There are many reasons you may need the services of a professional photographer during your life and it’s important you get the right one for YOU. So what should you look for when shopping for a shooter? The following is a guide to help you ask the right questions, check out the business and most importantly, find the right photographer for YOU!

Check out their work…look at their website, their social media and read any reviews/testimonials they might have. See if it’s what you like and whether you can see you in a photograph captured by them. view their portfolios, either online or in person to get a feel for the style of photography you want, and then hone in on a few that seem like they would be a good fit. Also, if the style you like isn’t in their portfolio, they probably don’t shoot that way and may not be able to produce what you want. It might just be that they haven’t been exposed to that style, so don’t write them off without asking, especially if they tick all the other boxes on your check list. Word of mouth is another great way to find potential photographers in your area. Happy clients like to share their experiences, and unhappy ones will certainly let you know! Social media can help here, but be aware that not everything you read on the internet is true!  

I suggest you choose a person you feel comfortable with. This may seem obvious or maybe not, but if you’re entering into a process that you’re not sure of and have some nerves, then to get the best possible images will require that you don’t think about being nervous or self conscious. A great photographer, someone you can connect with, can do this for you.

After searching the web and making a short list, set up a time to talk to the photographers by phone or in person to discuss your plans…my suggestion is always make a phone call at the very least, you’ll be able to pick up a ‘vibe’ when you speak to them and this will help you decide whether to go any further with them. A photographers experience is something earned over time and it should be reflected in their work. A photographer with years of experience is often more expensive than someone just starting out, but remember, you get what you pay for! While many people think that because they have a great camera they can take great pictures, there is so much more to professional photography than that. The camera is merely a tool to do a job, the outcome of the job is dependent on the operator.

The memories you’re going to create during your photo shoot shouldn’t be left to chance. Your photographer should endeavour to create the perfect experience for you and part of the process is to meet you, and discuss your expectations and outcomes. It’s a great ice breaker too. Unless you’re an experienced model, you’re probably going to be a bit tentative about the whole process, but to eliminate one of the elements of worry is to see where you’ll be having your experience, meet the photographer and to see some of the products and their quality, that are available for you after your shoot.

By all means, shop around, but remember, it doesn’t matter what sort of gear they have, how many awards they might tell you about or how many followers they have on FB or Insta…if you aint feelin’ it, go with your gut and move on.