Are you planning on getting a family portrait done? How about a professional headshot? A team photoshoot? Regardless of what type of photoshoot you’re getting, there are several things you need to know before getting started. That’s why we came up with a list of important questions to ask your photographer before you invest:
1. What exactly am I getting in a photography package?
You will want to know exactly what is included OR worse yet, what is NOT included in your package or whatever terms you agreed upon. Does the time they have committed to include travel time? Do I get all my photos, some of my photos, a specific number of photos? Are they ALL fully edited, high-resolution images? Am I going to have to choose which ones I want and how many of those are edited? Are there extra costs with upgrading products, like keepsake albums (additional pages, engraving, etc.)? You will want to get all the details of your package crystal clear before getting started.
2. Have you photographed in this location before?
This actually shouldn’t matter. We know you may think it does, but it doesn’t! Let us explain further. If a photographer is a good photographer, it won’t matter if they have taken photos in a specific location. A professional photographer is naturally creative! They will actually have a fresh eye on backgrounds, places to take photos, and much, much more! Also, a photographer should ALWAYS visit the venue PRIOR to the photoshoot session to scoop out locations for photos, backgrounds, lighting, sun placement, shadows, and more. If your photographer doesn’t plan on any of this, then they may not be a good fit. However, don’t close your mind to only choosing a photographer who has photographed the venue before. It shouldn’t even be a consideration when choosing a photographer.
3. Who is the photographer who will actually show up to take photos?
Great question! Are you hiring a photographer that works with a team of other photographers? Make sure, make sure, make sure, you know who is planning on showing up. This is critical. This is the photographer you are sharing all your plans with for that day. The person who should be taking notes on what photos you want, where you want to take your photos, and the small details you want to include. Are they actually the ones coming to take the photos? And if so, what happens in the event of an emergency? Who shows then? Do they have a contingency plan? If they do, how will they get all the necessary information and vision communicated?
4. How long will it take for me to get my photos?
The truth is, post-processing takes time. If your photographer says you will be getting your photos in a couple of days, this is a red flag. That brings us back to our first question regarding what you are getting in your package. We tell our couples it will take 6-8 weeks. We usually don’t take that long, but we would rather deliver the photos earlier rather than late. Your photographer should be taking the time to carefully select the BEST of the best, only providing you with the photos that you will swoon over. In addition, and even though most photos taken should be close to perfect, there are things a camera cannot control… blemishes, red skin tones, distractions in the background, hair flyaways, and more. Some attention to detail should be made to these things in post-processing. Every attention to detail should be corrected in post-processing, and that takes time.
5. Do you guarantee your services with 100% customer satisfaction?
We don’t actually know any photographer that does this! Well, except for us! 🙂 Why other photographers don’t do this is because they are in the photography business. We are not. We are in the people business. An average photographer isn’t invested in your photos. They are collecting a paycheck. They collect your deposit, then see you at the photoshoot. This is a whole other can of worms we can talk about later, BUT this is not an investment into your family, team, or other type of photo shoot session. This is a job. We won’t apologize for my directness on this topic because we’re passionate about it. This is where we will tell you the difference between a paid photographer and investing in a photographer.
Investing in a photographer that wants to provide an experience with a spirit of excellence will make all the difference in the world. You may not think so now, but do you want to look back on this day and have any regrets about the photographer you chose? We think not! This is the one thing that will remain with you forever!
6. What is your style?
In our opinion, this question is fluff. Before meeting with a prospective photographer, you would have already seen their work—we hope! Check their website, Instagram, Facebook, and Yelp BEFORE meeting with them. The website will have a portfolio, and a few images for you to see. The best of the best. And if you like the style… keep on stalking! 🙂
Instagram and Facebook will have more of their work, behind the scenes, and some information about them. You will get a feel for who they are and if you think you would be a good fit.
Please, please, please check Yelp! and Google for reviews. What are others saying about them? This is so important. And if you want to know more, and you want to meet with this photographer after reviewing all this, then simply ask to have coffee with them. Once you are 90% sure you would like to hire them… ask them to share some references.
7. How Long Have You Been in Business?
It never hurts to ask them how long they have been in business. All of these things will help you determine how vested they are in themselves, their business, and more importantly YOU!
Simply Put…
The photographer you invest in will be a clear indication of the value YOU put on your memories.
Who are we?
We are Mike and Jenn Photography. We love love. We like to enjoy life. We enjoy doing life together. You can visit us here, here, and here. Oh, and don’t forget to check what others are saying about us on Yelp! and Google.
We want to hear more about your plans and we’d be happy to help you tailor your photography and other needs. We’re here to help you… even if you choose another photographer. 🙂 Because the best fit matters the most! At Mike & Jenn Photography, we’re passionate about providing clients with the BEST photos possible! If you’re hoping to get a photoshoot done, just give us a jingle! We look forward to working with you and capturing the best version of yourself! Hope to see you soon! Mike + Jenn ♡
