The best questions to ask your photographer

Are you looking to hire a photographer? You might want to ask a few questions before you make that decision on who to hire. Here are some questions to ask your photographer.

How long have you been a photographer?

I see it a lot. People put out online requests looking for a photographer and people come out of the woodwork saying they are a photographer. I’m not saying they aren’t, I just suspect many of these people are newbies looking to break into the business. Hey, we all have to start somewhere. When I started I offered my services for free so I could get practice and build a portfolio. However, if you want the best photos you can get, it probably is best if you hire someone with experience. Plus, the longer someone has been in business the greater the chances they are truly professional and not a hobbyist.

What areas of photography do you specialize in?

Since you likely have a specific type of photography in mind, it’s best to hire someone with experience in that type. For example, I don’t photographer maternity and newborns. I’ve never done it. I have been asked but I politely decline, telling people that there are specialists in that area. If you want family photos, hire someone with experience in family photography. If you want a wedding photographer, hire someone who has photographed several weddings.

What is your photographic style?

Every photographer has their own style. Make sure you resonate with the style of the photographer you hire. By style, I mean what do their photographs look like? Some photographer like the “light and airy” style, in which photos are very light. That’s not my style as I prefer a more well-exposed photo. But find the style you like and hire the photographer who will capture that style for you.