What to look for when you are looking for a good photographer?
I have thought about this question for the past couple of weeks, and I thought that you, as a valued customer should know the answers. Recently in the past couple of weeks, I have seen a whole lot of new photographers crop up here in the Hopkinsville-Fort Campbell-Oak Grove area, and as a professional I want to insure you are getting a professional photographer, not a fauxtographer who just got a new camera with their tax money or got one for Christmas.
1. Are you looking for somebody to take special photos for you?
One of the first things you should do is start looking at various photographers websites. Usually well established photographers will have a good solid website or blog spot with various samples of their work. Many new photographers, have websites set up that are free (they look for the quickest thing to get a business up and running, and usually rely on free websites to help them along).
2. Are you unsure how much a good photographer will cost you?
A reputable photographer will cost a little more, but isn't your family/wedding/newborn photos worth the investment?
3. How long have you worked as a professional photographer?
If you find somebody who has been in business for less than six months, then you really want to look into his or her portfolio. Usually fauxtographers do not have a good portfolio, or they have a lot of poorly lit, blurry, bad poses. Do not be fooled! Find somebody who's work shows the quality of photos you want to hang on your walls, or to give to family for gifts.
4.Can you provide several references I can contact if needed?
Many professional photographers will have references on their website. Check their Goggle and Facebook pages as well. It shows how much people really enjoy their work. Remember, you are getting what you are paying for.
5. Do you have your business license and are you insured?
Many fauxtographers will set up shop without filling the proper forms and getting proper business licenses. Make sure your photographer has these, or you might be helping somebody rip off the IRS, and then you would be just an accomplice and maybe face fines.
6. What backup equipment do you carry?
I usually will carry 2 backup cameras, and flashes, and batteries and...well you get the picture. A fauxtographer who just got into the professional photography game will not. Be wary of anybody who has only one camera, and is carrying around your special photos.
7. Do you have an assistant?
Yes I do. I want to capture many moments, and it helps when I have an assistant to help me out to insure I do.
8.What happens if you have a family emergency? Do you have a backup photographer?
Yes I do. And my backup photographer will deliver my style of photography.
9.How will you deliver your work?
I usually deliver my work via DVD, unless you are ordering prints, then I have them drop shipped to you or I hand deliver them.
10.How long do you save the photos? What happens if my disk gets scratched? Can you replace it with no trouble?
Many fauxtographers do no realize that you should save photos for at least a year after the shoot date. I have photos I have taken from five years ago, and today I can still go and have them printed with no problem. Also, many fauxtographers will say once you have your disk, it's not my fault if you scratch it, too bad so sad. Will you be able to go back to your photographer a year from now and be able to still get prints? Many fauxtograhers will be out of business within six months just because they loose interest in photography and move on to the next thing that catches their eye. As a professional photographer, I would be so sad if your disk of wedding photos got trashed. If you were to come to me, I would replace it with no problem.
11. What are the rights to the photos? Will I be able to use them anywhere?
If you buy the print release, you can print them anywhere you want, and usually I provide a smaller version so you can show them off on Facebook. Many fauxtographers will say sure I'll give you all the rights, not realizing that you might have special sizing needs. Be warned, not everbody will deliver what they say they will.
Well, I hope this has helped you with your search for a professional photographer. Once last thing, be on the watch for fauxtographers who steal other people's work. Here in this area there have been three who have stolen from local photographers. I have been a victim of theft and am shocked that people still use those dishonest photographers. I wish you all well and hope that you get what you want with your photographer! Happy clicking and I would love to hear from you and help you capture your memories, one photo at a time.
