When it comes to celebrating life events, having a photographer there to capture all the special moments is essential. Whether it is for an engagement, wedding, or celebrating the birth of your baby you want to be able to look back at all of those special times and relive them.
Now to make that happen it isn’t just about making a post on Facebook looking for a photographer and going with whoever responds. Or worse, having a family member that just bought a “fancy” camera take them. You want these done right so each image really captures the emotion. It also has to be a photographer that is in alignment with the style you are after. Photography is art, and just like in art there are different art styles it is the same for photographers. They each have their unique style
In order to help you make the best choice for your needs I wanted to lay out some key areas to pay attention to to find your perfect match.
Budget
First and foremost, take your time in selecting a photographer. This is not a decision that should be made lightly or on a whim. Be sure to look at portfolios and reviews before making your final choice. It’s also important to have a budget in mind from the start so you know what kind of services you can afford.
Once you’ve selected a few photographers that you like, reach out and ask for pricing information. It is also important to keep in mind when it comes to budget remember you are investing in the ability to capture moments to look back on for years. Not just that one day. Like anything you get what you pay for. To give you some perspective on where good photographers land for weddings. Depending on the wedding size, location, and time frame you can expect to be anywhere between $3000-$8000.
Again that is an average of where you can expect good photographers to be. But if you are expecting to find a good photographer and expecting to pay $1000 that is not in alignment. Nothing wrong with that budget, it is just about managing expectations. I say this not because I’m a photographer but because I genuinely want you to receive exactly what you want. If you can always invest a little more on the photographer, do it. Like I mentioned earlier these images will be with you the rest of your life. Just really think about that when considering your budget.
Photographer style
When it comes to finding the right photographer, style is everything. You want someone who can capture the essence of your event or project in a way that is unique to you. I photograph a lot of weddings and I’m always looking for a unique way to capture a bride walking down the aisle, or catching people laughing in the background at an engagement session. When I shoot portraits, I want to make sure that you walk away with images that feel like you.
Do you have a specific vision for your photos? Be sure to communicate this with potential photographers so they can determine if they’re the right fit for the job. What are your goals for the photos? How do you want them to be used? Who will see them? Start thinking about these questions before you meet with photographers. This will help determine which style makes sense for you.
Personality
A good photographer will know how to capture your personality in their photos. They will be able to bring out the qualities that make you unique and show them in a way that is flattering and makes you feel comfortable. A big reason they are able to do that is because their personality clicks with you. You need to make sure that the photographer has a personality that you feel comfortable with and you respond well to. If you want good authentic photos a photographer with the right personality is key.
Availability
When it comes to finding the right photographer, availability is key. You want to make sure that the photographer you choose is available when you need them and can accommodate your schedule. This can be a deciding factor in some cases. If you have a specific event date that can not be changed then making sure you are pursuing photographers that have that date available is crucial.
This is why it is a priority to start looking for a photographer as soon as you have an idea of when you want your event. If you are looking for a wedding it can be helpful to ask the photographer what dates they have available the month you are looking at getting married. So when you go to lock in your venue you already know your photographer is available that day. Waiting until the last minute to book a photographer can leave you in a stressful spot, and potentially missing out on the photographer you really wanted.
So, be proactive and confirm availability as soon as you can.
Conclusion: the importance of doing your research
When it comes to choosing a photographer, doing your research is important. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know who to trust. By reading reviews and looking at portfolios, you can get a sense of a photographer’s style and decide if they’re the right fit for you.
It’s also important to be clear about what you want from your photos. Do you want candid shots or posed portraits? What kind of atmosphere are you hoping to capture? Once you have a vision in mind, it will be easier to find a photographer who can help make it a reality.
Hi there! My name is Oxana Rox and I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to read my blog, and I hope it helped clear up some things as you search for your photographer. I’m a seasoned wedding photographer based out of Jacksonville, FL.
I love focusing on capturing elegant and modern images that really tell your story, and my clients rave about how comfortable I help them feel in front of the camera. This allows me to capture the most authentic and timeless photos.
If you would like to see some more of my work just head over to my gallery. Or if you want to talk and see if I’m a good fit just Click Here to contact me.
I look forward to capturing your life’s special moments!
Oxana Rox
