How to hire the right photographer for the job?
Step one – contact All is Light and engage us for your project. Case closed, job done. Next question…?
So that’s the easy way to go about it. Let’s talk about the expanded version.
There are really only two main concerns or things to consider when deciding how to hire the right photographer for the job. One is more surface level, the other is a bit deeper.
Surface level
Firstly, in a completely practical way, does the photographer have the skills and experience to complete the job you have? I know this seems obvious, but the basics are important. You don’t want to cram a square peg into a round hole.
So you need food photography?
- Have a look at the photographer’s work.
- Do they actually do this type of work and if yes, do you like it?
- Does the style match the requirements of your particular job?
Looking for a wedding photographer? The same thing applies.
- Have a look at whether or not they even do weddings and then if the style is something you dig.
Architecture photography? Commercial photography? Event photography? Portrait photography? Industrial photography etc.?
The list goes on and it’s the same each time. So to summarise the first point, is the photographer capable and do you like the work?
Let’s go deeper
Once the surface level stuff is worked out, the next fact is much more intangible and based on feelings. How do the photographer’s website and example photos feel to you? It can be difficult to explain and in fact, you don’t even have to explain it. But definitely tune into what’s being presented and register that. I’m sure you’ve had the experience of someone saying one thing, but it turns out to be something completely different. This is exactly the same. A photographer’s photos say a lot about them and what your experience with them will be like. Just because the photos look great doesn’t necessarily mean they are the right fit for you.
The next step is to meet with your photographer.
Great if you can do this face-to-face, but at least by zoom or a phone call. How’s the interaction? How’s it feel with them? One thing we go on about here at All Is Light is how important the shooting experience is to the final photos. If it’s stressful, tense and unenjoyable, how do you think the photos are going to look? The first meeting will tell you everything about how future shoots will unfold if you take notice.
You will spend a good amount of time with your photographer, often multiple days. They will interact with your staff, your clients and others. Do you want to hang out with this person for an extended period of time? This is important because it can get in the way of a shoot.
At All Is Light we have long term relationships with our clients that go well beyond a shoot here and there. Many of our clients have been with us for 10 years or more. The only way this happens is if there is a mutual level of respect and care. How people are treated is actually super important to the quality of the final photos. Pushing, disregard, imposition, impatience and frustration are not what you want in your photographer or your photos.
How to hire the right photographer for the job? So coming full circle to how we began.
Just take the simple path and engage us for your photos. If you want to go the long way, sure no problem, we stack up really well on all the aforementioned criteria. But who wants or needs to do it the long way. In all seriousness, we have years of experience and can support you with your photographic needs. Even if you just need a chat about something, please feel free to reach out. Who knows, it might be the start of something special.
