WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PHOTOGRAPHER
For your senior session, (most likely the last time they have formal pictures made of themselves before they get married!) choosing the right photographer is an important part of the process. I am passionate about my job as a photographer, and as a parent of 4 myself, I have plenty of experience being on both sides of the camera and know what being a 'client' entails and I also know what a 'photographer' entails! My goal when you are done with your session and have the final products in your hands is that I have made a treasure for you to enjoy for many years and generations after you come! We've all had those special emotions run through us as we look back on portraits taken years ago. After the stress of the senior year (what to wear, how will my hair look?) is long gone or your children in that family portrait are all grown (as mine are!) you will still have those feelings etched in those photographs to last a lifetime!
While taking breathtaking images and freezing those special moments in time, and I hope you choose Sherry Janis Photography as your photographer, here are some things to ponder over to help make your decision.
***THIS IS WHAT EVERONE NOTICES FIRST - PHOTOGRAPHERS WORK AND STYLE!!!***
View their work! Is their work the style you have envisioned for yourself? There are many great photographers all over, but each of our styles are unique to us, its ART! I strive to not have my photos look like everyone else's, even if that means I don't edit precisely like everyone else! Has your photographer gone the extra mile to take classes from top professionals all over the country? Do they know how to work the light even when the conditions/weather change for the worse?
*** COMMUNICATION***
Do they have a professional website or just a fb page? Are they quick to respond to your questions?
*** WHAT FINAL OUTCOME DO YOU WANT? ***
Are they a 'shoot and burn' photographer where they hand over all digitals? Or do they have a line of professional high-end products? What will you get for your return in investment? Will your images be fully edited? Do they backup their images? Will you have anything in hand at all at the end or do you just want a USB stashed in a drawer? There is no right or wrong answer, its WHAT YOU WANT so choose your photographer accordingly!
***DO THEY HAVE INSURANCE?***
YES they should. Its details like this that separates a professional business from someone who if they don't have insurance is most likely not putting their clients first.
*** DO THEY REQUIRE CONTRACTS?***
They absolutely should! Contracts are GREAT for both parties, it outlines what YOU should be getting from your photographer, lists all the expectations between both parties. It should talk about the weather, the session, every photographer should require a minors release! A professional photographer will always ask for contracts!
***PRICING***
This is always a big one! I'm guilty of it too! Most of the time professional portraits come with a high price tag, but I am a firm believer in you get what you pay for. I feel I have aligned my sessions to offer a wonderful experience - and my product packages offer a PLETHORA of items. I am certainly not the "McDonald's drive through" photographer with a fast-food photography experience, nor am I the most expensive.
***CONTINUING EDUCATION AND TRAINING AND SAFETY***
Does your photographer continue to strive with professional training or are they members of professional organizations? Will they put you in harms way by photographing you on working RR Tracks or do they know that's illegal? Its small details like this that sets photographers apart.
These are just a few examples of what to ask yourself when shopping around for a photographer and I hope I have been helpful in this! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!