How to find a photographer you love...
When you need a service provider, chances are that you grab your phone, open up Google and type a keyword in the search bar. An overwhelming list of information pops up and then a sense of “which one should I select first” kicks in. At this point it feels easier to just put it off which inevitably leads to forgetting all about the purpose your search.
The fact is, putting off a photo session means skipping out on documenting a time in life that you don't get back. You blink your eyes and 5 years has passed by, your kids have grown up or maybe even some new wrinkles have formed.
What are some key elements to consider when selecting a photographer that you can connect with, share your dreams and visions with, and will lead to creating photos that you cherish forever?
Here are 5 tips that I share with clients when they first reach out to inquire about a photo session:
Ask for recommendations.
Once the photography industry evolved from physical film into digital format, it became easier for people to create photos outside of a professional studio. Photographers can create content anywhere and clients can now have custom photographs made that fulfill the vision they have in mind with endless possibilities. This means that the industry is now inundated with custom photographers and there’s a really good chance that someone in your family, friends’ circle or perhaps even a co-worker has already had their photos taken by someone they know well. So ask what their experience was like, what kind of products they offered and if they are genuinely happy with the images they received. Word of mouth will always be the most powerful tool in business.
2. Browse through portfolios.
I briefly mentioned at the start of this post about searching online and perusing through a seemingly massive a list of websites for Google’s top-listed photographers in your area . You may not know where to immediately start but you’ll notice that you can gain a lot of valuable information quickly.
It’s recommended that you first take a look through their portfolio and take notice of the genre (sometimes there’s more than one) that the photographer is proficient in. Janet Ramos Photography, for instance, has built a niche around High School Seniors and Families in the Tampa Bay area. You will not see weddings or newborns displayed on the website which indicates that it is not an offered genre. This is a good thing. Why? Because it means that JRP has lots of experience photographing Seniors and Families and is an expert in creating those types of portraits. Posing, drawing out genuine emotion, outfit ideas, locations, hair and make-up are just a few aspects that photographers learn to be proficient at, especially within their specialities.
Another great resource for insight is to check out the Blog section, if there is one. You will get some behind-the-scenes ideas from past sessions, tips and tricks as well as get a feel for how a photographer works with their clients. The Investment section will give you a general idea of how much they charge. A well-seasoned photographer is educated in pricing sessions that allows them to run their business successfully based on client requests. There are several expenses that are incurred even though a majority of photographers do not own an expensive studio space. Keep in mind that they are not out to take all your money. Custom photography is a luxury item and is considered an investment because photographs record a memory that can never be physically be re-lived. Think about that for a second. How many times do you look old photographs and think to yourself, “Wow, if only I could go back to that time, that place or with that person?’ That’s how powerful photographs are!
3. Meet in person.
Yes, I know - we now live in the digital age where we can send an email or a text message minimizing travel and other social constructs. Why do we have to meet in person? Here’s the thing…how are you going to know if this person is going to match your energy or if this person is even a nice human? There is a science to human connection that happens when we look at each other’s face, eyes and smile. It makes us feel safe with each other and comfortable in front of the camera.
I make it a point to meet all of my clients whenever they send in an inquiry. That’s where I can ask questions about your dreams and visions for your shoot. I get a chance to explain the process leading up to the day we work together such as what to wear, which location do we want to use and what happens after the shoot. Part of the service I offer is not only providing photos but to take care of all the details that make a session successful so that it lessens the stress off of you.
Grab a coffee together! Scout locations together. Meet at a shopping center and get ideas on what to wear. I promise that it will make your experience that more memorable. Your energy and smiles are inspirational to a photographer!
4. Read the contract!
But Janet, that’s so boring! Who wants to read all of that?
Contracts protect both the client and the photographer. You have one idea of how things are supposed to be and the photographer has another way of running their business. Contracts make sure that both parties are in agreement and are aware of what to expect. Did you know that photographers own the copyright to every single image they capture on their camera? They, in essence, can use the photograph how they want. Most clients are not aware of copyright laws and how that affects the use of the photographs that are created together. Another common misconception is once clients receive their images, they want to post them on instagram and add a filter that changes the color or quality of the image. Most professional photographers achieve a style that they’ve mastered, as far as editing is concerned, and do not want their work misrepresented when the image is changed dramatically. Please read the contract! It can ruin the relationship even if something was done in innocence. But the good news is that open communication throughout the process builds a happy long-term relationship and leads to a rewarding experience time and time again.
5. Establish and maintain a friendship.
I have to tell you that it is pure joy for me to become friends with my clients. I get to experience the successes of many of my high school seniors as they venture off into their next phases in life. Colleges, military, academies, new jobs, marriage and the building of their own families are some of the milestones that I’ve been a part of with many of my clients. Parents come back and thank me for capturing that one photo of their child that hangs on the wall, filling their hearts with unending love.
Clients know what to expect with every photoshoot they hire me for. The photos they collect have a cohesive look and format they can pass on as heirlooms from generation to generation. Finding a photographer you love is truly priceless!
I sometimes joke with my clients and tell them that finding a photographer you’re comfortable with is like finding a doctor you build history with. We get to know what works for you and what doesn’t. I get to know your personality and use that to draw out emotions during a photoshoot and you will build confidence in the work I present to you.
The last tidbit I will leave with you is to be careful when choosing a photographer just based on price. As I mentioned before, custom photography is a luxury investment that holds a lot of value in our lives. It represents a part of our existence, people we love and adore and time that we never get back. The next time you pick up an old photograph or come across an image somewhere, pay attention to how it makes you feel. It’s not just a piece of paper or a cluster of pixels on a computer screen but a tangible item that visually recreates a heartfelt feeling.
Janet Ramos Photography is known for specializing in High School Seniors, Women’s and Family Portraits in the Tampa, FL area. She primarily handles individualized, on-location photo sessions and has experience capturing high-quality posed as well as candid images. Past clients commend Janet for her dedication, craft and talent. For a consultation click here and to get an idea of the investment costs click here.