It is not easy to find a photographer. That sounds crazy right? They are everywhere. They post all over social media, you can type in photographer on any search engine and tons of names pop up. Your neighbor, cousin, the mom from PTO are all photographers. You can even get a good quality camera for a decent price and take photos yourself. Each option has its pros and cons. There is nothing wrong with any of these options. I'm not even trying to sell the idea that you must hire a "professional" for all of your photos. And I'm not even trying to convince you I'm your best or only option.
Before you stop reading let me explain where I'm going with this post.
What is important when looking for a photographer? Are you looking for quality? Price? Experience? What about compatibility? Where you and your photographer are on the same page and you trust them. Even though a session may last 15 or 30 minutes or an hour, you want to be able to trust your photographer. Most people feel vulnerable when they are in front of a lens. They feel exposed and uncomfortable. I've been there. I prefer to be behind the lens. Since I was a child I have performed on stage and I love to be the center of attention but it does take me a little while to warm up in front of the camera.
You need to be able to trust your photographer and feel comfortable with them. I've worked with photographers who are all business and in a rush. They treat you like a number and once you are done that is it. I can admit there have been times I've been in a rush and distracted so I didn't do a lot of small chat. I'm not proud of it but it does happen.
But I want to change that. I want to give my clients an experience. Not just step in front of my lens, click click click and out the door you go to not hear from me again. No, I want to get to know you. I want to capture the major moments in your life and know what is going on. As part of my re-launch I am changing my customer service around. Contracts protect you and me. My policies are all up front and honest. I welcome any questions and critique on what I can improve. I want to respond quickly to any form of communication. But beyond all of that I want to keep up with clients. The good and the bad. This isn't about selling my services. This is about my passion for photography. I have one client who I have photographed the last 3 years and I love looking at how much her children have changed in the last 3 years. I have another client who's grandmother recently passed away and I was able to capture her and her grandmother together at the client's wedding a few years ago. She will forever have this photo and I'm grateful for the opportunity to capture it.
It is fine if other photographers want to be all business and not get to know their clients. There is nothing wrong with that. We all have our own styles of business. I prefer to get to know people and tell a story. When you are looking for a photographer don't just look for the cheapest, the most well known or the friend who has a camera. Take the time to find someone you are comfortable with who will capture you the way you want to be seen.
