There are so many important factors when choosing your photographer. Below are the 5 things you should look for when choosing who you are going to book to capture your precious memories. These are not in any particular order! They are all just as important as the next!

1. Are they local to you? Or willing to travel?

There are so many photographers around these days, you can practically find them on every street! But when you find someone you love, you have to make sure that they are either local to you, or willing to travel to your location. Many professional photographers have a travel fee if located outside of their local area. Some aren't able to travel due to other commitments etc like family & children. Some even have 'day jobs' meaning they can't necessarily travel. When choosing your photographer, make sure that they have the ability to fit in with your requirements, unless you are willing to travel to them!! 

2. Do you like their style?

Every photographer has a different style. As mentioned in my previous post, it is all based on the vision that each creative has. No two photographers are alike. So make sure that you resonate with their style. Choose your photographer because something in their photography captures you. Engages you. Makes your heart feel something. 

Photographers are creative people. It is their vision that turns a 'picture' into a 'photograph'. Saying to a photographer, 'I want to book you, BUT can you make the style more like this', this like  a kick in the teeth to a creative. Book your photographer because you love how they portray their subject, not because they are cheap or have more availability. 

3. Do they have professional equipment & insurances?

This one is sooo important. With digital photography booming, and cameras being so affordable and accessible, make sure that your photographer has the right gear. There is so much difference in a $600 camera with kit lens (lens that comes in the box) and a $5000 camera and $1000+ lenses. The reason professional equipment costs so much, is because it is better. Plain and simple! It is higher quality, which will produce cleaner, better photographs. 

Now in saying that, of course it is not ALL about the equipment! The photographer has to have talent and vision too... or the equipment is useless! (One of my Favorite things people say to me is 'oh you must have a good camera' ~ insert eye roll here! Well yes...I DO have great equipment. My 2 cameras and 4 lenses alone cost over $20k! BUT alone, they can't take the photograph! 

Insurance are also a big one! Photographers who are doing this right, will have the right insurances to protect themselves AND you during your sessions. 

4. Does their pricing fit in with your budget?

We understand that sometimes, we may be out of your reach with budget. Often times, it is HARD to make an investment in ourselves. So many times we hear that people didn't make the investment, and regretted it when it was too late. This is why a lot of professional photographers have payment plans in different forms. Either standard lay-by (take home once it's been fully paid off) or take-home finance options. Either way, there is generally an option to help fit in to your budget. I offer these options for my clients, because I understand that life gets tough sometimes, and bills pour in (God knows I have my fair share!) but I know the importance of capturing these memories before it is too late. Ask about the payment options available. 

5. Do they have the options to fit what you require?

If you are wanting to have beautiful big wall feature prints or canvasses on your wall, or easy to display photo books, but your photographer ONLY does digital files, then this might not be the best fit. The same goes for if you are only looking for digital files and not prints. Make sure that you ask the question BEFORE booking your photographer. There is no point going through with the session if they cannot provide you with what you want. Because then everyone will be left feeling disappointed. 

We offer a full range. From our digital packages, to our add on prints, art books and wall features! We make sure we have everyone covered! 

On a last note, HAVE FUN! Make sure that when you have your photographs taken, that you really enjoy the session. Let the photographer work their magic and do their thing... and STOP STRESSING! Just have fun!