While I have been away, I have been taking mental notes on what factors a client should look for when looking for a photographer. In the Spokane Washington area, there are tons of amazing artists that can make your visions come to life. Even if it isn’t myself to capture your portraits, these are some of the qualities and questions that you should be asking yourself and the photographer.
Do the Images match your style?
A photographer has a way they edit their images. Does that photographer’s editing style match the style that you are looking for? Is it “bright and airy” that you are looking for? Is it a “dramatic” black and white that you seek? What about the classic “soft focus” that you have dreamed about? There are many different style that catches peoples eye when going through a photographers portfolio. Find the one that works for you and your session.
Price
Ohhhhh…. the dreaded topic. I have been raised with the belief that “you get what you pay for.” I am not going to try and sway to or away a certain price range. I also don’t want to see a potential client put a second or third mortgage on their house just to afford a photographer. All I can say is sit down and crunch numbers and find a photographer in your budget. If you happened to find a photographer that you love their images, but out of your price range, try and talk to them and see if they would be willing to work within your budget. Whats the worst that can happen? They would just say no.
Personality
Food for thought, you the client, should go through an interview process with the photographer before you commit to a session. Why? During an interview, you can feel out the photographer to see if they give you the “creeper vibe.” Plus, it is a way to get to know your photographer to see if they are able to crack a joke to get that genuine smile or is that individual going to the classic “say cheese!” and get a half hearted smile. I have known some photographers that don’t even know their clients name and then they proceed to say “dad, now stand there.” We have names! A client shouldn’t feel disconnected from their photographer. Yes, the client would have to break away from a comfort zone by hiding behind Facebook, e-mail, or the phone…. but trust me…. it will be worth it. Not only are you getting to talk the session over but it is a way for the two of you feel each other out to see if the pairing would be a good match to capture your session.
I am sure there are more questions or characteristics that a potential client has in their mind. I am just hoping that just these 3 topics help guide you to a photographer that fits your needs.