Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Photographer.
Read my guide below to choose the best photographer in Sioux Falls and beyond!
Photography is personal, so it's important to choose a photographer whose personality complements yours. They'll be with you during key moments, so you want someone who makes you feel comfortable and confident.
How Do You Feel When You Meet Them?
Whether for a wedding or family session, meeting your photographer (in person or via video call) is key. Do they listen to your needs and make you feel at ease? If you're comfortable with them, that natural chemistry will make your photos that much better.
I offer free chemistry calls for all of my prospective clients! You can book yours here.
Understanding cost is key when choosing a photographer. Photography is an investment in memories, and what you're really paying for is the photographer's expertise, creativity, and ability to capture meaningful moments.
When comparing prices, check what's included in the package. Some photographers offer more than just the shoot, like:
Time at the Event/Session: The photographer’s time, whether for a few hours or a full day.
Editing & Post-Processing: I carefully edit each photo to meet high artistic standards, using Photoshop to give each image personalized attention without presets.
High-Quality Online Albums: Many photographers offer digital galleries as part of their pricing, ensuring your images are stored digitally in a format that is easy to access. Here is a link to my online gallery!
Travel and Equipment Fees: Depending on your location, photographers may charge additional fees for travel or the use of specialized equipment. However, I include travel and equipment expenses in my pricing.
This can take a little leg-work on your part— But I’m about to make it a lot easier!
Understanding how a photographer works can help you decide if they’re the right fit for you. Here are some questions to ask potential photographers:
What’s Their Shooting Style?
Every photographer has a unique approach. As a documentary and lifestyle photographer, I blend into the background to capture real moments and emotions, creating organic and intimate photos without disrupting the flow of your interactions
How Do They Handle Posing?
Even if you’re choosing a documentary and lifestyle photographer, you may still want some guidance for specific shots (like family portraits or couples shots). A good photographer knows how to subtly guide without interfering with the authenticity of the moment.
First, ask yourself—when is your event? How many photos are you hoping to receive in your gallery? Is there a special event coming up that you need your photos ready for?
Understanding Your Photographer’s Timeline
Start by sharing the 5 W’s (Who, What, When, Where, Why) with your photographer to help them assess your needs and availability. It's also important to understand their workflow and delivery timelines.
Some photographers take weeks to deliver, while others offer faster turnarounds. Be sure to discuss timelines upfront to ensure they align with your expectations. I aim to deliver galleries for mini and one-hour sessions within 48 hours for an exceptionally fast turnaround.
Ask your photographer to see their portfolio! Most photographers have their portfolios online for easy reviewing. Here is mine!
A photographer’s portfolio is their visual resume. It should give you a clear idea of their style, the quality of their work, and whether their aesthetic resonates with you. Here's what to look for when reviewing a photographer's portfolio:
Consistency in Style
A good portfolio will reflect a consistent style across different shoots. Look for a cohesive feel in lighting, composition, and mood. Whether it’s a wedding, family shoot, or lifestyle session, a professional photographer should have a clear, signature aesthetic.
Genuine Moments
If you’re looking for documentary/lifestyle photography, ensure their portfolio showcases genuine, unscripted moments. Are the photos full of emotion, candid interactions, and natural expressions? This is a hallmark of a good documentary/lifestyle photographer.
Variety in Subject Matter
A great portfolio should also show diversity. Look for photos of different types of events or subjects (weddings, engagements, family portraits, events, etc.). You want to make sure that the photographer has experience working in a variety of settings and can adapt to your specific needs.
Quality of Editing
While documentary and lifestyle photography emphasizes natural moments, it’s important that the editing complements the story and feels timeless. Check if the colors are consistent, the contrast is well balanced, and the overall look of the images fits your taste.
Check for reviews on their website, their Google MyBusiness profile, and/or their social media to see what past clients have to say. Here are my reviews on Google!
Word-of-mouth referrals and client testimonials are powerful tools in finding the right photographer. Reviews and feedback from previous clients can help you gauge whether a photographer will meet your expectations and offer the quality of service you’re looking for.
Client Testimonials
Look for feedback that speaks to the photographer’s professionalism, how they handled the shoot, and the final images. A well-reviewed photographer will have a collection of testimonials that speak to their ability to create a comfortable atmosphere and deliver exceptional results.