This is YOUR time! Senior portraits are a rite of passage—they will set you apart and feature your personality and talents. So, you have a BIG decision to make… how will you choose your senior portrait photographer?
1. How much experience do you have?
They say it takes 10,000 hours of experience for someone to become a master of their craft/art, so ask how much experience the photographer has. Be sure to ask to see an extensive portfolio of their work. Ask them what some of their favorite sessions have been. Do they have a degree in photography? Are they certified? Are they a member of PPA (Professional Photographers of America)? PPA photographers abide by a strict code of ethics and have unique skills and training in the artistry and technology of creating beautiful images that will reflect your unique personality and talents.
Some photographers’ styles are more retro, some may be more “sexy,” some edgy like in a magazine, some photojournalistic, some more classic and clean…which one appeals to you? You can get a good idea of a photographer’s style by checking out their website and viewing their senior picture image gallery; but it’s a good idea to ask them about it too! When you look at a photographer’s portfolio, look for images that speak to you and that you can see yourself in.
3. Do you offer an in-person consultation?
If a photographer does not offer you an in-person consultation to get to know you and understand your needs, you may not want to hire him/her. This is valid whether the photographer has a studio or the meeting happens at a local coffee shop or in the comfort of your own home. A meeting is super important because you need to know if you’re going to click. Feeling comfortable during the photo session is the most important thing—if you don’t like the person behind the lens, it will show in your pictures. This is the time to ask the photographer lots of questions. See how friendly and knowledgeable they are. Do they communicate well? Do they seem accommodating and flexible? Pros should encourage you to bring along anything that represents you – musical instruments, athletic gear, dancing shoes, purses, pets and BFFs! When you’re relaxed and comfortable around someone, you become more natural in front of the camera, allowing for great pictures.
4. Can I see an entire session of images?
As you shop around, be sure and ask for samples of full sessions (not just a small selection of the best). Photographers can shoot hundreds of images, but may only get three that are good. You don’t want to be limited to just three choices, do you? That’s why you need to see an entire session to tell if the photographer is consistently good, or just lucky every now and then. When you look at an entire gallery of images, picture yourself in the photos. Are these the types of images you want? Is there enough of a selection for your tastes and desires?
5. How much do your senior packages/sessions cost?
Try to remember that your senior portraits are an investment, rather than an “expense”. These are images that you (and your parents!) will keep forever, so go into the selection process with an open mind, but make sure you understand what you are paying for. Is it just for the session or does it also include prints? How long is the session, where will it take place, can I wear more than one outfit? How many proofs can I expect to receive? How are the proofs delivered and how long after the shoot?
6. Are you liability insured and do you have a contract for me to sign?
It is super, super important to find out whether the photographer you are dealing with is running a legal business, and in particular if they are liability insured. If you injure yourself at a shoot, and you are dealing with an illegal, uninsured business, you are liable for all costs and have no come-back. It is also important that you get a contract to sign, both for your protection, and the photographers. Most contracts will set out exactly what you can expect from your session, how long it will be, and what would happen in the unlikely event photos are lost, or weather means your session cannot happen.
Happy photographer hunting!
