"Weekly Dips"

I've decided to start a weekly blog entry - "Weekly Dips"..serendipity - get it?... I'll try to put a little something out there to help novice photographers, photography clients, shutter bugs, etc. Please leave me a comment if there is something you'd like to hear about - I'd be glad to help you out any way I can.

CHOOSING A PHOTOGRAPHER:
Whether looking for a wedding photographer or someone to shoot your senior or family session, the decision shouldn't be decided upon lightly. There are so many photographers out there now; some experienced & highly qualified: some newer, but very eager & fresh. First decide what style you are looking for; traditional, candid, casual, formal, photojournalistic. Next, look at what your budget for this event will be. These two factors will help veer you to photographers that you will want to consider.
Check online and in local papers & ads. However, the best source of names usually comes from word of mouth. Let your friends & family know what you're looking for. They will certainly be glad to share with you their good & bad experiences.
Once you gather some references, check out the photographers' websites, blogs & Facebook sites. Watch for a variety of images - they should offer a diverse portfolio for you to view. Do the images catch your eye & make you want to see more? Are they unique & creative or do they begin to all look the same... Are they well lit & clear?
Once you find someone you are interested in, schedule a time to meet or have a good phone conversation with them. You need to be comfortable with this person -you will be spending some time with them. Do they offer a studio, travel to locations that you are interested in, or come to your home?
Find out all the details of the session fees, package costs & inclusives. Although cost is always a factor, please keep in mind that this should not be the only reason you choose someone. These are your memories being preserved & should be entrusted to someone who will treat this event as if it were their own.
Lastly, please be sure that the photographer you choose is a professional!. I can not stress this enough. As I stated, there are so many "photographers" out there now. Anyone can purchase an entry level digital camera & become a photographer...however, is their equipment capable of handling church lighting, are they experienced in dealing with large groups of people or newborn babies, will they be reliable when it comes time for ordering & delivering your prints? How long have they been in business - will they still be around if you need to order more prints in 2, 5 or 10 years? Are they a licensed business & do they belong to any professional associations; PPA or WPPI, etc. Please be confident in your decision!

As I wrote this, I realized how much more there is to say on this subject. I will add entries more specific to wedding photography, senior photography, baby & family, etc. in the future.
Keep watching for "Weekly Dips"! And don't forget to leave me a comment - I'd love to hear from you!