How to Choose A Good Portrait Photographer
Posted on February 19, 2009
Filed Under Digital Camera Features, Good Digital Cameras |
For most occasions, our own point and shoot camera is sufficient to record an event. Yet there are special occasions, like family reunions, when you will probably want to pay a professional to be sure it is done right. Of course, it will cost more than taking it yourself and having your own pictures enlarged. But the enduring quality of a good portrait will be worth it. After all, you are investing in the future by recording a memory of the past. Therefore, selecting the right photographer will be important. Consider these eight principles in making a wise choice.
1) Location- Is the studio close enough to your home to be convenient? Remember that you will probably have to go there at least three times, to get the picture made, to make a choice, and to pick up the final product. Too, is it accessible or do you have to cross a heavy traffic area?
2) Facility- One family got up early on a Saturday morning to meet their appointment for a family portrait only to find the studio was too small to get everyone in the picture. Is the studio large enough to accommodate the group you want photographed?
3) Punctuality- Are they on time for the appointment you made with them? Have they allowed enough time to get the picture right? Are the promised results available when they promised? Check with others who have used their services to see if they are punctual.
4) Personality- Do the employees handle themselves professionally? Are they friendly and personable? Do they treat you with the respect you deserve? How do they manage with small children and babies? Are they able to accommodate special needs people? Often portraits can be stressful times to get everyone clean and dressed and in the car on time. Smaller children will not hide their tiredness or irritation. A good photographer should be able, under most circumstances, to handle these everyday occurrences.
5) Skill- Is the lighting shadow free? This is often the one area amateurs are least able to imitate. Also, a skilled photographer should be able to arrange the group so it is balanced, key people are highlighted, and everyone can be seen. They should be able to quickly arrange the group to make an attractive photograph.
6) Choice- You should have plenty of pictures to choose from. In a large group there is always a problem with someone closing their eyes or not smiling. If they make recommendations, are they in your interest or theirs? Do they present the options without putting you under pressure to spend more than you planned to?
7) Integrity- Do they keep their promises? For example, if they promised one free picture if you posed for them, do they keep that promise? Are the pictures ready on the promised date? If you know someone who used them before, ask if their overall experience was good or bad?
Price- photographs may seem expensive but when you remember that they must pay for quality cameras, staff, and facilities, it is worth the extra expense. Yet, the price should be competitive. Call around to see what the average costs are for the picture you want.
Speaking from experience, it can be stressful getting a good family portrait, especially if you have small children. By following these principles in selecting a photographer, you can turn it into a good experience and an investment in memories worth keeping.
Del Haven Studio is the location of a proven Virginia Beach Photographer who is experienced in expertly capturing professional protraits. Click the links to visit the site today and see slideshows of her work as a Virginia Beach Portrait Photographer, in corporate settings, and beautiful weddings.
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