What should i look for in hiring a good photographer?

Question

I'm looking to hire a photographer for portraits.

What should i look for??

What kind of questions should i ask?

Anything i should know???

Answer 1

First off, they should be willing to answer your questions and explain things to you. They should be up front about their pricing and what is included (poses, wardrobe changes, sitting fees, etc.). If you are having trouble getting basic info here, keep looking. Assuming they have all that...ask them for:

-- Samples of their work

-- How long does a sitting take and what will happen?

-- How soon afterward will you see your proofs?

-- What will happen if you are not happy?

-- When do you have to pay?

-- Will it cost extra for things like selective color or sepia or black and white and if so, how much?

-- Where will the shots be done - in the studio - on location - how much of their time will you have

A good photographer is willing to work with you on all of this stuff. They should explain things and take all of your concerns and worries away. While good can sometimes cost more than bad, it is normally well worth the expense.

Good luck!

Answer 2

You should check out the pictures that they take and make sure it is the style that you like. Talk to the photographer and see if they are willing or able to take photos in the style you are looking for.
Find out what price they are asking and see if you think it is reasonable for what you are getting - both quantity and quality should factor in.
You should ask if they have any references, such as previous clients that you could talk to.
Check around and talk to a few and see which one you are most comfortable with.
They should make your experience pleasant and you should come away from every meeting feeling great about the photographer you chose and the work they do.

Answer 3

If you need portraits, you don't need to worry how good the photographer is.

You will paying what you wanted to pay anyway, and the work itself is very subjective, the looks always in the eyes of beholders.

100% of the chance is you will not have a good portrait, because once you put an image in a frame of portraits, it automatically looks stiff and unnatural.

Unless you want this to be an after death image for the livings ??

Answer 4

Look for someone who will listen to your ideas and give you what you want and not just shoot you in the poses he or she wants. Look for diversity of style in the portfolio. Ask to see samples of their work. Most photographers have plenty of these on hand. If all the poses look the same it may be safe to assume the photographer does not have much flexibility. Unless you are happy with "cookie cutter" portraits look for someone with a lot of creativity.

Answer 5

Good question, i would like to know the answer myself. I'm planning to take photos also and I would like some pointers on what to look for in booking a photographer.

Answer 6

First, establish ownership of the negatives or digital image.
Look at the portfolio
Request and follow up on references
Determine what the price includes
Establish 1/2, full and multiple day rates
Determine cost of reprints, enlargements, CD disk etc.

Answer 7

ask to see there work see if they are willing to take time to work with what you want see if they book there appointments in 10 minute sessions or how far apart you the appointments are if they are 10-15 minutes apart dont expect good photos and ask to see props and photo shooting area ask if you can change out fits if you wish to do so ask if you can bring your own items with you that you would like in photo ask how many shots they normally do some do 3 some do as high as 15-20 try to get one that will do out door photos they seem to turn out best

Answer 8

A good Photographer will have a well stocked portfolio, and references.

Answer 9

Someone who takes good photographs

Answer 10

Honesty and experience in the field.