Getting your photos taken, be it for your Engagement, Wedding, Senior Pics, Boudoir or Family, there are several things to take into consideration when choosing a photographer. Who knew...Right? {Just remember, there is no right or wrong for you...that is why there are so many photographers out there. Not everyone wants the same thing in their photos.} |
How to scope out a photographer? Go to their website and look through their portfolio. BUT...remember...their website isn't updated as often, therefore it is the Best of the Best images.
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Each photographer has a certain editing style and they stick to it. So if you pick a Dark and Moody Photographer but want them to edit in Light and Airy, you will be sorely disappointed when they tell you no! Photographers are known for their Editing Style! Respect it and choose a different photographer.
- Classic: editing that looks real, true to life colors.
- Dark & Moody: Has a darker, moody look with deeper shadows and blacks and colors are a bit more unsaturated (muted).
- Light & Airy: A lighter, almost pastel quality to the photo. The whites are brighter, shadows and darks not as deep.
Not sure what your editing style is? Create a Pinterest board and start looking for photos for your type of photo shoot (Wedding, Engagement, Family, etc.) Pin your favorites without looking back at your board. Now go back to your board and see what your overall pics are. Are they Dark and Moody, Light and Airy or Classic? Taaaa...Daaaa.... You have a style you are drawn to! |
- Lighting! What time of day are you taking photos?
- Mid-day will be bright so you will want some shade but that you can easily see the sky (Being able to see the sky is important) to be in or the sun will give you dark shadows in your eye sockets because it is directly over head.
- The Golden Hour...it the prime time for photos because the sun is less intense and at a more flattering angle so it isn't shining bright from above, castig harsh shadows. You also are given the opportunity to get those gorgeous sunflare and Sunset pics!
- Evening (After Sunset) photos...Fun for Sparkler and Campfire photos. Make sure your photographer is comfortable with this style of photography. Not everyone is good at this!
- Direction of Sunlight: You may have a gorgeous location along the river you are dying to have photos taken at, but the sun sets behind you instead of across the river.
- Yeah...So whats the big deal? Well...if you want the sunset in the photos, you won't be able to have the river in it too, they will be opposite directions.
- Think of the elevation of your location. If it is in a lower location and the sun starts to set, it will set much sooner in a lower elevation and you will lose your beautiful glow.
- Lots of trees will also block your sunset.
- Don't compete with your location! You may want your photos at a stunning waterfall or beautiful building because of it's architecture, but YOU are the subject and not the location! A much more simple background is best!
- I always ask my clients...Do you have a favorite place to go? Do you have something you love to do together? Then let's pick that place or do what you love to do.
- If you love walking your dog in the woods...there is your true place!
- Love biking? Lets hit the trail!
- Museum goer? Take a stroll through the halls of your fav!
- For example...Tayor and Nichole (Below) wanted to use the Apple Orchard she used to take her the kids she was a nanny for because it brought back special memories for her. see their full photo session
Most importantly....Give your photographer your all! Be ready to laugh and play for them if that is the type of photos you want. Prepare your partner ahead of time if you want romantic photos, don't just spring this on them when your photographer asks you to nuzzle in and kiss each other.
They know what looks good on camera, so if they ask to give a laugh, give a whole-hearted laugh! If they have an idea...go for it! If they don't turn out right, you won't even see those photos.
- Talk to them about expectations
- A little Bribing goes a long way...After all, who doesn't love ice cream?
- Plan your outfits ahead of time (Pinterest is a wealth of inspiration!)
- Give yourself enough time to prepare, drive, get there and relax.
Have FUN!!!! Laugh, Let your relationship between your shoot-mates show through! If you want a certain photo or have an idea...share it!
Now...
- Write down How you want your shoot to be (Fun, Serious, Romantic, etc) It can be more than one thing.
- Pick your favorite Editing Style
- Write down several locations so you can discuss them with your photographer.
- Plan out your shoot from your wardrobe to props and even specific photos combos you want (Mom & Dad, Siblings, Couple Sitting, Couple walking, etc)
- Write down expectations for the other peeps that will be part of the photo shoot.