6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Booking a Photographer

How to know a photographer is perfect for you! This Miami Family Photographer has some tips to help.

You know you want a photo shoot, but how do you know that your photographer of interest is a good match for you?

Before booking a photographer, ask yourself these 6 questions: 

1. Do they specialize in the type of photography I am looking for?

When you’re looking for an eye doctor (optometrist), do you schedule an appointment with a heart doctor? No. You want the best care by a doctor that specializes in the eyes because you trust that they will know what they are doing. You should have the same approach when choosing a photographer. If you are looking to update your family photos, select a family photographer that specializes and has a portfolio to showcase their family photography experience. Not all photographers shoot every genre, so find the expert in the genre of your choice. 

2. Do I love their photography style? 

Don’t choose a photographer based on the mere fact that you know them personally or that they…have a camera. Think about whether you like the types of locations they shoot in (outdoors or studio)? Their editing style? Their creative approach? The way they pose their subjects or capture candid moments? Overall, you want to make sure that their style aligns with yours and that in the end, you are satisfied with your photos. A big mistake is trying to mold one photographer into another photographer.

3. Do I trust + feel confident in investing in their service?

Investing money and time into a service is something you want to feel good about it. Is the business ran professionally? Do they have a website? Do they have any client reviews/testimonials about their services? Is there a contract for you to sign? What is their process like? These are some factors to consider, and that can help you feel more trusting or confident in investing your time and money into a photographer. 

4. Can I accommodate their rates in my budget?

Just like any product or service on the market, there are different tiers of pricing. Photographers’ rates can vary based on their location, their skill/experience level, the client experience they offer, etc. If you have a specific budget in mind, choose a photographer that fits within that and respect the photographer’s rates….no HAGGLING! Tip: If you have found a photographer that you really want to work with, but that is higher than your original budget, ask them if they offer a payment plan in which you can split your balance into 2 or even 3 payments. It can’t hurt to ask! 

5. Do they offer products that I am interested in investing in?

If you are interested in getting a photo album, prints, or wall art, book a photographer that offers these products in their service. Some photographers exclusively offer digital photos, so be sure to ask about product offerings. Tip: Having a photographer take care of your printing needs takes that task off your plate. No need to hear yourself say “I will print those later”. Later most often becomes never. Find a photographer that can give you the full experience.  See some of the products I offer here! 

6. Does their process and turnaround time suit my needs?

You are booking a photographer for your birthday party, and you want your photos back in 5 days…does the photographer offer a quick turnaround or expedited options? Ask the photographer when you can expect your final photos or products to be delivered. This is an item that can also be found in your contract. Tip: If you are booking a photoshoot to celebrate a milestone, do your photo session at least a month or more in advance, so that you have enough time to receive your photos back in order to celebrate and show them off.  

These 6 questions are a great starting point for you to choose the perfect photographer for you. Additionally, many photographers have a FAQ section on their website or in their brochures, but ask the necessary questions so you can make an informed decision.

Did you find any of this helpful? Leave a comment and let me know!  

Looking to book a Miami Family + Lifestyle Portrait Photographer? Click here.