When you decide to invest in a photographer and entrust them with an important memory or milestone, naturally, you want to make sure they can actually get the job done, and well. But not all people who call themselves professional photographers are truly experienced professionals.

So, how can you tell whether the photographer you want to hire has the experience they claim to have? Or if you’ll get the service you’ve come to expect when working with a professional photographer?

Look for Proof

A photographer’s gallery is one of the most important factors to look at when you’re deciding whether to hire them. Their gallery will give you a better idea of their specific photographic style and immediately clarify whether they have the skills you’re looking for. If they can’t send you a link to an online gallery, see this as a red flag.

True professional photographers will be ready and willing to showcase their portfolios. They will likely already have some images displayed on their website, and your friends who have hired them will usually share some of the images from the sessions they’ve booked on social media.

Check Out Reviews

Before you hire a photographer, do a little research to see what past clients have to say about them. People can freely post reviews on social media as well as Google, so you should easily be able to find a few that you can use to make a more educated decision.

You can also ask your friends and acquaintances which photographer they’ve used for their professional photos. If you trust your friend’s judgment, hearing a positive or negative comment will carry more weight than any random review you read online.

Equipment Usage Tells a Story

You don’t need to know much about camera equipment to understand how experienced someone is. For one, a photographer could have a top-of-the-line camera but shoot on auto mode instead of choosing the settings themselves. Another tell-tale sign that a photographer may be inexperienced is if they use their camera’s built-in flash instead of a dedicated flash.

Lastly, a photographer’s stance can often tell you about their level of expertise. Experienced photographers will cradle the lens from the bottom and keep their elbows tucked in when shooting. Inexperienced photographers usually have their elbows out to the side and their palms facing out and forward.

Dedicated Space

Anyone can create a website and claim to be an expert in photography. It’s much more telling, however, when a photographer has their own studio. While a photographer doesn’t necessarily need to have a studio to be an expert, it’s an excellent sign that they’re serious about their craft and in it for the long haul.

Studio space shows the photographer has made a significant investment in photography and will treat your session as a serious job rather than as a lower-priority paid hobby. Plus, when there is a studio, you’ll see other perks. You’ll often have access to a studio wardrobe through a professional photographer. Their studio will also serve as a backdrop for some of their prior work, further proving their expertise.

The Feel of the Consultation

Being a professional photographer doesn’t just involve taking great photos – it’s also about the customer service you’ll experience. They should be able to answer any questions you have and walk you through the process during your consultation.

You shouldn’t be the only one asking questions during the consultation. If your potential photographer doesn’t ask you any questions when you meet with them, it can be a sign of inexperience. They should ask you what your goals are for your photoshoot, so you both can work toward accomplishing them.

An experienced photographer will be able to put you at ease. If you feel uncomfortable with them during the consultation, imagine how difficult it will be for you to relax and have a natural expression during your photoshoot.

The Budget

Hobbyists who use photography as a way to generate some side income might seem attractive at first glance because they often charge lower rates than professionals. If you notice the quote you receive from a photographer for an upcoming session and package is way cheaper than what another photographer charges, there’s a reason for that.

An experienced, professional photographer will charge more for a session than less experienced photographers. Don’t be fooled by the cheaper price, though. The quality of the photos is usually lower, and true professionals will spend extra time editing pictures until they are perfect. In short, you’ll get the quality you are paying for.

Look for the Best

If you want outstanding images that will stand the test of time and are worthy of being framed in your home, it pays to find a true professional photographer. By paying attention to these guidelines, you should easily be able to tell whether the photographer you’re thinking about hiring is cut out for the job.

If you’re searching for the top-notch professional portrait photographer studio in Milwaukee, Contact Suvi Tory today.