How to choose a personal brand photographer
Photo from my shoot with lovely Síofra Lamb.
You know you need new images, but with an abundance of brilliant photographers out there, it can be hard to know where to start!
Here are five steps to help you find the best photographer for your next shoot.
If you only take one thing away from this guide, let it be this: find someone you trust, feel at-ease with, and whose work you absolutely love. Your new photos form a big part of your online representation, so it’s important that you feel comfortable with your photographer and can be yourself in front of the camera. This will help you to create photos with a relaxed, welcoming energy.
Start the search & make a list!
Google away! Ask peers for recommendations. Find out who did the gorgeous photos of people you follow. Search Instagram, Pinterest, etc for photographers.
Check out the photographers websites and socials to see their work, read about them and their approach to photo-shoots. Check out their testimonials, watch their videos to get a feel for what they’re like in person, and make a shortlist of the ones you get a good feeling about.
Consider the style of photos you would like to have.
For example; are you looking for colourful studio photos? Natural lifestyle shots? Polished portraits in your work-space? Earthy creative images in nature? Or a bit of a mix? Narrow down your list of photographers to those who shoot the style of photos you’re looking for.
If you’re not sure about what style of photos you want, it’s no problem! (This guide will help you start to clarify!) And, when you speak to your photographer, they should be able to help you to understand the kinds of images that you’re looking for, and therefore whether you’re a good match.
Consider where you want to ideally do the shoot.
Some photographers (like me!) will happily travel to your desired location for the shoot. Others will tend to work locally to where they are based. If you want to do your shoot close to home, look for a photographer in your area to connect with - or if you’re looking for something different to what local photographers are offering, search for a photographer who travels! (You may find it useful to check out this post on choosing the best location for your session!)
Reflect on your budget.
Photographers pricing varies WILDLY depending on their experience levels, availability, deliverables, etc. Remember that photographers package prices are not just for their time on the day of the shoot, but also for their pre and post-shoot work (this may include preparation & planning, phone-calls with you, organising hair & makeup artists, location scouting/booking, image processing and editing, file hosting, training, equipment, travel, etc).
Photography is a powerful tool for connecting with your ideal clients, communicating your essence, brand, and story, and supporting you in your confidence to be visible. Consider what value you place on your new images, and what investment you are willing to make in your new photography. Find out more about packages & the pricing of the photographers you’re interested in. (Remember that payment plans may be an option, don’t be afraid to ask about this.)
Have a call with your favourite photographer(s) to connect.
Having a conversation will help you to get a sense of what they’re like, and whether you’re a good fit for each other!
Share what you’re looking for with them, and allow them to guide you through their process of discovery. Ask any questions you may have, and before you hang up, make sure you have clarity on what the next steps are.
Choose someone you trust, feel a good connection with, and who’s work you love.
Knowing you’re in kind, capable hands will help you to feel as relaxed about the day as possible… maybe even look forward to it!
How you are feeling in front of the camera can come across in the images, so choose a photographer you feel comfortable with, and who helps you to feel safe to show up as YOU!
I hope you have a fantastic experience on your next photo-shoot and come away with exactly what you need for this season of your business.
If you’re looking for the right photographer for your next session & are curious about collaborating with me, book in a call here. We’ll get to know each other & feel into the kinds of images that will best serve you. You can read & watch testimonials from my amazing clients here, and look at photos from previous photo-shoots on this page.
You’ll find this guide useful to read in the meantime as you start getting inspired for your next shoot!
With much love,
Becky
P.S. What has been a great way for you to find your photographer in the past? What are your tips on finding the best photographer? Comment below, or on my Instagram post here to let me know what you’d recommend!