A beautiful beach. A serene meadow. A historic street. These are the settings that can take your family photos to another level. But shooting in natural light can be tricky, and it’s vital you hire the right photographer who knows how to turn outdoor photos into timeless art. Here are six tips you should consider when choosing a natural light photographer.
1. Review the Photographer’s Portfolio.
First, make sure they are competent; do the photos feel professional, does the composition feel intentional, and do the subjects look like their authentic selves? But don’t stop there. You are not just looking to see how good the photographer might be, you are also getting a feel for their style. Some photographers like to blow out their backgrounds (meaning everything feels white and heavenly), while others like shadows and strong colors. You want to find a style you connect with; you won’t be happy with someone who loves bright colors if you want a soft, white feel, not matter how celebrated they may be. An online portfolio and work examples showcase how a photographer sees the world, and how they will showcase you.
2. Read Reviews and Customer Testimonials
Is the photographer reliable? Do they listen to feedback? Do their clients feel comfortable during the shoot and how quickly did they get their photos? Reviews give insight into the process you’re about to undertake, and the more testimonials you read, the more comprehensive a view you will get. Most photographers will have a Google, Yelp, and/or Facebook profile and you will find reviews on all of these social media pages.
3. Do a Vibe Check
To further decide if a photographer is a right fit for you, do a little vibe check. Check the “About Me” section of their website or hop on a phone call. Do they feel like someone you can work with? The more comfortable you feel, the better the pictures will be.
4. Discuss the Photographer’s Point of View
Before you book, get on the same page about what look you’ll be going for during the shoot. Ask yourself a few questions: are you excited about the photographer’s ideas? Are they excited about yours? There are no wrong answers here; some people like to be part of the creative process while others like to put themselves into the hands of the artist. What do you like? Having a clear idea about what you want will help you choose the right partner for you.
5. Describe Details, Possibilities, and Must-Haves
Communicate, communicate, communicate! Never be afraid to talk about every aspect of the shoot, like the location, time of the day, what to wear, and any specific shots you want them to capture. Establishing the expectations right from the start can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that you and the photographer are on the same page.
6. Don’t Forget to Ask About Editing and Delivery
Last, but not least, remember to ask about the editing process and how and when you will receive the final photos. Some photographers include basic editing in the price of their services; meanwhile, others offer more extensive retouching options. Make sure you know what you are paying for and when it will be delivered.
Hopefully this helps you in your search for the right natural light photographer for you. You can check out my portfolio here for some ideas and I’m always happy to answer any of your questions. Just remember to take your time and do the research. The more legwork you do, the happier you’ll be with your gorgeous outdoor family photos.
