Like any service you are looking to invest your hard-earned money in, you want to make sure it’s the right fit for you and your business. Paying the big bucks usually means you are getting premium service, but it’s so easy to say yes to saving money for a cheaper option. But I really don’t want you to settle for a lower price point if it means you get sub-par service in return. I always recommend paying a premium for a great outcome and fabulous service
We are living in a world where your next-door neighbor can buy a polaroid and call themselves a photographer. This means, unfortunately, we all need to be vigilant in who we hire. I don’t want you to waste time and money on a photographer that doesn’t deliver. To avoid that I want to tell you exactly how to find an amazing brand photographer and what to look for.
Stalk them!
A great first indicator of choosing a brand photographer is if their shooting style is in line with yours. If you like their work and want them to replicate it for your brand, that’s usually a good sign. Stalk their previous shoots through social media, websites, or reviews. Having positive reviews, responses, and interaction is a great indicator they are on top of their game.
You want a brand photographer with a high-quality and consistent portfolio. Even beginner photographers can get a few lucky shots. Make sure you’ve gone through a range of photoshoots to check how consistent their shots are. Some of my favorite photographers that I have worked with in the past are Lovers of Love, Katrina Jayne Photography, Angel Sheree Photography, and Valorie Darling!
Inquire about their photography knowledge
If you know a little about photography yourself, you might have some ideas of questions to ask them in order to gauge their knowledge and expertise. If you have zero photography knowledge, don’t fret! Here are some great questions to ask that will determine if they truly know their stuff – and this is a great indication of whether they are a novice or pro. Check their confidence level when you ask them:
- How they edit photos? Do they have a certain style?
- How do they manage lighting?
- What mode do they shoot in?
- How many shoots have they done and how do they manage them?
- What is their process for meeting and onboarding clients?
- Do they back up their photos? (This is so important!)
You can ask more or fewer questions depending on what you want to know from your photographer. Just remember that you want a photographer who really understands the creative art and process of photography. So don’t skimp on this part!
Make sure they ask questions!
A great brand photographer will ask you questions about your brand, your business and you. They will take the time out to make sure they understand everything and try and encapsulate it into the photos. This is a great way to sort the pros from novices!
Personality matching is key!
You can find the best brand photographer in the world, but if you don’t get along, that can severely impact your photoshoot and potentially your photos. Make sure you have a decent (if not great) connection. This will help in understanding and communicating effectively with each other. Having a great connection with your photographer is also beneficial for establishing a long-term relationship.
What is their production process and time?
If you are on a time crunch, knowing when the post-production turnaround can be very helpful in choosing a brand photographer. Some great concepts to discuss prior to hiring is:
- The number of edited photos you will receive
- If you have rights to RAW files
- General photo rights
- Length of time until you receive edited photos
Make sure they communicate what to expect. Nothing is worse than being left in the dark and not knowing what is going to happen, or when your photos will get back to you.
Schedule a trial run.
If you still aren’t sure about making the investment, schedule a trial run! See how they work with logistics, if they pay attention to details (hello, flyaway hair!) how they interact behind the scenes, if you both work well together, and ultimately, what outcome they produce. You can see all this on a small scale and will know right away if you hire them for big projects.
By keeping these things in mind, you are setting yourself up for hiring an amazing brand photographer that will produce high-quality branding images for your business. A win, win if you ask me!
Have questions? Feel free to reach out to me here.
