So your upcoming high school senior needs a senior photo session, or your new job is requesting an updated headshot, maybe you just have been really wanting a new family photo and you are finally ready? If you are looking for a photographer it probably seems like no big deal right? Just do a quick Google search and call someone to book a session?

There are a few reasons you may want to put a little work into booking the right photographer. First off most photographers specialize in a specific type of photography such as weddings and events, graduating seniors and families, business headshots, or even real estate photos. Find a few photographers that do the kind of work you need, in the area you want, and check out their websites.

Every photographer has a style, a way they use light or lighting, maybe they pose more naturally or more formal, and even the editing is going to be unique to each photographer. Each website should have a gallery of photos that you can look at to see if you like the style. A perfect example is newborn photography. Some newborn sessions are in the studio with props and wraps and a sleeping baby and some sessions are more lifestyle with home as the backdrop and mom and dad are holding the baby in the nursery.

Find a photographer or two that matches the look you want to achieve and reach out by phone or email and get some more information. Is the photographer responsive and helpful? They should ask the questions that help them help you with your session scheduling. If you need new photos for a website the photographer should ask you about size and orientation, placement of photos, the vibe of your business and website colors, and even be willing to be in contact with your website creator. Of course their is personality and that matters as well.

Do you need help getting comfortable in front of the camera? Do you have a fun upbeat personality and you want your photographer to be fun also? Are your kids shy and nervous and they need a soft mom type presence for the session to go well? Once you have found the style you like and the photographer’s personality is also a match check out the reviews and testimonials like you would for any other service.

Lastly, because you can’t put an average cost on creativity, you may want to look at price. If a photographer won’t give you all the information or pricing until after the session that is definitely a red flag. Photographers vary a great deal in their pricing and what you get in your package. But price should not be the first or only thing you use to make your decision when looking to hire a photographer. Remember the old saying, “you get what you pay for”!