I’ve had a handful of friends and acquaintances recently ask me how I chose my family photographer, so originally, this post was going to be me sharing some of my fave images that our photographer captured. But then I thought this would be a perfect time to also share what I look for in a professional photographer.
If you are searching for a professional photographer for your wedding, your newborn session, or a family session, you might want to consider some of these things. In my opinion, they are probably the most important things to consider when choosing to make such an invaluable investment.
Heck, if I had read a post like this before I had gotten married, I would have invested in Jose Villa! I believe whole-heartedly what I am writing to be true. It’s something that I think about often, and now that I have been in the business for a few years, I get it!!!!
The following is what led me to investing in Tiffany Farley as our family photographer. Just a warning – it’s intense. But I really believe that it should be. I am passionate about photographers being matched up with clients who believe in them, and are not just price shopping. It makes for a better experience for both client and photographer. Here’s my take:
1.) I wanted to invest in a photographer whose work I admire. This meant that I wanted to hire someone whose work I followed and looked at almost daily. I just love everything she displays! The way I figured it, if I loved everything she marketed, I could trust her with our professional pics.
2.) I wanted to invest in a photographer whose work was consistent. Who has a style that is consistent. This also goes in the same category as trust. I could trust Tiffany’s consistency. Study your fave photographer! I bet they have a style. If you are constantly “Liking” their photos, it is probably because you like their style.
3.) I wanted to invest in a photographer who had the same values and morals that I do. I know you might be thinking, what does this have to do with good photos? To me, it has everything to do with getting great photos. It allowed me to be more comfortable in front of her camera, and that relaxation allowed me to focus on who I was getting pictures with – my family. I trusted that the experience would be handled professionally, and that the photographer would try her hardest to make it a great experience. I have a horror story or two about my wedding photographer. In hindsight, I should have known not to hire him. Our personalities clashed from the beginning, and his morals and values were not in line with mine. You are bearing your soul in front of a camera. It’s personal, intimate. I needed someone I could connect with, not just smile for.
4.) I wanted to invest in a photographer with a clear brand I could identify with. Okay, so this might be confusing for someone who isn’t in the industry, but basically, the brand isn’t just about the awesome Web site or blog. Although I do think that brand presence from the Web site to the blog is very important, it isn’t what makes the whole brand. The photographer’s branding has a lot do with who the photographer is and what makes them so unique. If I can identify and believe in a photographer’s brand, then I will trust my experience from start to finish. Do you sense a theme here? TRUST!!! Tiffany is focused on the connection between two people. Specifically, the mother. That was so important to me! And since I am so passionate about my new family of four, I just knew she would get it.
5.) I wanted to invest in a photographer who would give me an experience. This is something I have learned I want to improve and perfect in my own business. Because for me, it’s about building a relationship, and creating an experience for each of my clients. It’s about the new friendships, and each bit of communication along the way. I am working on some huge projects this year that will make my clients’ experience even better, and I wanted the same for my own photos. I wanted an experience! Meaning, I didn’t want to reach out to a photographer, pay her, and only hear from her once. I wanted to have a relationship with her. I wanted to feel important! After all, I thought, I am INVESTING in something that will last a lifetime. I didn’t want a one-and-done. I wanted something special.
6.) I wanted to invest in a photographer who offers what I am looking for. In this case, I wanted digital files. We live in a digital world, and I want access to these files forever so that I can come back many years later and get new art if I want. If I didn’t have access to labs who could print fine art, I would want my photographer to sell fine art products. Luckily for me, being in the industry, I have access to the best labs, so the digital files are fine for me. But I think looking for a photographer who offers beautiful albums, canvas, or fine art prints is such a huge deal because they are offering you THE BEST! I also love the idea of hiring a photographer who offers unique products. Tiffany only offers square format images, which were perfect for the wall displays I had in mind.
7.) I wanted to hire someone who IS an investment. As in, I wanted to find someone that might require a serious discussion with the hubby, and a few months of saving and budgeting. Why pay more? Well, I have a list. There’s the old adage, “you get what you pay for,” but it goes way beyond that! If the brand matches the Web site, matches the blog, matches the products, matches the art, matches the experience – then it matches the value of the investment! Some may say that it is hard to justify paying professional photographer prices. But for me, it is a priority. Some pay for amazing clothes, or budget for a few vacations a year, because that is their family’s priority. Mine is photography. I don’t want mediocre pictures. I want the best! I am going to display them on my wall, so I want to invest in something that is timeless and classic. If you LOVE a photographer, get the photographer! It might require saving, but it IS an investment, with immeasurable value.
This is how I chose my family photographer this year. But to be honest, it’s how I would choose my wedding photographer, newborn, or portrait photographer. You better believe that if I renewed my vows, I would be saving for Katelyn James, Justin & Mary or even Jose Villa! Because I believe in the value of a quality photographer. Someone I can trust. Someone I connect with. Someone who is going to provide an amazing product and experience worth saving for.
That said, let me share my favorite captures I am swooning over from our session with Tiffany. Squeeeeeee!!!
Photographer | Tiffany Farley | CT
Hair and Make-Up | Emily Moses at Rene Delyn | Dover, De.
Stacy Hart Photography specializes in Delaware Family Photography | Delaware Wedding Photography | Delaware Newborn Photography
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