Securing a Professional Photographer

It's never been easier to take beautiful photos — your smartphone can outperform most point-and-shoot cameras. But great photography takes more than a capable camera. It requires artistry, skill, and experience. When you need high-value photos to build a business or capture once-in-a-lifetime memories, a professional photographer is a worthwhile investment.

Why Hire a Professional Photographer?

Your smartphone or digital camera can take nice pictures, but it can't locate the best light, find flattering angles, or help you pose naturally. That's where a photographer comes in. Professional photographers offer:

•             Professional-grade cameras, studio space, and lighting equipment.

•             Years of experience with lighting, framing, and posing.

•             Artistic vision for composition and color.

•             Finely tuned editing skills.

A rare phot of me at a clients home

Events That Require a Professional Photographer

There's no question that photography is an investment. To maximize your budget, prioritize key events. Some situations that benefit from professional photography are:

Weddings

Weddings. You only have one chance to get photos of your wedding — a professional knows exactly how to capture the emotion and special moments, so you can relax and enjoy the day. Have you checked McLaren Wedding Photography?

Selling a home.

Most people look at real estate listings online. Gorgeous photos attract attention and encourage buyers to schedule showings. In fact, studies show that homes with professional photos sell faster and for higher prices than those without.

Picture courtesy of Unsplash

Business branding and marketing.

Use a professional photographer for images that affect your revenue, reputation, and brand identity: portraits, product photos, website images, brochure photos, and billboard imagery.

Major business events.

You can use photos from fundraising galas, opening-night parties, and volunteer efforts in marketing materials throughout the year.

Family portraits.

Professional photographers can take portraits you're proud to frame or use on a Christmas card.

How to Find the Right Photographer

As you're searching for professional photographers, start with these methods:

•             Search Google for "photographers near me" to find local photographers.
•             Browse location-specific hashtags on Instagram, such as #chicagophotographer or #floridaweddingphotographer.

•             Search specialty hashtags on Instagram, such as #weddingphotographer or #realestatephotographer.

•             Ask for personal recommendations from friends, professional contacts, and family members.

Bear in mind that anyone can call themselves a professional photographer, but not everyone has the skills, equipment, and experience to back up that claim. As you're evaluating photographers, ask yourself these questions:

•             Is studio or on-location photography necessary? Portraits and product shots often require a studio setup and special lighting. 

•             Do you like the photographer's personality and energy? Photography is a highly personal experience, particularly when it comes to events such as weddings and family portraits. You get better, more emotional pictures if you like the person behind the camera. 

•             Does the photographer have relevant experience? This is particularly important for business photos. An experienced pro knows how to highlight product features, accommodate print layout, and match the character of your brand. Check out R. McLaren’s portfolio.

How to Hire a Photographer

When you have a final list of three to five photographers, it's time to start the hiring process.

1.          Get a quote.

2.          Verify availability and budget.

3.          Meet in-person to make sure you work well together.

4.          Sign a contract and pay a deposit to secure the date.

Preserve Precious Memories With Professional Photography

When it comes to important life moments, a professional photographer can help you capture precious memories for future generations. For family, maternity, and newborn photos, contact R. McLaren Photography.

Family Shoot at home

Author - Julie Morris from julie@juliemorris.org

All images are copyright of R.McLaren Photography except where otherwise stated.