Principles in Choosing a Portrait Photographer
Posted on February 17, 2009
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Most of us have a digital camera and can record the important events in our lives with it. But there are times when it is worth paying a professional to do it right. One such occasion is when getting the portrait of a person or group. It will of course cost more than if you did it yourself. But you will be making an investment in the future by recording a reminder of the past. Such occasions mean you will want to choose a photographer wisely. Below are eight principles designed to help you with this decision.
1) Location- Is the studio within a reasonable distance from your home? You won’t want to drive hours to get the picture made, then return to get it. Then too, does it have sufficient parking and is it accessible so that you don’t have to wait long in traffic to get there?
2) Facility- A family with several children got up early on a Saturday morning to be on time for their appointment for a family portrait. But once they arrived, they learned that the studio was too small to get everyone in. Is the studio a store front or an established facility that is prepared to photograph whatever size group you have?
3) Punctuality- Are they on time for the appointment you made with them? Have they allowed enough time to get the picture right? Are the promised results available when they promised? Check with others who have used their services to see if they are punctual.
4) Personality- Do the employees handle themselves professionally? Are they friendly and personable? Do they treat you with the respect you deserve? How do they manage with small children and babies? Are they able to accommodate special needs people? Often portraits can be stressful times to get everyone clean and dressed and in the car on time. Smaller children will not hide their tiredness or irritation. A good photographer should be able, under most circumstances, to handle these everyday occurrences.
5) Skill- Is the lighting shadow free? This is often the one area amateurs are least able to imitate. Also, a skilled photographer should be able to arrange the group so it is balanced, key people are highlighted, and everyone can be seen. They should be able to quickly arrange the group to make an attractive photograph.
6) Choice- A good photographer will take enough pictures so that you have ample choices from which to pick your favorites. How long do you have to wait before the proofs are available? Some companies will allow you to select your favorites while you are there. Are their recommendations motivated by money or what is best for you? Are they able to present the options without making you feel under pressure?
7) Integrity- Do they keep their promises? For example, if they promised one free picture if you posed for them, do they keep that promise? Are the pictures ready on the promised date? If you know someone who used them before, ask if their overall experience was good or bad?
Price- photographs may seem expensive but when you remember that they must pay for quality cameras, staff, and facilities, it is worth the extra expense. Yet, the price should be competitive. Call around to see what the average costs are for the picture you want.
From our experience, getting a good family portrait can be a stressful time, but is worth the investment. If you follow these principles in selecting a photographer, you will likely be glad you had it done professionally.
Del Haven Studio is the location of a proven Virginia Beach Photographer who is experienced in expertly capturing professional protraits. Click the links to visit the site today and see slideshows of her work as a Virginia Beach Portrait Photographer, in corporate settings, and beautiful weddings.
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