7 tips for choosing a good photographer

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

It depends on the skill of the photographer whether you will be happy with your pictures. Make no mistake.

1. Look for a photographer on social networks and websites

Watch on social networks. Instagram, Facebook, VK - not that important. Look for where you are more familiar and where you are more often. Usually photographers have accounts on all three networks.

Pay attention to whose photos your friends are posting. If you like the pictures, this is a good reason to look at the photographer's portfolio.

You can also find the photographer on specialized sites such as Fashion Bank and Podium.life. Wedding photographers live on Mywed, and if you want kids or family photography, visit Disfo.

2. Don't get fooled by free filming

Yes, there are people who will film you for free. This can happen in two cases: either the photographer is quite a beginner, or your type is suitable for the implementation of his own idea.

Novice photographers cannot guarantee you the quality of the result. Maybe you get good pictures, maybe not. If you are ready to play Russian roulette, then take the risk! Sometimes this way you get good photo shoots.

If you've approached an experienced photographer to implement his idea, it's too early to rejoice. We must first find out what exactly he is going to shoot. Maybe he wants to take you off in rags on an abandoned chicken farm (a completely real case, by the way). Do you want such pictures?

The photographer will shoot you exactly the way he wants to, not the way you want.

In the case of free shooting, be prepared for the fact that the photographer will give as many pictures as he sees fit. And he will do it when he wants.

3. Expensive does not mean good

In Moscow, a two-hour portrait shooting can cost 5,000 rubles, and maybe 100,000 rubles. And it's not a fact that a more expensive photographer will capture you better than a cheaper one. There are good photographers in all segments, the main thing is to search. How can you tell a good photographer from a bad one? Right! According to his portfolio.

4. Rate your portfolio

You should like the portfolio. And there should be photos similar to the ones you would like to receive. Let's say you want vivid portraits with rich colors and a photographer's portfolio is completely black and white. In this case, it is better to look for someone else to shoot.

When looking at a portfolio, try to judge not the beauty of the models and their outfits, but the work of the photographer. What should you pay attention to?

Naturalness

If the people in the photo look natural, believe me, it's worth a lot. If all the models have a tense and tense look, then, most likely, the same fate awaits you.

The atmosphere of the place

How is the atmosphere of the filming location conveyed? Do you have a story in your head about what is shown in the photograph? Do you believe what is happening on it? If so, this is a good sign.

Variety of poses

If in all photos the models stand or sit the same, it means that the photographer does not know how to control the posing of the models. Most likely, he will not choose those poses for you that will emphasize the advantages of your figure and hide the flaws.

Specialization

The narrower the specialization of the photographer, the higher the quality of his photo. Does your photographer only shoot portraits in a studio? Wonderful! If he shoots weddings, and portraits, and children, and food for the menu, and New Year's corporate parties, this is a bad sign. Would you go to a dentist who works as a surgeon twice a week, sometimes replaces a therapist, and on weekends does an ultrasound scan for a part-time job?

Treatment

All photographers process their images. You do not need to understand the intricacies, you just like the processing. Because your photos will be processed the same way.

The main thing is not to rely on the same pictures as in the photographer's portfolio. These are his best photographs over the years. Probably, professional models posed for many.

But it still makes sense to choose the photographer with the portfolio you like the most. What he shoots for you will be slightly lower in quality than the materials in the portfolio.

5. Ask for a photo of your type

It's good if your portfolio contains pictures of a person with your type of appearance. Not found - ask the photographer to show. If in the portfolio you see only photos of 18-year-old models weighing 45 kg, then maybe he simply does not know how to shoot girls over 30 with an imperfect figure. Do you want to be an object of experiments for your money?

6. Rate how comfortable you communicate

You and the photographer should be pleased. If something bothers you in communication, it is better to immediately find another. You should be relaxed on set. The tension will ruin even the best shots.

Taking care of your comfort is the main responsibility of the photographer. He will tell you in detail about the preparation for shooting and the process itself. Will answer all your questions. The day before, she will remind you so that you do not forget anything. In general, it will be a mixture of best friend and mom. That's why he is a professional.

7. Meet Before Shooting

Arrange an appointment with the photographer a few days before the shoot. Have a cup of coffee together. He will see you live, and this will help him decide how you will pose for him. If you are shy on set, meeting in neutral territory will help you too. After it, you will feel freer in front of the camera.

You will also discuss in detail what kind of photos you need. Make contact with each other, then you don't have to do it on set.

If after the meeting you realize that you are uncomfortable with the photographer, feel free to cancel the shooting. You definitely won't get good pictures.

After meeting with the photographer, you shouldn't have any questions - just joyful impatience. If so, then you are in good hands and very soon you will be enjoying your new photos.