The Process.
Booking a photographer can be an anxiety inducing situation, especially if it is a photographer you haven't worked with before or you've never done it at all! Our hopes is to help those wanting to take a step in front of the camera and make the process smoother, easier and enjoyable. From researching for a certain style and finding the right photographer fit for you to ordering your finalized photos.
Step one
Researching!
After all, these photos are to represent you, your family, or whatever the needs may be. Finding the right photographer means finding the one who suits your photo style. Such as a cinematic "out of a movie" feel, film style or even an unposed candid style. We really want you to go much more in depth with style, this includes the overall colors of the photographs. Some photographers choose a light and airy feel, while others go for a dark and moody vibe. Researching photographers can help you figure out what style you want your photos to be. Another style to take into account is whether you want your photos indoors or outdoors. Some photographers may have as studio, while others mainly shoot outdoors unless a venue is booked. A lot of photographers choose to offer different types of sessions such as family photos, engagement photos or weddings. Some may only do a certain type! This is also something to keep in consideration when researching your photographer.
While researching, don't be afraid to message the photographers directly, or even by calling. We want you to ask ALL the questions! Ask about packages that are available, what pricing is and even ask when they are available! If you have a certain season in mind, ask them if they have openings for that specific season. You can also find some of this information on their social medias or even their websites. Make sure you look at their portfolios to check the quality of images and if each photo is consistently edited the same or similarly.
You will also want to know what time of day you want to have your photographs taken. Most photographers have a specific time they love to photograph, like golden hour or blue hour. Each season these times will vary.
Step two
Booking your session and preparing.
This is the most fun part before your session! Choosing your outfits, what jewelry to wear and finding photo inspiration on Pinterest. Once you find the photographer that checks all the boxes, you get them on your calendar! Find the perfect season, time and day for YOU. The most popular season's are fall and summer for photos, it seems like. But each season holds its own different beauty, especially here in Minnesota! After confirming your time and date, your photographer will usually send you documents regarding your session. This will include an estimate of payment and/or invoice, questionnaire for you regarding your session so it is personalized to your exact liking, and a contract. The contract is usually a form stating duties of the photographer and their limits as well as expectations they have of each client. Don't hesitate to ask your photographer to explain any questions you may have!
After booking your session, here comes the fun part! STYLING! Deciding if you want your photos to be fancy or formal, casual or quirky. There are so many things to choose from! Photographers usually recommend against bright colors or heavily details such as thick stripes, patterns or graphics as these easily get lost in the photo or may be too distracting from the rest of the image. Photographers usually recommend neutrals, cool tones, black or a light pattern like flannel. However, you wear what you want to wear! If you are most confident in patterns, wear it! Be comfortable, be confident and most importantly, be you! Wear your makeup, jewelry or any accent that suits you best.
Step three
The day of your session.
Ahh! The day we have been waiting for! Make sure those nerves are somewhere else, we only have room for excited butterflies. Make sure you have a plan on when to arrive for photos, travel time and how long you need to get ready! Sometimes it is easier when you have the full day of prepping for photos, so you feel like you don't have to rush. Especially if there are numerous people going to the session, such as an extended family photography session!
When you arrive to your location, your photographer should explain how the time of your session will go and help you feel more comfortable. After all, we don't get posed every day by someone and have a camera in our faces. There is no need to worry about how you are going to be posing yourself. Your photographer will make sure you are standing correctly, your hands and feet are in the right spots and have you looking in the right direction. Multiple photos may be taken, ensuring that no one is blinking in every photo! You'll have a few different poses with a couple different backgrounds and even maybe another location if it was offered with your package. If you had looked up inspiration for your photography session, don't be afraid to share those images with your photographer! This may spike more ideas in their brain and help them come up with new ideas!
When your session is finished, your photographer should explain how the next steps go, including how long it takes for them to edit photos and how you will receive them back.
Step four
Getting your photos back.
Time to see your photographers creativity unleash. Each photographer varies in time it takes for editing and forwarding the photos back to their clients, especially if this is their primary or main job. They may have multiple photo sessions per week or even day! Most photographers take one week or two to get their photos to the clients, so no worries if you haven't heard from them. They may give you a sneak peek or two on social media or through text/email! If you feel like you have waited longer than you should have for your photos, don't be afraid to ask them for a timeframe on when you will get your photos back.
Once you get your photos, it's time to decide what you want to do with them! Whether it be a holiday card, canvas, prints, invitation or even just to have them on your phone. There is so many things you can do with your one of a kind photos. Some photographers have a store you can order photos through, or they will recommend an online platform you can order photos through as well. You will have so many photos to pick and chose from, it'll be hard to decide which are your favorites! A little tip from us, when sharing your photos on social media, tag your photographers! This will brighten their day and put a smile on their faces.
HAPPY PHOTOGRAPHER HUNTING!
“The most colorful thing in the world is black and white, it contains all colors and at the same time excludes all.”
-Vikrm
