The Important “Three Ps” of Hiring a Photographer
You've Got to Know When to Hold 'em, Know When to Fold 'em
When choosing a photographer, it is important that you consider three main categories: person, pictures, and price.
Your Person
This is your photographer, aka the person you are hiring, and you should like the photographer that you hire! This person should be someone who makes you comfortable in front of the camera. If you feel uncomfortable around this photographer, you will be able to see this in your photos. If you want to be relaxed and happy, find someone who you know will fulfill this for you. Your photographer will be with you from anywhere to an hour or two if you’re hiring for engagement photos, to eight-ten hours if you’re hiring for a wedding. It is important that you genuinely like this person. A good way to figure out if you like them is to follow them on social media, to video-chat, or set up an in-person meeting to determine whether you like this person or not.
Your Pictures
Just as you should like the photographer you hire, you should absolutely like the pictures that this photographer produces. This is the product you are receiving for your money, so you should like the other work that they have created. Liking their work will help you to trust your photographer to take pictures you will love, and it will also make you relaxed during your time as well as excited to receive these pictures. Always do your research. However you find this photographer, whether this is a recommendation from a friend or social media, try to find all the photos you can. Search for websites, other social media, or ask the photographer for an online album so you can see what your photos will look like when they arrive.
Your Price
Price seems to be the biggest variable that people consider when choosing a photographer, but you should never choose someone just because you like their price. You are paying for the kind of photos you would like. You don’t want to end up like this couple who received photos that they hated. If you like a photographer but don’t like their price, ask if they can do a smaller package. Some photographers have packages where they are there for a specific amount of time, or they hire a second photographer, also known as a second shooter, to help the main photographer get as many pictures as possible. If you would like a lower price, you could ask for a smaller amount of time or to photograph without a second shooter for less money. This is a great way to hire your favorite photographer at the price you like.