How to Pick the Right Senior Photographer
6 Tips to pick your photographer
You and your parents have finally made the decision that it is time for your senior portraits. You are excited and ready to start the process. The easiest part is done. Now the hard part begins. What photographer do you decide to book your session with? This can be very nerve wracking and cause lots of anxiety and stress. However, with a little research you will be able to find your senior photographer who will make your experience amazing and give you incredible images that will last a lifetime.
Here are a few tips that can help guide you.
Tip 1: Do a little Research
Doing a google search for local photographers is ok but can be daunting. Instead, consider word of mouth. This can be a great tool for finding a potential photographer. Ask your friends or their parents who their photographer was and what their experience was like. Did they have fun? Did they like their images? Was the photographer good at communicating and guiding them through the process? Did they offer good products and packages? Getting the answers to these questions can be a great jumping off point and let you start a list of names to look at further. Once you have that list of names go to each of their websites and look through social media to check out their reviews and testimonials. When clients really enjoy their experience, they want to share that with others. This will give you a better indication of what you can expect with that photographer.
Tip 2: Ask yourself what style and vibe do you want?
This is one of the most important tips in the process. You want to make sure that your photographer is going to capture who you are and that the images are a true reflection of you. Maybe you want an edgy urban vibe, or you like the light and airy natural look. Do you like more posed looks are ones that are lifestyle with a playful tone to them? Go through the photographer’s portfolio and look at their images. Make sure that it is a good representation of what you are wanting for your style and if they would be a good fit for you.
Tip 3: Look at the Photographer’s Experience
All photographers have a beginning and a learning curve. I know I did. I think it is wonderful when photographers can build their portfolio and improve their skills by getting people to let them photograph them for regular portraits, even family sessions. However, when it comes to senior portraits keep in mind that this is such a once in a lifetime milestone that can never be recreated and you want to make sure that you are in the hands of someone who has some experience with technique, posing, understanding lighting and exposure. There is more to photography than having a good camera. Believe me I learned this along the way in my journey.
Tip 4: Make sure that the photographer specializes in senior portraits.
This may sound silly, but the photographer you are looking at can have amazing skills and good reviews, but if they specialize in newborn photography and they only do the occasional senior portraits, that may not be a good fit. Or if they only do wedding photography, you probably aren’t going to go with them either. Look at their portfolios and see if there is a decent selection of senior portraits on their page and that there is a good mix of boys and girls. Also look at the variety of poses in the images. I also suggest going to their blog. Most photographers will post full sessions on their blogs, which can give you a good overall idea of what you can expect from your session in terms of style.
Tip 5: Pricing, Packages, Products
Easier said the done, but don’t let price alone sway your decision on picking a photographer. Pricing is one of those sticky points and usually is the first thing parents want to know right off the bat. Don’t choose your photographer on price alone. Remember that this is a very special moment. You are paying for more than just portraits, you are paying for a memory making experience starting from the time you book till you pick up your products. You need to look at the quality of images, types of products they offer, the photographer’s professionalism, essentially the overall package. Look over their senior packages and see what you will be getting for the prices. What are they offering in their packages? What products do they have for you to choose from? How many outfit changes do you get? How many images will you get to choose from? Will you get downloads or prints or a combination of both? Personally, I think my packages are fair and include lots of images, prints and products as well as creating amazing memories.
Tip 6: Narrow the list down and make some calls
Once you have gotten your list down to 2-3 photographers I suggest reaching out to the photographer via email or their contact page on their website. This doesn’t lock you into anything or commit you to using their services. Express an interest in getting more information for senior portraits and request a time where you can talk on the phone to ask additional questions. This is always good to do with the assistance of your parents. I always like to set up a consult call with my seniors and their parents to answer any questions they may have and to run through the process and what they can expect. I also will send out my senior portrait brochure at this point which gives a lot of information to help guide them through the process. By hearing the photographer, you can get a better feel of their vibe, personality, and tone, and if they will be a good fit to work with. Do they sound excited about the possibility of working with you or do they sound rushed or like you are just another photo session to them? A good way to gauge what your experience with the photographer may be like is by noting how fast they respond to your emails, calls, or text messages. Make sure you have a good feeling when you communicate with them.
Tip 7: Pick and trust your gut!
Once you have all the necessary information you will be able to make an informed decision on which photographer to pick for your senior portraits. Once you pick that specific photographer, trust your instincts that you made the right choice.
If you follow these simple tips on how to pick your senior photographer, you can head into your session relaxed and excited about this wonderful milestone and know you are going to have a great time. I would love for you to consider me as that photographer. Please reach out to me via my contact page and I would love to send you my Senior Welcome Guide which has great information about packages, pricing, process, etc.
