Hiring a Professional Photographer, yay or nay?
How do you represent yourself or your business online? Do you run a website? Are you a blogger? Travel, cookery, gardening, hair, makeup, fashion, wedding band or even a store, these days it’s how you’re seen online that determines your flow of business and income, and the professionalism and look of your website is a key factor. The online world is the age we live in.
You may be thinking “but I have a great camera on my phone and I can use filters”, stop. Now compare your touched up photos to those on a website that clearly uses a pro. You see the difference? I myself am 100% guilty of uploading from my phone, and you can see the results if you dig deep into my website but I will admit as to what’s a pro’s photo, and what I have snapped myself while on my travels (if only I could take a photographer with me abroad). What matters is your homepage, and the general “look” of your site as it’s what people see first. Suck them in on your homepage, and keep them there to see what you’re all about. Chances are, if they like what they see, they’ll stick around.
Now hiring a Photographer is not just as simple as you think. There are a lot of factors to take into consideration before you choose, like their style of photography, their reputation, your needs, and your budget.
So let’s say you’re a fashion & lifestyle blogger, or even a travel blogger, and you want to get your website up and running. You have all your ideas and content ready to go, but who just looks at text, you now need to make the appearance of your site more appealing. Here are my personal tips on how to choose the perfect photographer for your project, and how to prepare for your photo shoot:
Here’s a little example: Professional Vs Selfie
Don’t pick your photographer because so and so recommended them because they did Aunty Mary’s wedding photos, in fact, don’t ask for anyone’s advice. Photography can be a very personal thing, so it’s best to do your own research, and find someone who you are confident to work with.
Do your research, look outside your local area as most photographers are willing to travel to meet you at a suitable location for your shoot. Make a list of possible photographers, and look at the pros and cons to narrow your list.
Remember that choosing a photographer is not as simple as choosing a new pair of shoes. The quality and professionalism of your photos could mean the difference between your website/blogs success or failure. Visuals grab attention, and the first thing that attracts a person to your site is what they see, and if what they see is appealing, they will stick around to see what your site is all about. So take your time.
If you’re looking for young, hip, fresh, and funky photos, choose a photographer that has done similar work before. Don’t take a chance on someone who specialises in, let’s say, pet or product photography. Make sure they have samples of exactly what you’re looking for.
Check out their website and make sure it’s packed with fantastic shots, not just a few good ones. Remember, a photographer will only showcase their best work, and if their best work doesn’t make the cut in your eyes, strike them off your list.
Don’t go for the deals. You may see photographers that advertise special offers - 30 minute studio shoot for x amount. That’s fine if you want a few photos of your children or pets but chances are what you’re looking for won’t be achievable within that time. Allow time for outfit changes, makeup touch ups, and time for you to relax and feel comfortable in front of the camera. Trust me, it makes a difference. So, 3 hours minimum, or you can opt for a half day, or full day shoot.
Now you’ve narrowed your list down to two or three, it’s time to make that call to set your mind on who you are going to go with. Sit down with your phone in hand plus pen and paper with a few questions you have prepared. Make a few notes for yourself so you don’t forget to ask all the relevant questions.
Know what you’re getting. Make sure you’re clear on what is included in the cost. Most photographers will advertise a shoot to include prints of whatever quality and quantity, or a number of digital images. If you want a big print to hang over your fireplace, that’s great, but if you only want images to use online, let them know. Besides, you can always decide at a later date if you want anything printed for framing.
So now you have decided who will be your photographer. It’s time to prepare yourself for your shoot. Whether it’s going to be a studio, or a location photo shoot, there’s no such thing as over preparing. If you’re not sure whether to bring the blue dress or the pink dress, bring both! Pack a bag full of clothes, accessories, and props. Yes, props. For example, if you’re a travel blogger it might be useful to set up a photo of you holding a compass or a map on a hike!
Communicate what you want. Take time to discuss the shoot in advance, or voice your ideas in an email, and give examples. Photographers aren’t mind readers. But, chances are if they’re great at what they do, they will take your ideas, improve on them, and make the shoot even better than how you imagined!
Do your prep work, and I need to stress the importance of this. Learn your poses online and practice in front of your mirror. If you’re prepared on this one it’ll give a lot more time for photo taking, and less time on the photographer telling you how to stand or which way to tilt your head. There are websites that will give you full instruction and advice, and make sure to choose a website by a photographer, they know what they’re talking about. Please don’t take posing advice from the tweeny vloggers on how to pout and make your bum look bigger. Stick with the professionals.
Post photo shoot your photographer may ask you if there are any particular touch ups to your photos you would like, as they might not want to offend you by doing certain touch ups without your consent. So don’t be afraid to ask for whiter teeth, a tan, or to shed the Christmas pound or two around the tummy area, but keep it real. Anything is possible in Photoshop!
Now that you’ve done a successful photo shoot, and have all your fab shots on file, you may be excited to show them off and plaster them all over your website or social media. Don’t. Use them sparingly. If you have 20 photos, use 4 or 5 at first and let the rest trickle their way into view over the next few months so it looks like you have a continuous flow of great photography.
Here’s another idea - As photography can be quite pricey, when it comes to birthdays or Christmas, throw subtle hints to your friends and family that you would like a gift card for *whoever your favourite photographer is. With most pro photographer’s websites, they offer a service where you can purchase and print vouchers, or have them mailed to you. You can use them towards your next photo shoot!
Best of luck, and enjoy the shoot!