Picking the right photographer. Seems pretty easy right? Well, not always. I want to take a few minutes to share, from my perspective, what picking the right photographer means to me. Coming from someone who is in the "biz", it's all about the right "fit" of photographer and client. With so many photographers out there it can be a daunting task.
Style :
To me, this is the most important factor when making a decision to hire someone to take your pictures. Let's be honest, you have to like what they have to offer. It's no different than buying anything else in your life. You have certain expectations of whatever you are buying, and if they don't meet your expectations, you look for the product that does. This is no different than photography. Find the photographer who's work "speaks" to you. Their portfolio is a representation of who they are as a photographer and what you can expect them to accomplish for you. If you like what you see, that's a good start.
Personality:
Definitely next on my list. You want someone who's personality "clicks" with your own. We all have different personalities, and they don't always mesh. No one wants to feel uncomfortable, and subjecting yourself to the scrutiny of a lens is not an easy thing to do. I know for me it isn't. I am much more comfortable behind the lens than in front of it. You want someone who makes you feel at ease, confident, and helps you forget the camera is even there. It's ok to not choose someone because you didn't get a good "vibe" from them. Frustration, angst, nervousness, and all those other feelings show in the final images. No one will win if this happens. It's why I always want to meet my clients in person first if possible. They can see what I am like, and I can see what they are like. I'm not afraid to recommend them to others photogs if I don't feel like our personalities are in line. Likewise, you shouldn't be afraid to look elsewhere if you're hesitant.
Budget:
Ahhh yes, the money game. Always a deciding factor....right? You should never and I mean NEVER base your decision solely on budget. I understand that money is money and sometimes it's tight. I'm a father of four, I know. But, for me, I would rather not have any photos than bad photos because I went with the cheapest person I could find. I have talked with many photographers and most are pretty willing to work with you on your budget.
We all want amazing photos to show off, but sometimes money can be a limiting factor. The thing is, don't insult them by expecting those amazing images without some dollars attached. It takes a lot of time and effort to learn how to take great photos. It's what separates "snap shots" from photographs.
Here is an example. On the left nothing special "Snapshot". On the right "Photograph"
There is a point to where we can't go down any further. We do this to support our families, much like everyone else goes to work. In my scenario, I also have a full time job and do photography on the side, but I still use it to help support my family.
Think of it this way... We all buy cars right? They cost a lot. If you walked into a dealership and said "You know, there really is only about $7,000 - $8,000 worth of material on that car, so I can offer you $9,000", they are going to laugh at you and think you're nuts. You are buying the whole package, and all the work that went into that car, from the concept to the finished product. Photography is no different.
How about if your boss came up to you and said "You know, we can get a robot to do what you do, and it will only cost $.75 and hour...so if you want to keep your job, you'll have to accept $.75 and hour instead". Somehow I don't think it would go over well. Don't do this to your photographer.
Closing Thoughts:
Thank you for putting up with my ramblings. I hope I have in some way helped you. You will find that most photographers are not blood-thirsty mosquitoes trying to suck every last dollar from your wallet. We are just regular people with a certain skill set trying to make it in the world. We love what we do, and there is nothing more rewarding than watching our clients see their prints for the first time and get teary eyed. We capture your life and print it out on paper for you to have and cherish forever. Our end goal is for you to have amazing photos and you to be happy. Take care, and I'll see you out there.
-Justin