Choosing Your Photographer

As we move into the holiday portrait season, I wanted to touch on the topic of choosing a photographer that is right for you. As a model, I often have to shoot with photographers who's style I don't particularly love, and there have been times where I was seriously disappointed with the end result. Usually, however, my agent chooses a photographer for me based on what he/she thinks I need in my portfolio, which in return, gets me work. As an independent client though, you don't need to hire a photographer for any reason other than the fact that you love what they do and trust they'll capture you at your best. A few things to consider when hiring a photographer are:

1. Do your research. I've said it before and I'll say it again: just because Uncle Bob takes great pictures of his dog doesn't mean he can take a good headshot. Same goes for wedding, boudoir, senior portraits, etc. Each style requires a particular set of skills and different types of equipment. Not all photographers can cross-shoot into every style. Don't assume they can. Do your research and find the right person for the job.


2. Choose a photographer who's work you love. Sounds easy and obvious, right? Yet so many times people expect the photographer to deliver images outside of their expertise. That is a very good way to end up disappointed! Things to look at include: lighting, locations, colors, angles, posing and editing. I, for example, like to photograph editorial style. I photograph clients the way I would photograph a model for their portfolio. I don't pose my clients too much. Instead, I help bring out their personality by making them laugh and putting them at ease and guiding them as we go. I then capture them being...well, them! I love laughs, big laughs. I love closed eyes and silly faces and beautiful moments among family and couples kissing. I want that goofiness that we all have inside to show. If you are looking for traditional portrait photography, with a pillar under one arm and a rose in the other, I am not the way to go.

3. Ask to see a full gallery. Most of us photographers put our absolute best work on our websites. Check to see if the photographer you are considering publishes a blog as well. Blogs are a great way to see more of what each client gets per shoot. On the website, there may only be one image from a portrait session, but on a blog entry, there would surely be more. If the photographer does not have a blog, ask to see a client gallery. That way you'll know exactly what to expect.

4. Know exactly what you're getting. Every photographer has a different business model. You may be paying for the session and be expected to buy the prints or "files" later. Or perhaps the high resolution images are included. Will you get a CD, USB Drive, or a gallery from which to download? Ask what the session includes, what the turn-around time is, if editing is included, etc.

5. Send samples. If you see pictures you love on Google or Pintrest, e-mail them to your photographer. Plan your session. If you have a certain vision or idea, let your photographer know. Otherwise, you can't be upset about not getting what nobody knew you wanted in the first place!


Hope this helps! Happy posing!

-V.

Choosing Your Photographer

As we move into the holiday portrait season, I wanted to touch on the topic of choosing a photographer that is right for you. As a model, I often have to shoot with photographers who's style I don't particularly love, and there have been times where I was seriously disappointed with the end result. Usually, however, my agent chooses a photographer for me based on what he/she thinks I need in my portfolio, which in return, gets me work. As an independent client though, you don't need to hire a photographer for any reason other than the fact that you love what they do and trust they'll capture you at your best. A few things to consider when hiring a photographer are:

1. Do your research. I've said it before and I'll say it again: just because Uncle Bob takes great pictures of his dog doesn't mean he can take a good headshot. Same goes for wedding, boudoir, senior portraits, etc. Each style requires a particular set of skills and different types of equipment. Not all photographers can cross-shoot into every style. Don't assume they can. Do your research and find the right person for the job.


2. Choose a photographer who's work you love. Sounds easy and obvious, right? Yet so many times people expect the photographer to deliver images outside of their expertise. That is a very good way to end up disappointed! Things to look at include: lighting, locations, colors, angles, posing and editing. I, for example, like to photograph editorial style. I photograph clients the way I would photograph a model for their portfolio. I don't pose my clients too much. Instead, I help bring out their personality by making them laugh and putting them at ease and guiding them as we go. I then capture them being...well, them! I love laughs, big laughs. I love closed eyes and silly faces and beautiful moments among family and couples kissing. I want that goofiness that we all have inside to show. If you are looking for traditional portrait photography, with a pillar under one arm and a rose in the other, I am not the way to go.

3. Ask to see a full gallery. Most of us photographers put our absolute best work on our websites. Check to see if the photographer you are considering publishes a blog as well. Blogs are a great way to see more of what each client gets per shoot. On the website, there may only be one image from a portrait session, but on a blog entry, there would surely be more. If the photographer does not have a blog, ask to see a client gallery. That way you'll know exactly what to expect.

4. Know exactly what you're getting. Every photographer has a different business model. You may be paying for the session and be expected to buy the prints or "files" later. Or perhaps the high resolution images are included. Will you get a CD, USB Drive, or a gallery from which to download? Ask what the session includes, what the turn-around time is, if editing is included, etc.

5. Send samples. If you see pictures you love on Google or Pintrest, e-mail them to your photographer. Plan your session. If you have a certain vision or idea, let your photographer know. Otherwise, you can't be upset about not getting what nobody knew you wanted in the first place!


Hope this helps! Happy posing!

-V.

Addison | Birthday Session

Sweet little Addy had her 2nd birthday portrait session in late February in preparation for her ice cream themed birthday party.  We started off with a vintage style, classic portrait setup and later opened up her ice cream shop for business. It wasn't easy gaining her trust, but slowly and surely she began to loosen up. I saw the light bulbs go off in her eyes the moment I showed her one of the shots. She recognized herself and was immediately hooked. Addy loves books and Minnie Mouse. She likes to compete with the family dogs for attention and, I believe, it keeps her on her toes! She is adorable and clearly the apple of her parents' eyes!

I love working with kids. Their honesty and transparency is unmatched. I enjoy hanging out and being silly and clicking the shutter in the process. I don't pose children. I always tell the parents to just let them be, sometimes even ignore them. It throws them off.  Addy was a little hesitant at the beginning but as she warmed up to me and the camera, she even let me have some ice cream!

Addison | Birthday Session

Sweet little Addy had her 2nd birthday portrait session in late February in preparation for her ice cream themed birthday party.  We started off with a vintage style, classic portrait setup and later opened up her ice cream shop for business. It wasn't easy gaining her trust, but slowly and surely she began to loosen up. I saw the light bulbs go off in her eyes the moment I showed her one of the shots. She recognized herself and was immediately hooked. Addy loves books and Minnie Mouse. She likes to compete with the family dogs for attention and, I believe, it keeps her on her toes! She is adorable and clearly the apple of her parents' eyes!

I love working with kids. Their honesty and transparency is unmatched. I enjoy hanging out and being silly and clicking the shutter in the process. I don't pose children. I always tell the parents to just let them be, sometimes even ignore them. It throws them off.  Addy was a little hesitant at the beginning but as she warmed up to me and the camera, she even let me have some ice cream!