How to find a photographer, especially on a budget
This image is used under licence from ShutterStock (for once, its not mine..!!)
Photography is a service-based industry with a wide range of offerings and pricing structures.
This can be quite intimidating for someone seeking a photographer. How can you be confident in finding someone who will work with you on your terms and within your budget? And what might happen if you have no idea what to expect, and you just leave it to the photographer?
Here are some tips to consider when you know wits time to hire a photographer.
Before you start consider these things:
Do you know what you really want from the photographer and the shoot?
Think about your goals. What are you trying to achieve? Why are you hiring a photographer in the first place? The clearer you are, the more likely you are to find a great photographer that will work with you on your project.
Where can you find examples of styles you like to show your potential photographer?
My top two go-to platforms for finding photography styles are Google Images and Pinterest. Search for the type of photography you like, such as corporate headshots, lifestyle shoots, social media content, personal branding for small businesses, family portraits, or model portfolios. Grab some examples of the style you like so you can show the photographer. Don’t be shy here, photography is way closer to art form than a science, meaning there really are no rules.
What is your budget (how much do you really want to spend?)
When researching potential photographers some will show their pricing on their website, check a few of these out, and get a sense of what your shoot might cost. Also consider what additional fees a photographer might charge (I.e. do they charge for travel? Etc.). If you know what you want, and how much you want to spend, then this gives photographers some clear boundaries.
Do some research:
Word of mouth, referrals and recommendations:
If you know someone who’s had a great experience with a photographer, perhaps talk with them about it, and get the details of the photographer, and check them out as an option. Sometimes the photographer is not available when you need them, so you’ll need a few options.
Online searches for local photographers
Do a regular Google search, focusing on photographers in the area where you'll have the shoot to minimise travel costs, and you’re likely to get some insights of local knowledge.
Use a service based directory like Fiverr or Oneflare
There are many emerging photographers on Fiverr and Oneflare eager to take on your job. Some have incredible portfolios, and are in the early part of their career, this can also be very cost effective as emerging photographers are still building portfolios and websites, and are more likely to charge less at this stage of their career.
Review their portfolio: Do you like their style? Will it work for your project? Consider picking examples of their work to help describe the style you’re after.
Check their reviews, what did their recent customers say?, when was their last review? Do these give any insights you can learn about the photographer.
Do they have VSL (Video Sales Letter) on their website, this can be kind of a first introduction, and help understand them and their work style.
What kind of deals or packages do they offer, do they work for you, will you need something customised?
What to watch out for:
Photographers who won’t reveal their pricing
Photographers who don’t reveal their pricing upfront. This isn’t necessarily a negative; it just means you should share your project details and ask for a quote. Which is even more reason you should know what you want before hand.
Photographers who can only work in a certain way or style:
You may contact a photographer who is an expert in a certain genre and has difficulty in being flexible, or they may only offer fixed packages and won’t budge and customise for you. Don’t worry, you’ll find many photographers willing to work on your terms.
Photographers who will only work with you if you add on certain extras (I.e you must pre-purchase $1000 worth of printing, else we won’t work with you).
Some clients reveal some stories to me where other studios and photographers or agencies put pressure on you to buy a whole package. Make no mistake, if you don’t want it, just so no, rest assured there are many photographers ready and available in your area. You have plenty of choices.
Photographers who won’t take no for an answer.
Like any service industry, there can be aggressive sales tactics where some photographers won’t take no for an answer. This can give the industry a bad reputation and make potential clients nervous about being pressured into something they don’t want or need. No one can or should force you like this, if you can’t say no, just hang up.
When an studio or agency says they’ll send out a photographer:
Essentially that means the person you speak to about the job is not the photographer, they are typically a studio manager or receptionist etc. more than likely you’ll have to repeat the whole story over again once they find a suitable photographer. It’s also possible that the photographer maybe changed out, which can be annoying for you. Some large agencies may have this process organised well, whilst its not likely to completely fail, it can give you some nerves, because the relationship is less personable with the photographer that you eventually connect with and meet at the shoot. In some cases it can be more comforting and personable to find a photographer that is a freelancer, sole trader (its their business, the buck stops with them, they need to make sure every step is successful for you). When you connect with them, its just them, you can get to know them from the first phone call.
When you find some potential photographers, how do you get in touch with them, and what do you say?
Some photographers will have a “Contact Us” form on their website, some will have their phone number on their Google Business Page. You can try either of these, but you one you reach out, you really should get a response pretty quickly (<24hrs), so it might be a reg flag is one of them takes forever to get back to you.
Once you make contact, clearly tell them about your project, and what you hope to achieve. Photographers get all sorts requests with wide variety of clients, if you have something a bit off centre, don’t worry you won’t be the first. Just be clear and confident about what you’re after and ask if they can help you. Typically the following list will get you thinking about your project, write it all down so you can be ready to speak with a photographer:
Type of shoot (I.e. family portraits, corporate headshot, model portfolio, workplace photography, social media or lifestyle).
Date: when you hope to have it done by. Are you flexible?
Time: this may matter if you’re trying to match a family portrait with a special occasion etc.
Duration: Most private shoots only need an hour or two.
Location: Will it be at your place, at a local park, in a studio, is the streets, a special landmark etc.
Weather: if you choose an outdoor location, what changes are available if it rains?
Props; do you need props? Will you provide them or expect the photographer to provide them.
Printing: Will you need any printing, e.g. are you looking to have a large canvas print for your living room?
Budget: how much are you willing to spend?, like most things in life, probably the quotes you receive might be higher than you expect. Do you need a pay a deposit? Payment instalments, what payment options are available?
Changes: how flexible is the booking? Change it be changed? If so, are you charged for it? What if you cancel?
In conclusion, the best approach is:
Have a good idea of what you want, be prepared to take some inspiring advice and ideas from the photographer/s.
From your research have a rough idea of costs, this will give a little more confidence to talk about your project.
Be aware of potential pitfalls and sales traps. Know what you’re open to and what you’re not (e.g., if you’re not interested in printing services, make it clear).
If you both align on the project and timing, then go for it and get your project done.