6 QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK BEFORE HIRING A BRAND PHOTOGRAPHER
So you’re thinking about hiring a personal branding photographer. You start to do your research and find a ton of options on Google. Or maybe you ask around in your networking groups for recommendations. Either way, you likely find multiple options and you start to feel indecisive!
You start asking questions like:
How do I choose the right photographer for me?
Which one is best at their job?
Who will understand my needs best?
How much should I spend?
And on and on it goes. Before you know it, you start putting the task of hiring a photographer aside because it’s just too much to think about right now. Sound familiar?
Well, I’ve got some advice for you.
First, go with your gut. Narrow down to a max of 3 photographers that make you “feel” the best when you look at their websites. Even if you can’t quite describe the feeling - this is your intuition talking to you! Any more than 3 and you’ll feel overwhelmed, which means you’ll keep putting it off and waste a lot of time. Plus, you’ll want to only talk to those you’re actually seriously considering. It’s not just for your benefit, it’s also polite towards the photographers!
Next, set up consultation calls with your tops pics. Most photographers offer free discovery calls so take advantage of those. And when you get on those calls, make sure to make the most of it with the following questions.
6 Questions you should ask before hiring a brand photographer
1. Do you specialize in personal branding photography?
As you know, there are many different genres of photography. And just because someone is good at one does not mean they’re good at all of them. For example, food photographers require a different set of skills than portrait or sports photographers. Each one of these will need a different setup, lighting, and camera skills.
You don’t want to hire a photographer for your branding who’s only ever taken photos of landscapes either. You need a people person!
That’s why it’s actually best to choose someone who specializes in branding photography. That way you’ll know your photographer will have the right expertise to create impactful images for you that make your business shine.
It is not necessary that they ONLY take branding photos though! As a photographer myself, I have learned to master a few different genres because I am passionate about different aspects of photography.
However, you want to make sure that your chosen photographer really KNOWS how to take the best photos for your brand.
2. What’s included in the service?
Typically, photographers offer pre-packaged services or custom packages. Before hiring someone though, make sure you know exactly what you’re getting.
Sometimes, not all details are listed in the package descriptions. For example, a commercial license. Did you know that you need one of those in order to be able to freely use your images on social media and websites? It’s true, yet many photographers don’t even mention this! This could lead to potential legal issues down the road so be careful.
I would also say that it’s wise to read the contract fully (you know your photographer is legit when they ask you to sign one) before making your payment. You want to make sure that you agree with everything in the fine print before sending over a non-refundable deposit!
One thing that comes to mind is that some photographers require in their contract that you credit them every single time you use their photos. While I would be very happy with clients crediting me so I can grow my network, I don’t find it fair to make it a requirement. So make sure you know what you’re in for!
3. Which package is ideal for me?
After you review the available packages with your photographer, consider carefully which of those packages is best for you. Don’t just automatically assume that the cheapest one is the best. Many times, the bottom package doesn’t include a lot and you’ll actually save money with a higher-tier package in the long run.
Do the math. Calculate how much it will cost per image when deciding which package to choose. Ask your photographer how much it costs for additional images after the shoot in case you like more than what’s included in your package. Keep in mind that if your package includes 10 images, your photographer may shoot about 100! After that, they’ll cull the best ones and may let you choose your favourites (if that’s how they operate).
Figure out what you really need at this moment but also think about what will serve you best in the near future.
4. What does your process involve?
Before hiring a photographer, ask what their process involves so you’re well prepared and know what to expect. Some will just book a shoot date, snap photos and send them off to you. But, if they’re really good at their job, they’ll do more than that!
Ask if there’s a pre-planning process included to execute your vision perfectly. Will they help you create a mood board? Will they help you with hair, makeup or outfit preparation? How will they support you to ensure you have an enjoyable photoshoot?
For reference, here’s what my process looks like.
5. Where do you shoot?
I still find it shocking that so many photographers do not specify on their websites what locations are included in their coverage!
For that reason, you may need to do your own homework and ask the necessary questions. Make sure that the photographer you like actually shoots in your area!
Aside from that, find out if the shoot will take place on-location at your chosen place or if you’ll need to travel to a studio. Ask before you buy!
6. What’s the best way to use my photos?
And finally, a good photographer should give you some guidance after the shoot to help you figure out how to best utilize your brand-new images. I know it can be difficult to plan out and choose which photos go best with what marketing campaign. So if you need that extra help, ask your photographer if they’ll assist you with that.
This may come in different forms like PDF guides or consultations. It may also depend on the package you choose.
To sum it up, do your research, and ask all of the above questions so you get the most out of your personal branding photo session. And if you’re curious about working with me, I’m always available to answer any additional questions you may have!