In this day and age, just about everyone has a digital camera or DSLR. And, much like myself and many other photographers I know, our dream once started out as a hobby. It is this reason that choosing a photographer these days can be a challenge. Here are some tips to choosing the right photographer for you:

1. Choose an experienced photographer you know and are comfortable with:  It can be really easy (and inexpensive) to call mom or Uncle Fred and say “Hey, can you bring your camera over this weekend, we need some family portraits taken.” But, unfortunately, you are most likely to end up with images that you don’t love. The purpose of taking the time to have memories captured is to cherish, share and display them. If you are getting your first family photos taken, ask friends who they have worked with, why they liked them, and take a peek at the final product.
2. Don’t choose a photographer by price: Photo session prices vary so greatly it’s hard to even make a range. It is best to select a handful of photographers based on recommendations from others or by a style you prefer, and then compare quotes and go with the most affordable option. If the photographer of your liking is out of your price range, book your session for a few months out and save to pay for it. Trust me, it will be worth it. Remember, memories are priceless!
3. Once you have a photographer you love, stick with him/her: I find this to be incredibly important, and I do not say this from a marketing perspective. If you have done a photo session with a photographer that was fun to work with and produced images that were amazing, stick with him/her! My favorite sessions are of clients that I work with time and again, because I am comfortable with them, I know what they like and what they don’t like, and best of all, I feel like I have become part of their family.

Now I’ll be the first to admit, I am not perfect, and my work is always improving from a technical aspect. Being stagnant in the high tech world of photography is a big no-no. When I first started out, I had much less session experience (naturally) than I do today. There are many things that I learned, such as posing to create the look I’m going for, how to capture the light to properly illuminate my subect(s), things to look for that will make my images stink (closed eyes, crazy hair, wardrobe malfunctions, photo bombers, etc.). It is through my experience in my sessions that I have learned how to produce beautiful images. Am I the most experienced photographer I know? Not by a long shot. But, I continue to educate myself to ensure that  I grow as a photographer by gaining experience and learning from others, so that my client base grows right along with me.

So remember, when choosing a photographer, be sure to choose one that has the yearning to continually educate him or herself – it will benefit you as a client for years to come!

Sunny Hugs,

Rheanna