There are many factors to consider when you’re looking to select a commercial photographer for a project. Here are 6 key things to look for and questions to ask:
- Specialisation: Good photographers specialise, so make sure you choose one who specialises in the type of photography you need. Some photographers cover more than one area but, as with everything, it’s hard to be an expert in many areas.
- Experience: Time in the industry as a whole is important, but probably more important is whether they have relevant experience. In other words, have they done this kind of work before?
- Personality: Good photographers are a joy to work with. They’re friendly, enthusiastic, and always professional. They collaborate with their clients and provide advice based on their experience to ensure that the project runs smoothly. Will you enjoy working this photographer?
- Style: Every photographer has their own style, so look at their portfolio to ensure that you like the images they produce as yours will likely look similar.
- Plan B: There are so many things that can wrong on even a simple shoot, and a good photographer will be prepared for this. What happens in adverse weather? What if there’s a problem with the equipment? What happens if the talent or subject is unwell?
- Cost: Probably the least important factor of all. There are significant risks in engaging cheap photographers as they may prove to be unreliable, inexperienced, not have the right equipment, or simply provide poor quality images. If all the above criteria are met ask yourself, “Can I afford not to hear this guy?”
There are many other factors to consider, and I’ll cover many of the other considerations in future posts, but these are probably the most important.
To find out more about what I do, my experience, how I can help you and what a joy I am to work with (!), please get in touch.