How to choose a photographer

Are you planning a photo shoot and don’t know where to start? Do you need to find a photographer that you can trust to get the project done? Here are some tips on how to hire a photographer to make the project fun and stress free.

Get a referral or do a web search
The first step is finding a great photographer. Ask your friends and colleagues if they know any photographers that do the type of work you are looking for. A referral is usually the best way to go. If that isn’t an option, then do a web search. Be specific about the type of photographer you are searching for, whether it’s for an event, product or food and beverage. You don’t want to look for wedding or portrait photographers if you are doing a product photo shoot.

Fitness lifestyle photo shoot in Denver, Colorado

2. look at their portfolio

You will want to take a good look at their photography portfolio to make sure they can capture exactly what you have in mind. Make sure their photography style will work for your brand. This means looking at their lighting, editing and color in the photos. If the photos are bright and vibrant and that fits your brand, then that’s great! If the photos are darker and more moody, then it might not work with your brand. Since you are investing money into this photo shoot, you don’t want to skip this step.

3. read their bio

Every website should have an “About” page. This is where you can read the photographer’s bio and learn more about them. Make sure their values align with yours and get to know how much photography experience they have. You might also learn what other brands they have worked with. Reading their bio lets you get to know them personally before even having a call with them.

Rebecca Todd photographing in the Rocky Mountains

4. book a discovery call

Most photographers will have the option to book a call before you schedule the photo shoot. Some photographers require this step so they can get to know you and make sure you are both a good fit for the project. During a discovery call you can learn more about the photographer, dive deeper into the scope of the project and decide what the next steps are. The photographer will then give you some options to choose from that will work with your budget and the scope of the work. Also, be sure to come with a list of questions to get the most out of your call. You can click here to book a discovery call with us!

Rock climbing photo shoot in Clear Creek Canyon

5. book your photo shoot

The next step is the easy one! You choose the right package that fits your budget and book your photo shoot. It is best to go with a package that gives you the right amount of photos. You don’t want to not have enough photos for your website or marketing project. If you are looking for more photos, you might need to increase your budget a little. It all depends on how the photos are being used and for how long. Some people will use their photos for their website, marketing, advertising, social media, newsletters and more. They will use the photos year and year, so it’s best to have a lot of photos to choose from. You don’t want to use the same photos on your social media and newsletter over and over again. Be very strategic when choosing your photography package and keep open communication with your photographer about your needs. Most photographers are willing to adjust the package depending on what is needed for the scope of the project.

Need photography for your brand? reach out here!