Do you ever have a nervous feeling whenever you are introduced or meet someone new?
I know their are times where I get a little shy when I do meet new people because I never want to come off as rude or disrespectful.
It’s like going into a job interview for the first time – you have no idea who you are going to meet or you’re afraid you are going to trip and fall flat on your face (which has happened to me before haha!).
That’s why when I work with clients, I always make sure that I give them as much information about my session way ahead of time before we even begin shooting. That way they know what to expect and so they have a sense that their needs are being met.
Unfortunately, not a lot of photographers are like that and I know from personal experience.
Getting your picture taken can be an exciting yet nerve wrecking experience, especially if it is your first time. You want to make sure that your money is well spent and when you leave the session, you have amazing photos.
So here are my Top 5 questions on what to as your photographer BEFORE you step in front of the lens:
1. Can we have a meeting?
Most photographers like to meet their clients in person to get to know who they are, what they want and what they do for a living. This not only benefits the photographer, but it benefits you!
You want to make sure that you and the photographer fit very well together because if you are not comfortable, it will show in your photos.
2. Can I bring a friend?
If it is your first photo session, it is always common for the clients to bring a friend, boyfriend, sister, etc. to the shoot. But before you invite your friends, make sure you let the photographer know ahead of time. Oh and make sure you bring one person, not an entourage!
3. Can we take images like this?
You are paying the photographer for their services, you want to make sure you get what you pay for right? So don’t be afraid to ask the photographer exactly what you are looking for and what you want.
Not only does it make sure that you are getting what you want, but it gives the photographer a breathe of fresh air to not have to try and guess what type of images you want. Even though we are that awesome, we are not mind readers (…..yet 🙂 ).
4. Do you have a portfolio that I can look at?
A lot of people get the misconception that whatever is on the photographers website is their entire portfolio, but sometimes that isn’t the case. Some photographers have millions of other images that they just want to show their clients.
So let’s say if you want headshots and you see that they have a few headshot photos on their site, don’t be afraid to ask if they have more images.
5. Can I get that in writing?
This has to be the most simple yet common mistake for a lot of people that I speak to. Since we live in a world where everything goes on the internet within a matter of seconds, you want to make sure that your images will are protected – which is why contracts are a must.
After you have finalized what you want from the photo session, ask for it in writing from the photographer.
Now it’s your time to shine!
What was your first photo experience like? Or if you haven’t had a photo session yet, what is your ideal photo shoot? Is it to enhance your business or just to feel all sexified?
I would love to hear your story!
With mucho love,
Great tips, Kimberly! I never would have thought of asking to bring someone else along but sometimes they can notice things that you don’t.
I would also add to ask about hair and make-up. Do they have a person who they use all the time? Do you need to arrange that yourself? I have had both scenarios and it helps to see previous work those people have done as well as that’s a huge part of the final product. My last photo shoot had great style and lighting but my face looked pasty and old so I ultimately couldn’t use any of the pictures. You want to look fresh and fabulous!
Some photographers have a make-up artist on staff that will sit down with clients to see what types of make-up suits them (since all skin types are different!). However there have been times where clients are more comfortable putting on their own make-up and have the make-up artist give them little tips here and there.
I have many different make-up artists that I work with and each one has a different aesthetic for different types of shoots. If you want to see the make-up artists portfolio before they start going to town on your face, I think that is a great idea. The last thing you want is to look like you have frosting on your face!
I always thougt the photographer designed the picture, but they can only do so much. I now know that I have to figure out the photos and background that fits for me. I was too shy to do this at first, I felt it was egotistical, but now I just don’t care. The photographer is happy to get the commission and is not judging me as if I’m taking glamor shots! I just had to get over myself!
I totally understand Jodi! Some of my clients get afraid to ask for what they want and tend to think that they are not in the position to look or have an image a certain way. But this is their time to shine and they have every RIGHT to say exactly what they want while still leaving room for the photographer to use their creative flair to bring out the best of the shoot. It’s a collaboration 🙂