Are you looking for a Great Portrait Photographer?
There are lots of things to consider when you’re searching for a great portrait photographer in your local area. So to get you started here are just a few simple tips that you may find useful!
Let me know if you find this useful!
Google Maps
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/
Use Google maps to see what portrait photographers are based, or cover your local area. It’s a great way to see what other people have said about them in their client reviews, with links to their websites, opening hours and contact details too.
Use search terms that are within your area, (e.g. borough, local town, etc.) . For example “Bexley Portrait Photographers“, “Welling Portrait Photographers” or “Great Portrait Photographer Welling”
If you already have a shortlist of photographers, you can also just enter their business name (not the website URL) into google.com or https://www.google.co.uk/maps to see their ‘google business page profile‘ and references too.
It’s useful to remember testimonials left on independent sites such as google are written direct by the clients; and therefore considered genuine, rather than reviews just written on the photographers website. Check how far back the reviews go too; a photographer that has been in business for a longer period of time can give you an idea how trusted and successful they are.
Check other local listing sites too
Not all the best portrait photographers are listed on google maps. There are lots of other listing sites with independent reviews and links to their websites. For example Yell.com Bexley.org.uk Netmums.com
Ask your friends
If you know a friend or family member that’s had a recent portraiture session, ask them about their experience.
If they have beautiful photographs that appeal to your tastes and style and they also say how much they enjoyed their session; follow up by checking their website and getting in contact
Don’t forget to let the photographer know who recommended them! – Many good photographers will offer incentives for referrals; both to you (as a new client) and the referrer – your friend who recommended them!
Ask for recommendations on facebook and other social media websites.
Be careful though!
There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking for advice on facebook, however it’s very easy to become overwhelmed with the number of responses from people recommending photographers. As well as less experienced photographers bidding for your attention too.
The danger is that the more established photographers are going to be ‘lost’ in the mix and you end up being disappointed or find it difficult to sort through so many.
Create a shortlist of the ones that jump out at you and then research them yourself.
Do they have a website or just a facebook page? is their email address generic? For example does it end @gmail.com or @live.co.uk or does it have an established ‘business address’ like @grahambakerphotography.com
Research the internet and social media
As well as checking local listings and google look out for relevant blogs on portrait photography. What are the current trends? Search social media using #Hashtags that are relevant to your needs. For example #bexleyportraitphotographer #kentportraitphotographer . This is also a great way to look for inspiration.
Don’t be swayed on price alone
Do their fees appear reasonable for the level of service you would expect of a great portrait photographer? Do you think that a cheaper photographer can provide the same quality and experience?
As with most things in life, you get what you pay for; so beware of packages that seem too attractive. The expression “an offer too good to be true is usually right”
Digital photography has enabled just about anyone to become a photographer. The market is saturated with amateur, low priced and even dubious photographers offering cheap packages; and more often than not, this ends up with the client being dissatisfied with the service and the resulting photographs.
Ask yourself “what are your memories worth to you?”
Can’t decide on your shortlist?
So you’ve used some of the advice above and you’ve narrowed it down to just a handful; and now you need to choose.
Write down what’s important to you. What are the pros and cons of each photographer? Do they have a studio? Do they provide location session? Can they do both? Do they have plenty of information about the session? Are they upfront and clear on their prices? Are they insured? Are they affiliated, or qualified with any professional trade bodies? For example The Guild of Photographers or The Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers.
Instinct
Do you value beautiful photography and memories? Then before you decide on a your photographer from the shortlist, get in contact with them and ask to meet or have chat on the phone or via a video link.
You will need to feel confident in their abilities as well as feeling relaxed with their personalities. So by speaking either on the phone or face to face is going to give you that ‘feeling’ that they are the right photographer for you.
Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions! An assured and experienced photographer will welcome them!
If you have any further questions or need any advice, please get in contact and we’ll try to assist you in any way we can.
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