Finding a photographer is tricky. When you hire a photographer, you’re essentially hiring an artist to create something you haven’t seen yet. It’s definitely bit of a gamble. The trick is making sure it’s a good bet. There’s a few things you should look for in a professional photographer.
To be fair: these are all criteria I meet. But they’re also the criteria for when I have hired – or helped friends find and hire – a professional photographer. So the good new is: If you’re looking for a professional photographer in the San Angelo area, in West Texas, or anywhere else in Texas, this is what you can expect from Lord & Hooks.
That said, here’s 7 things to look for when you’re hiring a professional photographer
1. An actual business
Anyone can buy a camera. Anyone can press a shutter button. Anyone can create a Facebook page. It doesn’t mean they’re a photographer. You’re more likely to get quality work if you look for a photographer with an actual business. This will also provide a certain level of accountability. Finally, it indicates just how seriously the photographer takes their craft. Here’s some signs a photographer is an actual business. Missing any one of these doesn’t mean the photographer doesn’t have a legitimate business, but missing all of them probably does.
A professional website
A legitimate photography business will normally have a modern, well-designed, updated website. It will look right on different platforms, and the information you’re looking for will be well-organized.
A professional website is a pretty serious investment, so it’s a pretty good indication that your photographer takes their craft – and your photos – seriously.
A location
Nothing says, “I’m a legitimate business,” like a storefront. I don’t have a physical studio just yet, but we’re getting there!
Credentials
Is the photographer certified by any organizations? Are they a member of a professional organization, or the Better Business Bureau, or the Chamber of Commerce?
For instance, Lord & Hooks is a member of Professional Photographers of America and Texas Professional Photographers Association. You can find my page with PPA here: https://www.findaphotographer.com/photographer/Kyle-Hooks-8409966
Insurance
If something goes wrong, who’s gonna pick up the bill? If someone gets hurt on a shoot, or if the gear is damaged, stolen or lost, can the shoot still happen? Lord & Hooks, as a member of PPA, carries liability and equipment insurance.
2. A strong portfolio
As you look at the photographer’s portfolio on their professional website, do their images demonstrate creativity? Or are all the shots boilerplate and unoriginal? Is there a variety of genres and kinds of images, or does it look like they’re a one-trick pony? How do they make the subject stand out? Do they always just blur the background out? Or do they use a variety of techniques to feature the subject?
Do they have a large enough body of work? Do they have too many images?
If they don’t have enough images, they might not have enough experience. If they have too many images, they don’t understand how to select images with a discriminating editorial sense.
3. Professionalism & Competence
A true professional will have a backup camera. They’ll always be able to get the job done, even if their main rig fails. They’ll have extra lenses, extra batteries, extra memory cards, etc. as well.
For instance, I have an extra camera that stays in my main camera bag. I’ve got a third camera that stays at home. I’ve got a fourth camera that always lives in my truck. If we have a shoot scheduled, I can guarantee I’ll be there with a working camera.
A good professional photographer will also often have an assistant. Carrying things and holding things is not the client’s job. Creating quality images is hard work. It takes a team effort.
I’ve got several people who help me. I never shoot one-on-one. My assistants help with makeup, setting up gear, operating lighting, etc. They’re invaluable!
You’ll be able to find reviews and references on a good photographer. You can find reviews of my work on the front page of my website.
I’ve lost pictures exactly once. Never again. I would love for a client to ask me about my backups. My work is backed up in at least five different geographical locations. I am not going to lose your pictures! If a hard drive fails, you’re covered. If my house floods, you’re covered. Even if we’re attacked by an EMP, you’re covered! (No joke. EMP’s don’t affect optical disks. Everything gets archived to optical disks as well!)
Does your photographer also have a good bedside manner? Are they confident or awkward? Are they relaxed or on-edge? Are they fun to work with or are they awkward?
4. A Contract
Is there a contract to sign? Always get a contract. I work with personal friends without a contract. But normally, money isn’t changing hands then, either. Get a contract.
5. Pre-shoot meeting
A good portrait shows who someone is. How can a photographer do that if they don’t know who you are?
Zig Ziglar said, “If you aim for nothing, you’ll hit it every time.” How can you expect good images if there isn’t a good plan?
I won’t do a shoot unless we meet first. Plain and simple.
6. Pricing
A good professional photographer lists their prices. It seems like a small detail, but it’s an important one. Senior portraits with me cost $500 at minimum, and you can find that listed on my website. I’m confident that my service and product is worth that much, and I make no qualms about it.
Why should you pay a photographer what they ask if they’re not even 100% confident they’re worth it?
7. Passion
Art is when a human exercises the image of God in which they were created by creating something objectively beautiful. This requires a heart-level effort. A good professional photographer has passion for the work.
If this is the kind of photographer you want to work with, please feel free to contact me. I’d love to serve you!
