How to Hire a Photographer

Your wedding day. Your baby's first portrait. A four-generation reunion. Whatever the event, you want the moment beautifully captured on film. A professional photographer will offer a total package: proofs, prints, matting and albums. Don't scrimp on the person you choose--
you can't reshoot the event!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Start interviewing photographers as soon as you have the time and location of the event nailed down.

2. Choose a photographer who specializes in the type of event you're holding, such as weddings, family portraits or corporate head shots. Ask for references and get recommendations whenever possible. Your venue may also have a list of preferred vendors. Use the Yellow Pages as a last resort.

3. Ask to see samples of their work that are similar to what you want. Look for relaxed expressions and posing, and watch out for stiff, cookie-cutter staging. Great pictures look natural and easy. Also ask to see photos of a complete wedding in a real proof book. This will give you an accurate idea of what to expect.

4. Trust your instincts. Do you get a good feel from the photographer? Does he or she listen to what you really want? Could you work well together?

5. Ask how long he or she has been in business and get a sense of his or her level of professionalism. You want someone who dresses and acts sharp to shoot your event. Also find out if you'll be paying for an assistant.

6. Specify if you want color or black-and-white pictures, or both. The latter will require the photographer to bring two cameras, each loaded with different film. Ask about sepia tones and other special effects.

7. Inquire if digital photographs are an option. If so, find out if you will view the pictures as paper proofs, as contact sheets or on a CD. Some photographers put up a Web page so clients can proof their pictures online.

8. Ask how long it will take to see the proofs, whether you get to keep them, how reprints and enlargements will be handled and what they cost. Inquire about bulk discounts on large orders and the possibility of ordering prints online.

9. Review the contract and button down all the details. All terms should be specified, including the deposit, cancellation and refund policies.

10. Touch base in the weeks prior to your event to finalize all the details. Give the photographer a list of people (with descriptions) you definitely want photographed.

Tips & Warnings

• If your event will be photographed digitally, look at a printout of a sample photograph to make sure you're satisfied with the quality.
• Check out the studio if you are having portraits taken. Look for a place to change clothes if you care to, as well as comfortable ambient temperature. You want to be very comfortable in the studio in order to take a relaxed photograph.
• Try to get a read on whether the photographer is intrusive, bossy or arrogant. An event that is dictated by the photographer can be a miserable affair for everyone.

[grapegirls]

on 3/13/2009 Agreed - a good photographer is essential to any major (or not so major) life event! :)