Let’s face it, there are a lot of photographers out there ranging from all levels of expertise with all sorts of different niches. But how do you find the best photographer for your needs? Start out by taking a look at their website. Check out their portfolio, stalk them on their social media accounts.You can usually get a pretty good feel for the photographer themself.
People typically inquire because they need a portrait session, be it family, or high school senior, or some other momentous occasion. They have a specific need and outcome in mind and need a specific photographer to help capture what they envision. Check out the reviews on their website. Reach out to them and ask questions. Your photographer should be open, honest and listen to your needs. They should be helpful and personable. How do they make you feel?
I’m here to help. I want to make sure that you are getting the most out of your session. I put together this list of frequently asked questions to hopefully help answer some of your questions about working with a professional photographer.
What’s included in the session fee?
Your session fee is based on the type of session you are having, in essence how long. A high school senior photography session is usually 2 hours long, while a family session and engagement session is usually 1 hour. Regardless of the length, all sessions are handled the same.
Your session fee is your creation fee for the time and talent of your photographer. For me, that includes a pre-planning consultation appointment, all communications to plan and prepare for your session, and your actual shoot. Then I go through all of the images from the session and pick out the best and edit those. Once that’s complete, I’ll have you back for your viewing and ordering appointment. This is where you see your images for the first time and select your favorites.
How many different outfits / looks do I get in a session?
This is my #1 most frequently asked question. I have had some high school senior girls specifically ask this, and only this, question. My answer is simple, you get as many outfits as we can get in during the time slot of the session. If we are talking about a high school senior session, we usually have time for 4-6 outfits! If we are doing an engagement session, or small family, usually we can get 2 outfits in.
As far as looks, I personally don’t like it when everything looks the same from frame to frame. I don’t like cookie cutter, I love variety. I plan your session around your vibe and feel and work with locations that offer many different looks to help give you some choices.
And trust me, you will have a huge variety of photos to choose from.
What should I wear?
You won’t want to tell your mom or spouse this, but... you don’t have to rush out and buy a whole new wardrobe! Of course it is common that you will want something new for your photoshoot, and that’s okay! The key is finding clothes that make you feel your best and give you a confidence that will shine through in your photos. Don’t try to be someone else in your session - be you!
I can tell you that solid colors photograph better than busy prints. More fitted clothing photographs better than flowy, overly large or bulky clothes. But really, choose whatever your style is. I suggest bringing casual, formal, semi-formal looks. Anything from jeans and t-shirt to prom dress, to Sunday church clothes, to sun dresses.
What is your experience?
I am a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP). Most people don’t even know that CPPs exist. There are currently only 16 CPPs in my state of Kentucky. It is a certification that is very hard to attain and it does set me apart from many other photographers.
Being a Certified Professional Photographer means that I have gone through rigorous education and training and passed 2 grueling tests. My knowledge base and technique is considered excellent. In order to recertify, I have to continue my education and enhancing my skills each year.
For my clients, this means that I know what it takes to take whatever conditions are around us to create the prettiest light and the most beautiful portrait possible. Let’s say that I showed you 2 pictures. One being just your average picture taken. The other is a properly crafted image taken by a CPP. I can guarantee that you will go for the second image. You may not know what you are looking for, but your eyes will prefer the image by a CPP.
What are your packages?
You are not locked into any package at Petersen Photography, LLC. You literally create your own. This gives you the ultimate flexibility in designing a package that works for your needs.
During our consultation appointment, I will show you the products I offer, and we will go over all of the various items, and pricing. We go over what will work best for your home and your family. I listen to that and help create something that gives you what you are looking for, not something that will get put in a drawer and never seen.
I tell my clients to take a cell phone picture of the wall in their room that they want to showcase art from their session and send it to me. Then I can show you what looks best on your own wall! No guessing at sizes or which images would coordinate the best.
The best advice that I can give you is to do your research, ask your questions, and meet your potential photographer in person. Make sure you connect with them and feel like they understand you. If it just doesn’t feel right, then they are probably not the right photographer for you. Be sure the session has been outlined and the product and pricing has been discussed BEFORE signing that contract.
It’s not everyday that you have a professional photoshoot. You want it to be perfect. Do your homework and you will have the photography session of a lifetime! Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.