Choosing a good photographer for an event or for a personal photo shoot can be a very difficult task at times. Today, professional and semi-professional photography equipment is available to almost everyone, and this entails the emergence of many amateurs in the ranks of professionals.
It is sometimes difficult for a person who is far from technical subtleties to make a choice in favor of a particular photographer. In order not to be mistaken in your decision and to understand what qualifications a candidate who wants to arrange a photo session for you is, you should pay attention to several nuances.
Portfolio - the business card of the photographer
Any professional photographer must have a portfolio with examples of his work. This can be a personal site, blog, or a community on a social network.
Pay attention to the quantity and quality of the submitted works. If there are really a lot of them and they are all of a high level, most likely the photographer is a professional in his field. If the photographer has only a few completed photo sessions behind him, but all the pictures are of good quality and competent composition, most likely you are in front of a talented person who is just starting his work.
Amateur photographers can be identified by the large number of works in the portfolio, which are not of high quality and interesting ideas used during the shooting.
Pay attention to the reviews of people who have already dealt with this photographer. Customers who are satisfied with the work done will always find a free minute to write a couple of good words about it.
Studio work experience
Seniority and work experience are important, since the professional skills of people engaged in creative work improve over time. Professional photographers are constantly improving their skills, and this can be easily traced by looking at the work of the same person, performed in different years.
Experience in studio work is also a good indicator. If a photographer cooperates with any professional studios, design or advertising companies, or has a permanent place of work in his main specialty, this indicates the high quality of his work.
Photo processing
A good photographer always handles his own photography. Consider carefully the works presented in the portfolio, evaluate the quality of their processing, or simply ask the candidate for the role of your photographer if he works on the photos after shooting on his own.
An amateur can be distinguished by raw photographs or photographs with obvious flaws. Unnatural skin color in portraits, too dark or too light pictures, the presence of unnecessary objects in the frame - all this suggests that before you the work of an amateur.
Photography genres
When choosing a professional for a personal photo shoot or shooting an event, you should pay attention to the genres in which the photographer works. If you are looking for portraits, it is best to ask someone who specializes in portraits. For a wedding or other festive event, a photographer who often works directly in this genre is suitable.
If the portfolio contains high-quality works of different genres: portraits, landscapes, weddings, reports - here is a professional of a wide profile. You can safely contact him with any order.
Rely on personal feelings
The most effective method for choosing a good photographer is to analyze your own impressions of his work. If you really like the presented pictures, you have a desire to look at them for a long time, and the composition and processing of the photo delights you - be sure to talk with the photographer in person.
There are no universal and best professionals for all occasions, because the needs of each person are individual. Talk to the photographer, explain your idea to him, tell him exactly what you expect from this photo session and listen to the options that he will offer you. If you feel that this person is really capable of making your wishes come true, you can consider that you made the right choice.
