Photography is everywhere- Facebook, Instagram, Flicker, Tumbler, and too many other places that I can’t even think of or probably know about!  How exciting is that?  For me, as a photographer, that means I have so many people I can connect with on common ground because we all LOVE photography.  As humans, I think we are all looking for inspiration and to feel special about who we are and what better avenue to do both than the portrait.  Since the age of digital photography began, it sparked an interest in so many and moved so many people to start click, click, clicking away and I find that thrilling!

When this exciting new age starts becoming a Debbie Downer is the realization that almost anyone can buy a decent consumer grade camera with a high megapixel output, capture a few captivating images, and decide to start a business.  Now I’m all for capitalism and individuals dashing toward their dream of creating art- don’t take my disappointment as contentment toward other professionals out there in the spirit of competition.  Competition is good and it drives me every day to become better at my job.  I’m disappointed for consumers who unfortunately aren’t able to differentiate from the serious hobbyist vs a professional who has dedicated the time and money to becoming a legitimate businessperson.  Consumers run the risk of hiring a person who is completely unprepared for the road they are about to travel down and thus ending up disappointing their client and ruining the portrait experience for them.  Nothing breaks my heart more than a consumer walking away without a portrait experience to remember for a lifetime (in a good way that is).

So, you’ve seen their work and it all looks good to you.  Here are the top 5 questions to ask before you show up for your session so you know what you can expect from your portrait experience:

Are you insured?

This question is so very important for so many reasons.  Being in business is EXPENSIVE.  Aside from spending the money to hire a good attorney and accountant to make sure you, as a business owner, are setting up your business correctly to protect you and your family, but also your client and making Uncle Sam happy too, you have other expenses like insurance.  But the photographer you are hiring doesn’t have a brick-n-morter studio so why would they need insurance?  There are PLENTY of reasons why!  As a wedding photographer, you are capturing one of the most important days of two people’s lives.  I have insurance that covers the loss of files in the event my CF card is damaged.  I also have coverage as a portrait photographer should my clients injure themselves as a result of “business activities” aka during the session.  I also have insurance that covers my equipment so when I am fully booked with clients waiting to be photographed, I don’t have to cancel because my lens is scratched or my shutter button breaks.  There are so many reasons you want your photographer to be insured so please ask!  Not to mention, this is a good indicator how committed they are to their craft.

Will I sign a written contract/model release?

Why do you want a contract?  Good question!  A contract spells out exactly what your money is paying for and explains what will happen if your photographer is unable to provide the promised services.  A model release basically allows you to be photographed and defines how your images can be used.  Photographs are copy-written works by your photographer and the law gives them the right to use those images at their discretion.  It also allows them to post them online on social media outlets and other places you might want them so you can share them.  It’s important for you to know how the photographer plans on using your images in the future and what kind of access you will be provided to your session files.  Depending on if you feel comfortable with seeing your face, or your child’s face, in a magazine advertisement, this is something you will want to discuss with your chosen professional.

Can I see an entire session/wedding set of images before booking you?

Why isn’t their online portfolio good enough for me to hire them?  The images on their website look good enough to me!  By seeing a session, or wedding, in it’s entirety, it gives you an idea of the level of quality you can expect from your session.  Every photographer puts the best of the best on their website but seeing a regular session will tell you how often they come up with portfolio worthy images.  Do they shoot 100-150 images at an hour long session and only have 1-2 turn out great or do they shoot 20-30 and they are all gems?  This request is one of the best ways to find out how your session might turn out.

How much time do you take to prepare for my session/wedding?

Something not many people probably think about before hiring their photographer, but if you are going to spend your hard earned money on their talent, don’t you deserve more than just an hour shoot?  Every photographer should have some quality prep time- checking equipment to make sure it is working correctly, working with clients beforehand to collect contracts and expectations of the shoot, etc.  On average, my session prep time is double to triple the amount of time I spend photographing one event.  So an hour long session, I spend around 2+ hours preparing.  Shouldn’t a good photographer just show up and make magic happen?  Yes and no.  Why so much time preparing?  Every photographer is different and I am definitely not saying a photographer that spends less time than me preparing for their sessions are not good.  What I AM saying is you will notice the difference if you hire the photographer that takes the time and energy to educate you through consultations, finding out what your expectations are for final products, scouting locations, and possibly creating custom props if that is what it takes to create the session you desire.

Do you have references?

Many times we find photographers via referrals from friends and/or family which is great for both you and photographers.  So why would we ask for references? Short answer: you and your friend may have a very different idea of what your portrait experience should be.  Your friend may just want some quick shots to update family pictures on Facebook and values a get in/get out experience whereas you are looking for someone to help you choose what clothing to wear, what products would fit your home best, and to help narrow down which images will suit your chosen products best.  Neither one of you would be happy with the photographer each other has chosen because you have very different needs.  By asking for references, you can talk to several different past clients and find out what their session was like, what products they purchased, and how they felt after working with the photographer.  After all, you want to get the most out of your money right?

These 5 are just the tip of the iceberg!  What other questions do you all feel are important to ask during the hiring process?  Leave them in the comments section below: I would love to hear what you have to say!