Whether your wedding is coming up, you just had a baby, or you simply want some adorable pictures of the family playing in the fall leaves, the need for hiring the right lifestyle photographer can arise many times in life! Finding the right lifestyle photographer is key to a great shoot every time, so make sure you are following a few helpful guidelines to make the memories you create ones you’ll want to display and hold onto forever.
Find Your Photographer’s Specialty
There are many lifestyle photographers out there who may have specialized areas of expertise. Some are strictly wedding photographers, for example. Some photographers may be great with babies and small children and therefore specialize in photographing newborns and young families, or photographing portraits. Some are product photographers or studio photographers and may have a difficult time posing people at a lifestyle shoot. A studio only photographer knows how to control lighting in a studio, but might have a more difficult time shooting outdoors, where you need to balance ambient light with fill lighting. Before you book a photographer, make sure they have experience photographing whatever it is you’re looking to have photographed whether that be a wedding, family portraits, family candid shots, etc.
Research Your Photographer’s Style
All photographers have a unique style to the photos they capture, and the way they edit them to finalize the shots. Some like to shoot weddings dramatic or creative, while some prefer a photojournalistic or documentary style. These days, it’s not difficult to pinpoint whether a lifestyle photographer is right for you by just doing a bit of research. Most photographers will either have their portfolios on a website, and will likely also have an Instagram page to show off their latest shoots. From these portfolios you can gauge their style for various types of shoots. You can also take the opportunity to understand their niche, should they have a specific one. Think about your goals for the session and what you’re looking for in a final result. Then, research and find a portfolio that matches your vision!
Ask to Meet with the Photographer
If you are hiring a lifestyle photographer to document your wedding, ask to meet with them in advance of the big day. Since you will be spending most of your special day with this person, as well as communicating with them frequently throughout the planning process leading up to the wedding, it’s important that you connect and feel comfortable with the photographer. Make sure they understand your vision ahead of time, so that the day can flow as it should without requiring your direction – as it is a busy day for you already!
For shorter sessions, such as family portraits or family functions, ask your selected photographer for references. Customers will be happy to share their prior experiences and you can get a good sense of how the photographer operates through these references.
For all of your professional photography needs, reach out to Anna Kobelak at 416-805-9890 or by filling out the form below. Follow Anna on Instagram and Facebook
