What To Ask a Photographer?

Photography is no easy subject and interviewing a wedding and portrait photographer.  Regardless of if you are hiring Tamieka Smith Photography or another studio, we have created a list to help find the perfect photographer to capture your special memories. 

1.  Are you a member of PPA?

Being a part of PPA is not a sure fire way to determine if the photographer is a right fit for you, however, it indicates the photographer is connected to an organization that encourages good business practices and continuing education in the photography industry. 

2.  Do you specialize in a particular type of photography?

Most photographers specialize in one or two types of photography.  We specialize in Families, Maternity, and Military Event photography.  Real Estate photography jobs are usually the type of job, that we'll pass on.  When we're asked to do, we as photographers have to ensure we have the skill set and the necessary equipment to accomplish the task.  If we are unable to complete a job, we'll refer the client to another photographer who does meet the requirements.

3.  Are you insured?

If the answer is "no"; find another photographer.  If the answer is "yes", you should ask as many questions as needed to determine if that photographer is the right fit for your family or event. 

Tamieka Smith Photography carries general business, equipment, and liability insurance. 

4.  What does your fee include and what's the delivery timeline?
 

You'll want to know what your money buys:  how much time, how many images, the format for delivering proofs, what's included in your package.  How long after your session will you have to wait?  How much time will you have to order your favorite portraits? 
At Tamieka Smith Photography we offer several different portrait sessions so the session length can be 30 minutes or more.  We take approximately 10-14 days to present proofs to our clients.  We have a lower session retainer so that our clients only purchase what they love.  Orders are done during our Order/View (Reveal) Session.

5.  Where can we find you online?

Most businesses are online nowadays and usually have an internet presence.    Photographers should not only have a free Facebook page, but a legitimate website that illustrates a photographers portfolio and information about their business.  The website should detail all basic information; such as location and contact details.

6.  Do you have professional and backup equipment?

While it may be cheaper to hire someone who does this on the side or a family member with a nice camera, you risk not getting any guarantee of the quality of images and risk losing your day or event forever.  A professional photographer will also show up with at least one backup camera just in case there's a lens or memory card failure.  Well-connected and experienced PPA photographers will always have a contingency plan and backup equipment.  Our studio uses top quality camera bodies (5D Mark III) along with the finest quality L lenses from Canon.  It is important to have a good set of equipment. 

7.   Will you color correct my images?

Since color correction is the basic post production, it should be used on every single image.  This will prevent skin tones from being orange, yellow, red, or even blue.  Tamieka Smith Photography color corrects every single image from your event or portrait session to ensure each and every image is a professional quality product.

8.  How do you know if the photographer you're looking to hire is not a professional?

The most important thing in life is your family.  If you have a baby, your heart aches when your little bundle of joy's not with you.  Your kids grow up fast and before you know it, they leave for college.  Memories fade. So why trust your memories to anyone other than a professional?

Professional photographers know how to capture your family's unique personality and create artistic portraits that will be cherished forever.   Remember, anyone can take a good picture every now and then.  But when you've got one chance to capture life's biggest moments, you want make ensure the person behind the camera is a professional. 

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A portion of this article was written by Marianne Drenthe of Marmalade Photography http://www.marmaladephotography.com and can be found at the Professional Child Photography site at http://www.professionalchildphotographer.com