Regardless of the occasion, having professional pictures of a milestone is going to make it more special and memorable.
Even if you reside in the most remote location, you can still get a good professional photographer if you know what to look for. And by following these three rules you'll be able to get the best photographer for your budget.
Rule #1: Always Look At The Photographer’s Portfolio and Client Testimonials
How will you know if your photographer is any good unless you see their portfolio? Even a great photographer might not be a good fit because they may share a different creative style to what you're envisioning. That's why you should always take a look at the photographer’s website, Instagram, Facebook Page, etc. to see their portfolio. That gives you greater detail on what they're capable of.
Most photographers (even new ones) will have a handful of images they can share to give you an idea of what you can expect.
You should also look for the photographer’s client referrals (good places to find them: Google Business reviews, Facebook reviews, reviews on their webpage, etc.) because you want to work with the best. You want someone that you click with (no pun intended). You want someone with a great work ethic and a personality that is fun, helps you feel comfortable when you are in front of their lens, and can help you build your confidence in modeling.
Rule #2: Find A Photographer Who Specializes In What You Need
Just because someone is a professional photographer doesn't mean they should be taking your pictures. Just as doctors have different specialties, photographers also specialize in different styles of photography. For example, you may not want to hire a wedding only photographer for a business headshot. That's because great photographers choose to specialize in a handful of related styles of photography, where they can use their creativity and skills to make the picture amazing.
Rule #3: Choose A Local Photographer
Since I'm a photographer in the Piedmont Triad area, I prefer working with clients in this region. This gives me opportunity to use great venues that I'm very familiar with for perfect pictures. I get to know the local gems in our area quite well. I also love to scout wonderful, new photo shoot locations as often as possible.
A local photographer is the best because they have insights into local landmarks that provide great backdrops for pictures.
If you follow all these three rules you should be well on your way to getting a photographer that suits your needs. And if you're in the Winston-Salem, High Point, or Greensboro, NC areas, you can always contact me to converse your photography needs.
