How to hire a Photographer

Picking the right photographer for your event is not an easy task. You need to ask yourself these three questions that will help you in finding the right photographer. 

1. What kind of event is it? 

2. What style of photography would you like? 

3. How much can you spend? 

The type of event will specify your need in hiring your photographer. Photographers have a specialty they excel in but are not limited to and different specialty means different sets of skills and equipment. Each type of photography also has a blend of style and this is where your preference comes in. Clients tend to like candid shots while others like more of portrait shots or a combination of both. Their price is actually based on how much you want to spend. Most photographers have a package that they can modify to suit your budget. You can hire someone who is expensive with more experience or someone affordable who has less experience. 

Do your research

When searching for photographers on the internet try to add all the specifics like type of photography, family or wedding and add your location. Sometimes your google search does not give you the results that you need, so make sure to check other search sites like craigslist and facebook marketplace. You can also ask your family and friends for recommendations. Sometimes the best photographer is someone already in your own network of bodies. Their reviews or testimonials can help you get to know about the photographer’s work flow, how they work under stress and how they provide different type of shots and these can help you decide whether to consider them or not. 

Check their portfolio

There’s nothing worse than someone claiming to be a photographer but cannot show any of their portfolio. In this new age of social media many photographers are you using Instagram as their portfolio but it would be much better to find someone with a website that could show you not only their portfolio but also an information about themselves, a price range and their contact. Their portfolio will show you their style off photography, their history and the extent of their skill. Another benefit you could get by looking at their portfolio is by using the same composition they have used on previous projects. 

Your needs 

Once you have listed down your top photographers call and Get 3-5 quotes from different photographers and compare them with each other. Haggle if you can, your conversation whether on the phone or in person will help you get to know more about them. Learn what to ask during the interview, this will help you decide who to book with. Do not forget this is not just a freelance work it also a collaboration so do not be afraid to let them know if you would want a specific shot or if you are not comfortable with a certain pose.
You should focus on 3 points on what to ask: 

• What is their experience? 

• How in demand is he/she?

• Is there a second or back up shooter incase the photographer cannot make it? 

Depending on your event, style that you want and how much you are willing to spend, will lead you to the price you want to pay for in a photographer.
Now that you know more, hire a photographer.