How to Choose the Right Photographer for Your Portrait or Headshot Photo Session
Choosing a photographer for your portrait or headshot photo session can be a difficult task. You want to make sure you find the right photographer that can capture your personality, style, and mood in a professional and flattering way. But how do you find the right photographer for your needs? In this blog post, I will share with you five questions and some personal tips you should consider before hiring your headshot or portrait photographer.
How many photos are included? (This is probably the number one most important question to ask a photographer. You will find out a ton of information just by asking this one simple question.)
I think it's important to minimize the number of images included in any photography package. I strongly believe including fewer images in my packages creates more impact and more importance to each individual image. Some photographers include all of the images from their photoshoots. This can be overwhelming for the individuals being photographed.
Another reason to keep smaller photo galleries is for the overall quality of the images. By keeping galleries smaller, the photographer is able to ensure only the best images are being delivered from the photoshoot. Also, during post processing, smaller galleries allow the photographer to pay more attention the details of each image. This creates a more seamless and higher quality final gallery.
How will the final images be delivered?
All images from my photoshoots are released digitally via a private online gallery, unless prints were included in your selected package. In this case, the prints will be drop shipped to your location straight from my professional lab.
Some photographers don't include any images at all in their photo sessions. They use specific [in person] sales techniques to sell higher priced images. Generally, with these photographers you will meet with them in person or via an online chat after the photoshoot to select your images. Generally, these images will only include packages with prints. Digital images are sold separately. These photographers will usually have their clients pick up their images at their photo studio or the photographer may make a personal delivery of your images to your home.
Does the session include hair and makeup treatment?
Generally, if a photographer does include hair and makeup, that will usually be an add-on to their standard session rate. Other photographers actually do include hair and makeup as a part of their package pricing. Generally, the photographers who do include this service also use the in-person sales technique. Adding hair and makeup services allows these photographers to justify their higher priced packages as part of an all-inclusive photography package. Other photographers may recommend a particular stylist they have worked with in the past or require you to hire your own stylist.
If you decide to do your own hair and makeup, make sure you follow some basic guidelines to look your best on camera. For example, avoid shiny or glittery products that may reflect light and create unwanted glare, use natural colors that match your skin tone and enhance your features, and apply some powder to reduce shine on your face.
Where will the session take place and what kind of background will be used?
The location and background of your portrait or headshot session can make a big difference in the images final results. I like to suggest several locations to each of my clients depending on what they're looking for from their photoshoot. I always leave the final decision on location up to my clients. Feeling comfortable and at ease also results in great images.
For headshot portraits, many photographers, often including myself, use plain backgrounds such as white, black, or gray. These plain backgrounds are great for business portraits. Other photographers prefer colorful or environmental backgrounds that add some context or interest to the photos. In my opinion, these backgrounds generally work best with brands or model portraits.
Think about what kind of mood and message you want to convey with your portraits or headshots. Choose your location, background and even the lighting style that best suits the purpose of your photoshoot. Select a photographer that meets that style.
What should you wear and how should you prepare for the session?
Your clothing and accessories can have a big effect on the outcome of your portrait or headshot session. You want to wear something that reflects your personality, style, and purpose of your photoshoot. Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.
There are definitely clothing options that you should try to avoid. Clothes that are very bright, busy, or trendy are going to be on this list. Choose solid colors that complement your skin tone and avoid patterns or logos that may cause a distraction. You can also bring some options to change during the session as well if needed. As for accessories, keep them simple and minimal as with your clothing options. Try to avoid anything too flashy and bulky.
I always think it's a great idea to take a look on Pinterest before a photoshoot. It can be a great idea to create a 'mood board' with your photographer to sort of brainstorm great outfit ideas. This can work especially well for portrait sessions that include multiple people being photographed.
I hope this blog post has helped you prepare for your photoshoot and gave you some important questions that you might want to consider asking any photographer before hiring them.
If you would like to consider booking a photoshoot with me, you can view the photography packages I offer by clicking here. I also have beautiful landscape wall art that can be viewed here. I hope to speak with you soon!
