HOW TO CHOOSE A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER.

Do your research.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations, scour websites, and find reviews. The more photographers you compare, the better chance you’ll have of finding a good one.

Hire a true professional.

We all know someone who “takes photos”, but taking great pictures on vacation and understanding how to set up a great shot, engage with clients, provide perfect lighting, and edit photos are skills that require training and experience. Don’t just hire someone who thinks they are a photographer; hire a professional photographer who has an established track record. Look at their websites, their portfolios, and their reviews. Real photographers have a website.

Check credentials.

Along the same lines as number 2, check the photographer’s work for consistency, credentials, education, and experience. Everyone has to start somewhere, but for the best results, it’s essential to have someone with experience in the field. Ask if the prospective photographer has any education in art, photography, or photo editing as this can make a massive difference in the quality of the finished product.

Read reviews and talk to former clients.

If you can find reviews online, be sure the read through them thoroughly. You may ask about contacting previous clients to ask about the experience. Satisfied clients will be able to tell you precisely what they liked about working with the photographer. This will give you insight into the creative process. You can learn a lot about a professional photographer from talking to clients.

Ask about the editing process.

The best photographers also know how to edit photos to perfection. However, not all editors are created equal. Ask about the photographer’s editing software and skill level, and make known your expectations. Are you looking for minimal editing, lots of editing, or somewhere in between? You want to ensure that the photographer you choose can meet your needs both behind the lens and during editing. Every photographer has a different style of editing they provide to clients.