might be thinking, “Well can’t I just have a photographer edit my photos the way I saw someone else do it?”. I guess you could ask that…but you shouldn’t. When hiring a photographer, you should hire them based on the work that you see them producing. If a photographer generally edits their photos dark and moody, don’t expect them to edit your session any differently. Remember, you should choose a photographer based upon the style you see them producing.

3.) Do you feel comfortable around them?

You may be saying “Chris, I haven’t met them yet or even spoken to them. I have no way of knowing if I will be comfortable around them.” Actually, this is a really big deal! How can your photographer possibly capture genuine moment unfolding in your session if you aren’t comfortable around them? In a world run by emails and messaging on social media platforms, it can be difficult to get a feel for someone. This is why an in-person meeting over coffee is a great way to feel out the photographer you are considering hiring. Chances are if they are awkward, rude, or shy; they will be that same way on the big day of your session. If your in-person meeting results in laughs and smiles, hire that person! At the bare minimum, a phone call should happen before your session. Photographers should not only be skilled in taking great photos, but they must also master the art of helping their clients feel comfortable in front of the camera lens. This a key ingredient for capturing great images.