Choosing a photographer

I thought I’d take a minute to throw some thoughts out there on this subject.  Most people choose a photographer based on one of two things; price, and imagery.  I think though there should be a little bit more to it than that.

First let’s talk imagery.  The pictures should make you feel something, even if you don’t know why.  There are so many technical and emotional aspects to an image (picture) that it would be easy to argue which side is more important.  While I’m very “technically” trained, I know a lot of photographers these days who are not.  Some couldn’t tell you an f-stop from an armpit.  That doesn’t mean that they haven’t figured out how to produce stellar images!  Yes, I went to school, and encourage anyone who asks to do the same.  Here’s why, you learn the rules and how to break them!  That’s not really where I’m going with this post though.  I think that your images should portray what you want to see.  For me personally when I shoot, I shoot for expression.  When I do my proofing sessions, I throw in images, that I know for sure will never get purchased, just so that mom and dad can see them.  It’s part of what I do and who I am.  I like my images to instill some sort of emotion.  So you pictures should make you feel something.  Like the image below…what’s it make you feel?   There is no right or wrong answer to that question.  Photography is like any other form of art.  It’s subject to interpriation.

Ok, how about price?  Price is the main factor more often than not in selecting a photographer.  I get it, money’s tight and the economy kinda sucks still right now.  One suggestion though on pricing.  Be sure you are comparing apples to apples.  It’s easy to say hey I can go to target and get an 8×10 for .36 if I print it myself, or $10 if I go to their photographer.  Or I can go to the drive thru (as I so affectionately call them) and get 9,000 pictures for $10!!!  Here is the difference (and those prices are totally made up, I have NO idea what they charge), quality!  You have to decide is quality important to you.  This applies to EVERY aspect of your session.  Do you get personalized time with the photographer, will they play with your kids, will they spend two hours with you if need be, b/c your kid is melting down.  Are they just looking for a part time job or are they totally in love with what they do?  Not so say that there are not photographers at these places who are not, b/c I’m sure there are somewhere!   You may only want the 9,000 copies of that one image.  Beware of the bait and switch though!  I’ve heard (and only heard, b/c I don’t frequent them) horror stories about the drive thru places.  Now, I think they absolutely have their place, don’t get me wrong!  I’m just saying you have to decide what’s important to you when choosing a photographer.

Choosing a photographer is like any other choice in life.  There are a million of us, especially with the digital revolution.   You can find someone (many more likely) who will charge you $25 or $50 and give you a disk with fully edited images.  What does that mean though?  I think I’ll address that in a different blog post.  As with most things I want to feel special, and have great customer service!  I want to know that the people I’m giving my money to care about my wants and needs.  I don’t want to be just another number to them.  This is where my additional thought on the matter comes in.  I think personality is key.  I know that there are a ton of people out there who won’t get me, and won’t’ like my approach.  I’m cool with that.  There is a photographer out there for everyone.  I may not be for you, but you may love me!  I think though, if you are looking for someone to photograph your kids (let’s say) that you’d better find someone who’s willing to get down and play with them.  You will be working with this person, hopefully for many years to come, so you’d better like them!

I like glitter and fast cars, how about you?  🙂

Image courtesy of Derek Shane fotos.  Thx DSF!