Choosing YOUR Photographer

7 Things clients look for in a Photographer

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I am a professional photographer and growing a successful business and clientele. I have learned on my journey how different one photographer is from another as well as what clients want and look for when searching for the photographer that will fit their needs. I have narrowed it down to a few points, ok 7 main points for what my customers are looking at.

What clients look for in a photographers business

Shooting and Editing style

Do you like the photographers style? Each themed session should have the same "Style". I have read over and over again that when finding ones own shooting style the photographer should tell a story. Something they want their potential clients to feel or think when they see the portfolio. Well, stories do change over time, or a photographer may start a new chapter, but as a whole is the photographers work consistent? Lets face the facts, the truth, word of mouth is where most photographers get their business from. I can completely agree to that from my personal experience. You want the style of photography you are looking for, if you want lifestyle family photography, then your potential photographers work should reflect that.

Quality

This is a big one! Is the quality consistent? Images in focus? Does each session you see give you a fresh a new feeling? You know most clients will not be experts at constructive criticism of the finished images. As business owners I believe the photographer should be displaying work they are proud of and would pay for themselves.

Editing Style

Do you like the edited image? Does it match your family/personal style? Is every sneak peek the same as the one before? Is the editing consistent? Obviously if you are looking for a family session you want to view the family part of the portfolio, most photographers have different styles for different sessions, they may not edit a newborn session the same way they edit a wedding. Get what I'm saying ;) A client wants to know what they are paying for. Some clients love black and white (I personally have a love for it myself) others, well they like color, some prefer matte or hazy, vintage or the new film edit. A photographers portfolio should reflect what the client will receive to avoid any surprises in their galleries. In my defense I am an artsy photographer and tend to have a very sliding style, but it is well known and seen in my portfolio.

Specialization

Does the photographer offer what you are looking for? Family, newborn, wedding, seniors, maternity? People are good at what they love. If a photographer only specializes in one area, family, its probably because they are good at it and enjoy it. A good family photographer will know exactly what they are doing and be comfortable with keeping your little ones in line and getting shots you wouldn't even imagine could work out.

Expenses

Can you afford custom photography? Prices are all over the place in the photography business and getting higher the more it grows. It is also becoming non-existent thanks to high tech cell phones... Ok off topic a little. Anyway, I believe photography is worth saving up for. I live behind the scenes I see what it takes I love the reaction I get from my own clients. What the client needs to know is how much the session is, what is included, what cost extra. Are there rescheduling/cancellation fees? Do you have to pay a deposit? Can they get prints or just digital. Can they buy additional photos?

Website

A website this day in age is a must have. An easy to navigate site where clients can easily find portfolios pricing. Blogs ;). If these things are not easy to locate a client will most likely go elsewhere, where they can find information easily. My business information is on BOTH Facebook and my website and very easy to navigate :)

Location

Does the photographer shoot on location or have their own locations? Do they have a studio or traveling only? Are they willing to try new places? Is there an extra rate for the extra distance?

Finally, which I feel is most important,

The Photographer/Client relationship

Does the photographer put the client at ease? Is the photographer easy to contact and respond in a respectable timely manner? Are they easy to converse with? Is Scheduling convenient? Consultation with a potential photographer is crucial and will give you a feel of the photographer as well as them getting to know you as a new client. Which happens to be my favorite part, well besides the session anyway.

Basically you want your photographer and your photos to match who you are. When you find the right photographer you will get exactly what you are looking for. Search and feel some of the local photographers out. Check out newer photographers as well as older ones. Try not to base your judgments off Facebook likes I see WONDERFUL work go unnoticed repeatedly on Facebook everyday. Do not be afraid to ask a potential photographer questions, most of us are nice and have no problem responding and in a timely fashion.

#photography #photoshoots #family #Clients