Okay! It's time to hire a photographer. Awesome! You've opened up a browser and searched for the right one, but man, there are a LOT of us out there! How do you pick the right one? You want your images to be perfect AND you want a great experience. You also want a photographer who has an eye for details and will let you relax. Well, I'm here to help you narrow down the field. Below are some of the questions I would recommend you ask every photographer to make sure they're the right one for your needs.
Questions to Ask A Photographer Before Hiring Them
1. Do They Specialize In Your Desired Niche?
I recommend finding a photographer who has experience photographing what you need. For example, a product photographer may not be the best for senior portrait photography. You should work with someone who knows all the specific tricks for your photographic needs.
2. What’s Their Style of Photography?
Some photographers like bright and airy, and others like dark and moody photos. You also have photographers who direct all the poses and are very specific with how their subjects look. I suggest finding a photographer who knows how to edit their photos in a way you like. Check their Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn (if you're looking for headshots or branding images).
3. Read Their Reviews!
See what you can find out on Google. Ask the photographers for testimonials if you can't find any on their website or social media. Do your research!
4. What’s The Pricing Structure?
This will likely be one of your first questions, but each photographer does pricing their own way. Make sure you ask early on how much you will be billed and what is included in the fee. Do they include images with the fee, or are they separate? Are hair and makeup included in the cost? Some photographers (like me) prefer to offer package pricing so you'll pay for the session fee and the images all in one price. Other photographers only quote you for the session (their time to conduct the shoot), and then you have to pay later for the images. Both are entirely valid business methods, and you need to know which one to expect.
5. What’s The Payment Structure?
This is how much you pay and when. Some photographers require a deposit. For example, weddings involve a lot of moving parts so photographers may require a deposit or retainer to hold the date so they don't book many clients or are 100% available on the day of the wedding. Some also require a contract to reserve the session date. Similarly, I set up my business to include a quote with a client signature (which serves as the contract), and send an invoice at least 2 days prior to the session with a reminder that payment is due on the session date. Different photographers may request a different amount and times. Make sure you ask the schedule and totals.
6. Check A Few Albums Or Galleries.
Photographers take thousands of images every year. See if you can find some of their session galleries or images on their website to determine if they are good across the board. See if there are different situations such as night or bright daylight. Make sure the images are sharp! Check for composition - are the people posed? Do the subjects look happy, relaxed, and comfortable? Check for any minor details (is there one random hair sticking up? Is there a stray water bottle, exit sign, or tree blocking someone's face?)
7. What Planning Help Do They Provide?
Ask your photographer (or review their website) if they offer any guides to help you plan for your location, posing, and wardrobe. If you're worried about something such as a mole, a beauty mark, or something else, mention it to your photographer. Ask them if they provide guides for what to wear and if they provide posing during the session.
8. Do They Have A Model Release?
I usually include this with the booking process, but ask if the photographer has a model release. This means the photographer may use any images from your session for their marketing materials and social media. If you don't feel comfortable with it, don't sign it or ask that the language be removed from the contract.
9. Do They Have Insurance?
If you have an event coming up or it's a concern for you, ask your photographer if they have insurance. Things happen. The photographer's gear should be covered, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
10. What’s The Image Turnaround Time?
The session is over and you had a great experience. Woohoo! But when can you see your images? Ask the photographer when you should expect to see your images after the session is complete. Portraits and headshots may take a few days to a few weeks, but a wedding may take longer. Be clear up front so you have defined expectations and aren’t surprised later. Also, ask them if you'll be reviewing the images. Will you be reviewing the unedited images same-day or the final images?
11. What’s The Image Ordering Process?
You'll also want to ask the photographer how you'll be receiving your images. Will it be via an online gallery for you to download the images from? Is there an ordering appointment for you to review the proofs and select which ones you'd like? Either option is a legit option, but ask these questions upfront so you know what to expect.
12. Image Ownership & Permissions
Fun fact, when a picture is taken by a photographer (or you with your iPhone) that image belongs to the person who took the image. Full stop. Just because you paid the photographer to take the images, does not mean you have any ownership or copyright claim to those pictures. This is why contracts are super important so you know who maintains the copyright to the photos. Ask them if the images will be watermarked. Find out if the photographer will order prints for you or if you will need to do so. Some photographers, such as wedding photographers, require a print release which means you can print the images with their permission. Ask them if it's okay to post the pictures on your social media pages. Most photographers will want you to! It's free marketing! 95% of photographers will ask that you tag them or caption the images with "Photos taken by Jane Doe Photography." Some may request a watermark on the images before posting. Ask what their "requirements" are. And never, ever put a filter on the images!
I hope these suggested questions were helpful! I want my clients to be fully informed, and, even if they aren't my client, then informed to make decisions in the photography business. If you are looking for a photographer, click the link below to contact me!
