Okay, let's imagine you're considering choosing a photographer. You have hundreds of thousands of photographers standing before you and you have to choose just one.
That looks like an impossible task. How do you choose the perfect photographer for you out of hundreds of thousands of good photographers? On what criteria?
This is one of the challenges people face every day just to choose a photographer.
It can be intimidating at first. What factors should influence your decision? How should you make your decision?
The photography industry is packed with a lot of photographers. On the bright side, you have access to hundreds of thousands of photographers at your fingertip, but the challenge remains how do you choose the perfect one for you and for the task at hand?
How do you minimize risk and ensure you're not just sending money down the drain?
In this article, I'll give you 4 tips that will assist you in choosing the photographer of your preference.
Let me quickly note here that, the photography industry is wide and there are several reasons anyone might need a photographer. It's very likely that the photographer that seems perfect for a particular task might not be the perfect photographer for another task.
I know some photographers claim to be the best in all genres of photography. That's an obvious red flag that that photographer is not an expert. Someone who knows a little about everything is not an expert.
We'll come back to this at a later time, let's move on to the 4 tips that'll help you choose the perfect photographer per time
FIND PAST REVIEWS
Reviews are amazing. Reviews minimize risks because they show you what other people have to say about the photographer you're considering. Hearing from previous clients can teach you a lot about a photographer.
It's also possible that some photographers would show you a fake review, but you can always tell an original review from a fake one. But as amazing as reviews are, that's not the only tool at your disposal to help you choose.
CHECK PORTFOLIO
Portfolio refers to the photographer's past works. This is where you get to see for yourself the results the photographer produces and you can decide if that's what you want or not.
Another reason you should explore the photographer's portfolio is that we all have our individual preferences and tastes, so checking through the photographer's portfolio will give you insight into his/her taste and preferences. Some photographers have a distinct visual style (for example, Akorede's portraits are usually dark-toned). So by checking through their portfolio, you can know if this photographer will give you the result you want, and if the photographer's visual style is acceptable to you.
I've met quite some people who don't like my dark-toned portraits, and some other people come specifically because they are dark-toned.
So choose a photographer whose work you love, you'll be more likely to love yours too.
CHOOSE A SPECIALIST
Expert photographers, just like in other professions, tend to specialize in one or two niches or sub-niches of photography.
You would agree with me that when it comes to tooth-related issues, a Dentist is considered more of an expert than a General Practice Doctor. In the same vein, it's not a good idea to hire a food photographer for a corporate headshot and vice versa.
In other words, it is best to hire a photographer who specializes in the type of photography you want. Book a portrait photographer when you need a portrait, a wedding photographer when you need wedding coverage, a food photographer when you need amazing pictures of food... and so on, you get the idea.
To get more granular, for example, within portrait photography, you can then choose a photographer who photographs a corporate headshot when you need a corporate headshot, one who photographs newborns when you need a portrait of your newborn, one who photographs pre-wedding portraits when you need a pre-wedding portrait and so on.
For example, Akorede is known for creating portrait photography for royalties. So, if you consider yourself a royalty, and you need a premium portrait of yourself, then Akorede is your guy.
The reason why it's best to choose an expert for the specific task at hand is that they've had to photograph similar situations like yours over and over again, and as a result, they've gotten better and better at that specific task than the other generalist photographer who probably does the same task once in a while.
A newborn photographer has photographed newborns again and again and again. And in turn, has been able to get better at photographing newborns, knows how to easily relate to your situation, knows what is needed for and by the baby, and generally makes it effortless for you. On the other hand, a generalist photographer who photographs a little of this and a little of that doesn't have the in-depth knowledge and pattern recognition that the newborn photographer has when it comes to photographing newborns.
Imagine you have to choose between a newborn photographer who photographs newborns three times a month and a generalist photographer whose last newborn photograph was 8 months ago
Which of these two can serve you better?
Exactly my point!
CHOOSE SOMEONE YOU LIKE
Finally, you want to work with someone with whom you are at ease. Someone who shares the same values with you. Someone who "gets" you. If not, you might not be satisfied with the service.
There they are, 4 tips to help you choose the perfect photographer per time.
Thank you for reading.
My name is Akorede and i create Portrait Photography for Royalties.
See you soon!