How do you Choose the Right Photographer for You?
There are so many photographers to choose from right now, but how do you know which one is right for you? As a photographer myself, you won’t be surprised to hear that I love to get family photographs with a professional photographer so that I can actually be in them! My family forget to take photos of me day to day (I am always the one with the camera!), so it falls to me to make sure we get some beautiful family memories to display on our home too.
Below, I share my top considerations you should think about when selecting a photographer to capture your family moments.
Love Their Style!
This should be a no-brainer, right? That’s why its at the top of the list. If you are drawn to a particular style then you are going to be a much better match. In the age of social media, we are bombarded 24/7 with photos in our news feeds. You will already be drawn to a particular style, for example, vintage, classic, traditional, minimalistic, colourful, relaxed, natural or styled. There are many more! When you stumble upon some photos you absolutely love, go take a look at the photographers portfolio. Are they creating this style you love consistently? If so, head over to their reviews to see what their clients are saying. If you like what you see, get in touch with them to find out more.
Beware the ‘Forgetful’ Photographer
We have all seen those photos where families are lined up, mug shot style. Zero connection. Forced smiles.
Let me explain how these shots can come about. Being a photographer requires quick thinking, the ability to read a situation and react accordingly and know your camera and equipment inside out and back to front. This comes with experience. Unless we are shooting in the studio, where we can manage some of the variables, such as, lighting, temperature and backgrounds, we must be able to react quickly to be able to get the shot and manage the changing conditions that working outside or in other venues brings.
When photographers are less experienced in some aspects of photography, they forget some of the really important steps to creating a superb photograph. They forget to put people at ease to bring out their personality. They forget to look at how people in the photograph are posed. Posing doesn’t mean stiff poses and fake smiles. It means making small tweaks to someone’s natural stance to make them look even better. They forget to shoot at angles that flatter their clients. They forget to think about the background. All of these considerations are absolutely crucial to getting a great shots consistently.
Choose a Photographer with Relevant Experience
The photographer you need will be dictated by the type of photographs you would like to have after the shoot.
Photographing a landscape is a whole different sport to photographing a newborn baby, for example. Yes, a camera and lighting equipment is still needed for both but thats where the similarity ends. So, prior to booking a photographer, be sure to have searched for someone who specialises in that particular field. I work with people, and create memories for them all of the time. I have worked hard to gain experience and perfect my craft so that I know how to capture beautiful photographs every single time I shoot.
Amateur – v- Professional
Let’s face it, anyone can pick up a camera and call themselves a photographer. So, why not just choose a friend, or a relative that has a ‘good camera’ to be responsible for capturing those special, one off, moments for you? After all, they will most likely be much cheaper than a professional photographer, and may even be free!
Proceed with caution here. I am absolutely certain that they would have your best interests at heart and want to give you the most amazing photographs. But, there is so much more to it than pressing the shutter button. Photography takes years to perfect before it becomes second nature. I have been a photographer for over 10 years and there is still plenty to learn!
Providing you with stunning photos you can’t wait to share with your family and friends, and have displayed proudly in your home, is no small task! Quality imagery comes from your photographer knowing their craft, understanding how light works, how to relax people in front of the camera and how to operate their camera in manual settings in any weather and lighting condition. My ten year old could use my camera in automatic mode, but the results would be average at the absolute best!
Go With Your Gut
It’s a scientific fact that we are naturally drawn to certain people over others. Those that align with our values, the seem familiar to us and that we trust. So, if you are satisfied with all of the above, then the last step is to go with your gut. If it feels right, it usually is! Now all that’s left to do is enjoy the experience!
Get in Touch
If you would like to view more of my work then visit my website or contact me by email me at info@summerjphotography.co.uk
