There are a number of photographers in the Boulder/Longmont area offering portrait services. Do a simple Google search, and you are bombarded with information on different photographers. So, how do you choose a reputable photographer to create portraits for you and your family?
Here are some simple guidelines to help you find just the right photographer for you and your needs.
- Visit the website, learn about the photographer and view the available digital samples. If you like the style of the images presented, schedule an appointment to see the studio and view framed wall portraits. Digital images are great, but they are no substitute for framed portraits. You need to know that the print quality is excellent and worth the price you will pay.
- Look for testimonials from clients. You want to know that other clients have been satisfied with the work offered by a particular photographer. If you don’t find testimonials, look elsewhere.
- Choose a photographer who is a full time professional. There are so many people out there trying to make money with their digital cameras by trying to convince consumers that they are “professionals.” You wouldn’t hire a part-time doctor, lawyer, or dentist. So, don’t hire someone who is only a photographer part of the time.
- Beware of the “soccer mom with a camera” photographers. There are a ton of folks like these out there who offer to meet you in a park, take photos and hand you a disk of images. What you will get from that session is virtually worthless. If you are going to make an investment in photography, be sure to work with a reputable professional who will stand behind their work and still be there tomorrow if you have a problem.
- Make sure you are offered a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Fine photography can be a significant investment. You need to know you will get the quality and service you are paying for and deserve.
- Don’t choose your photographer based on price alone. While it may be tempting to call on offers for free sessions, you will get what you pay for. Visit a few studios, interview the photographers and then make your decision. Otherwise, you may end up with mediocre photographs at best. Any price you pay for mediocrity is too much.
- Beware of prices or free offers that appear too good to be true. They probably are. Department store and mall studios are particularly bad about offering teaser rates to get clients through the door. Then, clients realize that to have the portraits they really want, they have to pay as much or even more than they would have if they had chosen a professional studio. Also, keep in mind that photographers who give away their time (sessions) and products for free place little or no value on what they do. So, why should you?
- Decisions, Decisions, Decisions! Make sure you are offered a number of choices for backdrops, session locations, clothing options, etc. You don’t want your portraits to look like everyone else’s. So, beware of studios offering one or two backdrops and few, if any, props, sets or location options.
- Extras! Does the studio you are considering offer incentives, promotions and other savings? Be sure to fully understand the details of what you are getting.
- Is the studio flexible as far as rescheduling sessions, if necessary? Some studios will charge a high fee if you have to reschedule. Things happen, and the studio you choose should be flexible and understanding.
- Avoid working with any studio that forces you to choose from unretouched, unedited images. You are investing in professional portraits, not raw digital image files. How can you be sure of the final printed image if you don’t even get to see the edited portrait in advance?
- Ask how many proof images or portrait originals you will view and choose from. If the answer is more than 40 or so, then the photographer clearly lacks focus and isn’t taking the time to understand what you are looking for. It’s nearly impossible to narrow down images when you have to weed through more than about 40 images.
- Does the photographer you are considering take the time to meet you in advance of your session and plan your session thoroughly? If not, consider finding one who will. Snapshot studios, not unlike department store or mall studios, will cram as many people through the door as possible and use the same canned poses to maximize profits. They care little about getting to know YOU or what you want in your portraits. Professional studios, on the other hand, will generally plan to meet clients prior to the scheduled session and coordinate clothing, backdrops, location settings, etc. After all, how can someone purport to capture the “real” you if they don’t know you?
- Be sure to always visit the studio you are considering for your portraits BEFORE you book. Are there plenty of creature comforts to make you feel at home? Is the staff friendly and helpful? Are you treated with respect and care? Does the studio go out of its way to make you feel special?
- Does the photographer have a good reputation within your community? Does he/she contribute to the community, charities, schools, etc?
- Check your photographer’s credentials. Are they self taught or professionally trained? How long has he/she been a photographer?
Whether you are looking for a photographer to create a precious family portrait, high school senior portrait, children’s portrait, pet portrait or maternity portrait, be sure you are working with a dedicated professional who truly cares about you and your portraits. Fine portrait photography is an investment. Be sure you take the time to choose wisely.
