A common question I get asked when a potential client inquires about my services is “Why should we pick you?” My response always covers the following four “P’s”.
- Portfolio. Every photographer has their own style. Some photographers capture very posed and polished looking photos while some capture more lifestyle and candid photos. You need to figure out what style you like and select a photographer that shows similar photos. It’s very often that a posed / polished photographer can’t capture lifestyle / candid photos and vice versa. Just think of it this way…would you go to a steak house and order sushi? Not very likely. Take some time and really look at each potential photographer’s portfolio…you’ll resulting images will be worth it!
Checkout my newborn portfolio and my maternity portfolio!
- Personality. Every photographer is unique, just like every family is unique. Be nosey and checkout the personal side of your potential photographers. Do they share tons of photos from their night life and you prefer to stay inside? Maybe you aren’t a good match. Do they talk about their crazy two year old’s latest temper tantrum and you can relate? Maybe you are a match. What about giving your photographers a phone call? You can tell a lot about a person by how they carry a conversation…do they make you feel at ease, do they answer your questions clearly, do they inquire about you and your wants. Be picky…feeling relaxed at your session will show in your photos!
- Products. What do you want to get out of your photo session? Do you envision a large canvas above the fire place or are you looking to get a family heirloom album for your children to look back upon years down the road? Some photographers provide just digital images and leave the printing up to you, while others provide prints ready to be placed on your walls. Having some idea of what you want to do with the photos will help guide your photo session to meet those expectations. For example, if you want an album, it’s common for photographers to capture the tiny details that add character to your story, while conversely; if you are looking for just a large statement piece the details won’t be as important to photograph.
- Price. I purposefully put this one last. I know…I know…everyone has a budget but let me push you a little and just say “You get what you pay for”. Photography isn’t always cheap and when you think about all the time and effort a quality photographer will invest in your session you can understand the associated value. I’m not going to give you a lecture on all the time a photographer puts into a session, but rather present you with the thought that sometimes quality is worth the higher price point. If budgets are tight, some photographers are willing to do payment plans or even custom packages to meet in the middle. But let me ask you this, would you go into a restaurant and negotiate a deal on dinner? Not very likely, so don’t expect photographers to give you a huge deal on their services / products.
There are so many photographers in your local area that I’m confident you will find the one that fits you perfectly. Think of your search as if you are hunting for gold…the result will be worth it!
Want to book your own personalized maternity / newborn session? Checkout my newborn session information and my maternity session information!