Today’s visual world requires businesses to stand out, step up and snap into action. If you want your brand to appear on top, you need to stand out with the right images.
Working with the right photographer can be challenging if you don’t know what questions you need to ask when hiring a photographer. Working with a photographer is a business transaction and requires a clear scope of work and expectations on both sides. Before meeting with prospective photographers and finalizing one, you need to know everything there is to know about working with them.
Working with the right photographer will impact your company for years to come, so it’s important that you feel confident in their abilities before signing on the dotted line. Following are 10 questions that will help you vet potential photographers in case you are looking for one for your business.
How long have they been shooting?
This question is pretty self-explanatory but I still get asked this question a lot. If someone has been doing photography for years then that’s great! But if they haven’t been shooting for any length of time, ask them how many years’ experience they have. This way you can determine whether they are going to be able to capture your vision properly.
Do they specialize in certain types of shoots?
If you’re looking for a photographer who specializes in weddings, portraits, food, etc., make sure he/she does not only shoot those types of things. Find out what their specialty is and stick to that type of work.
Do they have experience?
It’s not enough that you like their work; you need someone who has been doing this for years. If your photographer doesn’t have any experience, then you should probably look elsewhere. Because only experienced photographers will help you get the product photo you need. And a good product photo can be edited properly according to your business plan. You can even outsource eCommerce product photo editing services like clipping path service to experiences companies like us to boost your online conversions.
How do I know if they are going to deliver what they promise?
You want to hire someone who can follow through on their promises. They should provide you with references from previous clients so you can check them out.
Do they have any experience shooting your type of product?
When looking through portfolios, make sure that you are seeing the same subject matter. If you need pictures of marijuana products, then ask if the photographer has shot images of this kind of product before. This way, you know what to expect from their work.
Do they shoot products in the studio or outdoors?
You want to know where they are going to take your photographs, whether that is in a studio environment or outside. A good photographer should be able to capture your product in both environments.
How do they plan to edit your images?
Do they use software like Photoshop or Lightroom? Is there someone who can help them get the best out of your product? These are just some questions that you may want to ask yourself before hiring a professional photographer.
How many times per week can I expect to shoot?
The frequency at which you shoot should depend upon the type of photography that you need. Some photographers only take pictures once every few months while others shoot several times each week. This should be discussed prior to booking your services.
Do I know their track record?
This should go without saying, but you need to ask if they have any previous experience photographing your product or brand. If not, do some research about them on Google. Also, look at their website portfolio and social media pages. Make sure that it shows their work style and how they approach photographs. Look through their past projects and find out what kind of products/brands they’ve worked with before. This will give you an idea of who they are, how they see things, and how you can expect their work to turn out.
What gear/camera does he use?
If you want a professional-looking image, make sure you hire someone who uses high-quality equipment. There’s nothing worse than having a nice camera only to have blurry images due to bad lighting. Photographers tend to use many different types of cameras depending on their needs. Some photographers prefer compact devices while others opt for DSLRs. Regardless, you’ll want to make sure the photographer you choose has the necessary tools needed to capture a great shot.
How will we communicate?
You may think that emailing a photo would suffice, but this could lead to problems down the road. Since you’re creating art for branding purposes, it’s best to send the files via Dropbox or WeTransfer and then discuss edits together via Skype. Don’t forget to include details about the shoot (location, time, etc.)
Does your photographer like what they’re doing?
When hiring a photographer, you need to find someone who loves their job. They should enjoy shooting, and they should love being around people. If you feel like they don’t care about their craft, they might just end up taking pictures that aren’t good enough to show off.
Do they understand your vision?
Photography is different from other forms of art. In order for your vision to translate into a beautiful piece of art, the artist needs to understand the message you’re trying to convey. Make sure you have a clear understanding of where you want your shoot to go before you hire a photographer. Don’t let them lead you down a path that doesn’t fit with your business goals.
Some Relevant List of Questions You Should Ask a Photographer before hiring them –
- What is your working style?
- How much do you charge and what’s included in your packages?
- Can you provide 3-5 examples of your work that matches my brief?
- What’s your process for working with clients?
- What kind of equipment do you use?
- Do you provide photography copyright and ownership rights?
- How long does it typically take for you to deliver edited photos after a shoot?
- Do you have additional services that aren’t included in your basic package?
- Do you have assistants and how many? Also, what is their rate?
- Are there any final questions I should ask you before deciding to move forward with this meeting?
