Whether you’re looking to hire a photographer for the most memorable day of your life, your wedding, or perhaps a celebratory anniversary party, a graduation, or even a corporate event, you want to ensure you select the best “man” (or woman) for the job. As you interview your potential photographers, there are certain items to keep in mind. Consider these four essential elements that that ensure you choose and hire the best photographer for your event!
Style
Some photography experts exude a certain style. Edgy and bold, fine art, portraiture, or documentary style photography are all gorgeous in and of themselves, but cater to a certain crowd and eye. Edgy and bold photos are often considered “outside the box,” with interesting lighting schemes and different angles. Fine art experts also tend to lend extra interest to their shots, but a little more subtlely. Portrait photographers are really, really great in their element and produce amazing results, but may lack creativity in certain situations. Finally, documentary style photographers pride themselves on candid and spontaneous shots, which can also be exquisite. In doing your research you may be lucky enough to find the perfect photographer who can combine a few of the elemental styles you love.
Personality
You may love a photographer’s work, but if your personalities don’t click, you may want to reconsider the hire. You’ll be spending hours upon hours with this magician behind the lens, in very close quarters, and you want to be sure your personalities sync. If you’re Type A and constantly on the go, wanting to control and be a part of the work, a photographer who is more laid back, casual, and more at ease in his job may cause a bit of conflict and frustration. It’s best to go with your gut and how you feel about the photographer during the interview and while asking these important disponsitionary questions.
Pricing
This is most likely the most heavily weighed element to be considered when selecting a photographer for your event. Often artists offer packages for weddings, anniversaries, or large parties vs. hourly rates. Do the math and see what makes more sense for your pocketbook and decide on who will fit into your equations. Teams of photographers (primary artist and assistants) can be more expensive, as there are more eyes and angles ready to snap at any moment, while single artists have the ability to adjust price without any overhead.
Reputation
It’s likely you’re going to find prospective photographers merely by word of mouth, and clearly you want those words to be all good and positive. In any case, do your research. Make sure you read reviews, talk to previous customers, and obtain references on the photographers’ work, personalities, and timeliness both during and after the event. You will have to wait a little while for the photos to be edited, but how long is too long?
Once you find the perfect photographer for your event, your mind will be set at ease and you’ll be able to sit back, relax, and pose for your dream photos.
Some of our very favorite photographers in the area include:
Studio 623 Photography and CL Steele.
