Tips on Hiring a photographer

Dynae has been a professional photographer for about 10 years now, AND we’ve hired several photographers ourselves in the past. So we’ve got some insider info from a pro, as well as tips for hiring one for your family or business needs.

1. Make sure they have a strong portfolio in the genre you’re hiring them for. Oftentimes photographers have a specialty. Depending on what you’re wanting and willing to invest, you should be able to find someone that fits.
2. Double check that their work is really theirs. There is an unfortunate problem in the photography industry of new or inexperienced photographers marketing with images that are not theirs. This is not only unethical, but also illegal. Nonetheless, it happens. This is where reviews and a strong portfolio/professional website can give you a clue. If their facebook ad image quality doesn’t match up to the portfolio they share, or they just send you to a Pinterest board… keep looking.
3. Ask if they are insured. Most venues require it, but a true professional should always carry liability insurance no matter where you do your sessions. Yes, even that field out on the side of the road. If anyone is injured on a session, they are liable for any damages being the professional.
4. Hire one that uses the editing style you prefer. A photographer’s editing style is very personal to their artwork, and it’s what they are known for and good at. If you hire someone with moody portfolio, don’t ask them to edit your photos in a light and airy style. UNLESS you’ve hired them for a commercial project and you have that in the agreement.
5. Make sure you’re getting the correct usage licenses for your needs. This is where portrait and commercial photographers differ. Some do both, some are not as experienced with commercial legality. Portrait photographers often retain copyrights, and limit your ability to edit the images. If you need to use images for a commercial purpose, you need to make sure in writing that you have the permission to use them in the ways that you need. Expect the price you pay to go up the more usage rights you include.
6. Budget. You get what you pay for in photography. You have to ask yourself how much you value what you’re getting, and that the photographer actually offers what you want and need.
7. You vibe well with them. I love meeting clients ahead of time because you just get better images when you feel comfortable with your photographer. Being able to just be yourself, and feeling confident that they can make YOU feel confident in the way you look in the images, makes a huge difference in how the photos turn out.