Here in the midwest, fall is truly the most popular time of the year for family and senior portraits. And it’s no wonder with all the gorgeous trees changing colors and the cooler temperatures. As you start thinking about updating your photos or capturing those Christmas card worthy images, you might be feeling overwhelmed with all the photographers available to choose from. Some people might just go with a friend’s recommendation, while others want to be sure they find the right photographer for them. So here’s some tips on how to be sure you’re selecting your perfect fit in a photographer.

Determine your Goals
In this instance think of your goals as what end products you are wanting. Are you wanting wall art, albums, Christmas cards, fun decor, or digitals? Different photographers often offer different products ranging in quality and style. Some photographers don’t offer albums because they’re not comfortable designing. Others, like myself, may LOVE designing them and creating an actual story out of your portraits. Some photographers may offer big beautiful wall portraits, while others prefer to only offer 8x10s and smaller. Make sure you know what you want so you can find the photographer who can create what you’re hoping to achieve.

Style
No two photographers shoot alike. We all view the world differently and have our own preferences in art. Some photographers only shoot black and white. Some only shoot color. Some photographers use more vibrant colors while other’s are more muted. You’ll find photographers who shoot with a more candid, lifestyle vibe, and others who specialize in beautiful portraiture. If you figure out what style you like, you can narrow your photography search to those who showcase the style you prefer.

Quality
There are a lot of photographers out there and they range from new amateur photographers to seasoned, trained professionals. So when seeking your photographer, check for the following things. Images that are crisp and sharp. Subjects that don’t look awkward, uncomfortable or unnatural (we all need a little guidance when we’re having our photos taken). Portraits that have great lighting – subject is bright and draws you into their face, no harsh or distracting light or shadows, natural-looking skin tones, and sparkly eyes. Check to see how airbrushed the images look – do you want them to be more natural or more airbrushed. And lastly – consistency. Make sure all images are consistently good. Anyone can go out and take 100 images and produce 3 good ones. You want to be sure that your photographer can provide you with a decent number of images that will all be of the utmost in quality.

Personality
This is something a lot of people overlook, but the personality of your photographer can actually affect your session. The way you feel, how comfortable you are, how much you trust the person capturing you and your family – all of these can affect the quality of your images. If you’re uncomfortable – it will definitely show in your portraits. If this is for a family shoot, you may want to be sure your photographer is someone who is good with kids. This is why in-person consultations are so important! It can help you get a vibe for your photography. Are they upbeat, cheerful, friendly and most importantly are you comfortable around them? All fo this will be very helpful for finding the right photographer for you!

Professionalism
This is another often overlooked area. One thing I find comforting is knowing more about a photographer’s skills and credentials. For example, I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in photography and design, I’ve been running Green Tree Media Photography for eight years. In that time I’ve shot over 270 sessions. I’m a member of the PPA, co-founder of our local photography group, the CILPPA. I attend conferences and participate in online learning programs to continue to educate myself each year.  And I do my best to donate to several auctions and charities a year. Not everyone has invested in education and training like this. I’ve had many a disappointed person come to me to retake senior or family photos because they went to someone who’s skills were subpar. Whether this is something that concerns you or not is totally up to you, but at the very least, I suggest being sure your photographer is paying taxes and running a legal business.

Budget
Just like no two photographers are the same or shoot the same, every photographer has a different pricing set up. I, personally, believe that this is important but not the first thing that should be looked at. Obviously, a new photographer will likely be cheaper than the seasoned pro, but you will probably lose out on quality and professionalism. While a lot of photographers are self-employed and working from home, they still are operating legal businesses and trying to make a modest living. And while it’s not always true, you often get what you pay for. Higher prices often mean more time spent customizing your session and a higher level of professionalism in the images.

So there’s six simple tips to help you find your perfect photographer. There’s an oversaturation of photographers these days so I’m sure they’ll help you find a photographer who has the right style, personality, and professionalism to meet your needs. And if I can at all be of service – I’d love to meet with you and talk about your session!