We are in a dilemma these days in that there a so many
options of everything! When you go out to eat for example you have to figure
out the style of food that you want and then you have to figure out the
restaurant that you want to eat at and then you have to decide on a meal. As a
people in general, we have gotten very good at making decisions with just about
everything.
Photographers are no different in this category! Whether it
is your wedding, you need family photos, or headshots, finding and choosing
your photographer can be a daunting task when you really think about it. It
seems like everyone is becoming a photographer these days and wanting your
business and there is not a “one photographer fits all.” So the question
becomes, what separates Shed Light Photography from my uncle Joe? Who do I
choose? Well there are a few myths that you need to get out of the way first.
Not all photographers are created equal
Just because Uncle Chuck picked up a Canon T3i or could
afford to spring a Canon 7D doesn’t mean that he is a professional, skilled photographer.
Saying that someone’s photographs are good because of the camera is like saying
someone’s food is good because of the stove. You follow me?
You hire PHOTOGRAPHERS, NOT CAMERAS.
Not all styles are the same
If you are looking for a rustic style photographer, why
would you go with a photographer who edits their photos poppy-like? If you like
more traditional styles, why use a photojournalist? Now I am not saying that
photographers are not able to adapt their styles, but what I am saying is that
we photographers do focus our training to certain areas with which we are
experts.
Not all personalities are the same
When looking for a photographer, you should focus on their
personality just as much as their photographs. Going into your decision making
with the thought that personality doesn't matter is setting you up for
disaster.
Alongside these myths of what could be bogging down your
brain during the decision process, there are certain things that you should
look for when deciding on who you are going to hire.
Realize that “One photographer doesn't fit everyone’s mold”
This really goes for photographer’s as well. Everyone has a
style, everyone has a specific taste in photography as to what makes them
click. Find out what your style that you just would die without is, and seek
out that photographer! At the end of the day, you are the one who needs to be
happy with your photographs!
Personality. Personality. Personality.
Personality matters. The end. If you can’t personally
identify with your photographer, your shoot is not going to be an enjoyable
experience. It is going to be like trying beets for the first time. Eww…
Talent & Comfort
Does the photographer have any talent or experience at all?
Or did they just pick up a camera yesterday? Experience is a large fraction of
the equation when deciding on a photographer. An experienced photographer will
know how to position you, how to work with you, and quite frankly, just know
how to make you look good!
Are you comfortable with them? If you aren’t you are most
likely setting yourself up for a failed experience. You have to be comfortable
with your photographer; otherwise, you will only have ok photos instead of “OMG
THAT PHOTO IS ZEE MOST AHMAZING THING EVERRRRRR” photos.
What do people say about them?
Last but not least, what do people say about them? What do
your friends who have worked with them have to say about them? Any photographer
can toot their own horn, but true talent is built up on the authority of
others, not themselves. Oh, so the photographer has reviews on their website?
Great! Where else do they have reviews? There are several quality review sites
such as Google Plus, Stik, and Yelp that a customer actually has to log in to
post a review, so be sure to see their authority on a place other than their
website.
And that is about it! If you have any further questions, let
me know!
Be cool people.
-J
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