Photographs are important. They help preserve memories so people can remember how special of a moment it was. When you browse through your photos, you’ll see that it’s rarely the view that you took a picture of. Rather, it’s the people that were with you that made it so special. Photographs help keep history alive and help people tell their stories. That’s why it’s crucial that you get an exceptional event photographer and one that can help you get the best photos.
Nowadays, there are a staggering number of event photographers — all of them with incredible portfolios. But is a portfolio enough to see if the photographer is the right one for you? Check out some of the tips below to help you find the best photographer.
- Check their professional portfolio
While this should not be your only qualification in selecting a photographer, this should definitely be on top of your list. Just because the photographer is famous doesn’t mean he’s the one that’s best suited to handle your event. Always check the types of pictures he takes in both his photographer studio and outside venues. This will help you get ideas on the types of photos you can get.
Remember that nothing beats quality. Check every work that you can find, both from them and from their websites and clients. The greater their portfolio is, the better the chances that they could be the one.
- Make a plan about what you want for your photos
To be able to find the right photographer, you need to have your game plan in mind. You’ll need this when you talk to the photographer. Without any concrete plans, you will not be able to find out if your photographer will be able to do the job for you or not.
Planning for your photos will include specific details. For instance, if you’re having wedding photos taken, you can specify things like sunset photos, HD photos of the people and guests, and dramatic lighting. The possibilities for taking the right photos are endless. That’s why it’s essential that you decide on the types of photographs ahead of time. If you can’t decide on the details yet, at least decide on a general theme or idea so you can pitch it to the photographer during your initial meeting.
- Select a photographer who matches the theme and vibe of your events
Not every photographer can do all kinds of events. Sometimes, some photographers do event photography, while others only do landscapes. Aside from that, your photographer will need the same energy that’s being represented in your events. Otherwise, your photographer will not be able to capture the right kind of moments and energy that you’re looking for.
- Make sure you can communicate easily with the photographer
As with all relationships, communication is key. Make sure it’s easy to communicate with your photographers. Otherwise, you won’t be able to understand each other and they won’t be able to give you what you want.
Communication between you and the photographer must go both ways. You photographer has to be able to listen to input and in the same way, you have to be able to listen. Listen to their recommendations on whether the shot you want is possible or not. Once you agree on what can be done, you can all move on to actually getting the pictures done.
- Ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations
Recommendations are a great way to find the best photographer for you. Always ask your friends and family about photographers they can trust. They’ve already tested their services, so they’re definitely the right people to tell you whether they’re good or not.
- Read other customer reviews
It’s all about the experience. After you’ve asked your friends and family about photographers they’ve tried and tested, it’s time to check out other people’s reviews. The better the customer reviews, the higher the chances are that their services are exceptional. Each person has different experiences, so it’s always a great idea to see whether they were satisfied with the services or not. This way, you can open your mind to the possibility that the photographer might not be able to flesh out your ideas.
- Ask your questions during the first meeting or interview
One can never ask too many questions, and you should never be too afraid to ask questions. While some questions may seem irrelevant to you, they could hold the key towards a better understanding.
Before your initial meeting or interview, think about the questions you need and want to ask so that you don’t forget them during the consultation. The initial consultation could be the determining factor on whether or not you’ll be retaining their service. If your potential photographer is not open to answering your questions, this could be a sign, that they’re not the perfect fit. Stay vigilant and take note of any red and green flags to help you determine whether their services suit your needs.
- Ask for all of their services and prices
One of the first questions that’ll probably enter your mind when you hire photographers will be, “how much event photographers charge for their services?” Make sure to ask them about their price range so you can make adjustments to your budget.
If you want to get the best photographer for your event, it’s not just as simple as searching for “event photographer near me” Make sure you come prepared with all your plans and questions so you can be assured of a fruitful search. If you’re looking for a team of event photographers who can help you get awesome photos, contact Twenty5Films at 905-741-3697, or email us at [email protected].