My husband’s and my 10 year anniversary was at the end of April. As a gift, my husband wants to do a family photo session so that I can finally be in some nice photos without having to set up a tripod or hope that my husband gets the focus right on my camera. Therefore, I’m now stepping into my client’s shoes as we begin our search for a photographer that is right for our family. I decided to make this guide to how I’m approaching my search because I figured it might help you too.

How do I go about choosing a photographer when there are so many talented photographers who call Chicago their office?

I apologize in advance. This is a lot. However, I’d prefer to err on the side of giving you too much information. Knowledge is power.

1. The Photographer’s Style

Studio vs. Environmental

Some photographers work out of a studio, others work on location meeting clients in their homes or in public spaces. Each environment can produces amazing results, but it really depends on what you think works for your personal brand or family.

Particularly for my family photos, studios can feel less comfortable and less authentic because it’s harder for kids to move. Movement is a great way to make photos look natural and I believe adding movement helps many clients feel more comfortable as they more easily forget about the camera.

For personal and business branding sessions, I do occasionally rent studio spaces. For my mini-branding portrait events, a neutral space is often preferable because we don’t have to worry about the weather. I like to create variety here by renting different locations throughout Chicago that also have options to personalize the session to you. This way, your photos continue to look unique.

Traditional vs. Lifestyle vs. Documentary vs. Stylized

For those of you who are unfamiliar with these terms, it basically relates to how posed and directed a photo is by the photographer.

Traditional is just that. Everyone is lined up and looking at the camera. It is very photographer directed.

Lifestyle is less posed. You can expect a lot of movement, but it is guided by the photographer, usually posing through actions. (This is where I fall.)

Documentary is when the photographer becomes a fly on the wall and just watches for the moments to unfold. Session times tend to be a lot longer with documentary photography. (Sometimes my style creeps into this department, but generally for small bits of time.)

Stylized portraits are when the subjects dress in costumes and are placed within a scene. This is usually very directed by the photographer and often carries a bit of a theatrical element to the entire session.

Making the selection really comes down to you and your personal tastes. It also comes down to your overall comfort level within being in front of the camera. For me, I gravitate towards lifestyle portraiture. I think most people look their best when they are moving and connecting either with me behind the camera or the people with them in a photo session. This type of session is more relaxed because clients have the space to be themselves. And to me, it is having a personality shine through that makes a photo beautiful.

Colors

Some photographers lean towards warmer tones and others lean towards cooler tones. Some photographers have a bright and airy style of editing where many details are lost into bright white. Others have darker photos that feel more moody with a lot of contrast. Some are in between.

I want the colors and style to compliment the style of our home. Usually this is pretty much a matter of, do you like what you see in the photographer’s portfolio?

When I am choosing a photographer, I’ll keep in mind that because I personally gravitate towards more movement and connection in my personal taste, we’re going to have our photos taken on-location. Therefore, I personally will want to display a late spring or summer session because we’ll be surrounded by blues and greens. A fall session, would be more complimentary for that love of oranges and reds.

And of course, the location can make a big difference here too. There are some beautiful colors found in the architecture and graffiti throughout our city!

Consistency

I’m also going to look at consistency throughout the photographer’s portfolio. I should be able to predict, to a certain extent, what my delivered gallery could look like with each photographer. Their use of color and posing style should remain fairly consistent across their sessions.

One note on greens in particular, look at how a photographer uses green. Some will make theirs very neon. Others will use cooled down, desaturated, dark greens. And still others will fall somewhere in between. This can be a key point within a photographer’s style and their consistency.

For my own photographs, skin tones are incredibly important to me. I want someone’s skin to look the same throughout the session, whether we are in bright warm sunlight or standing in the cooler darker shade. The warm light makes for warmer, orange skin. The shade makes for cooler, bluer skin. I make a point of delivering photos that will look good together on a wall no matter what parts of a session they are displayed from.

2. The Photographer as a Human

Photography is often a collaboration between humans. This is also such an important piece of the equation.

Personality

It goes without saying that we’re all different people and gravitate toward different personalities. It is so important to find someone who you feel comfortable around. Find that photographer who gives you space to be yourself.

As we’re looking for a photographer, I’m a little worried about my youngest son in particular when we have our photo session. He can be a bit of a stinker when it comes to photos. And he tends to be more tentative with new people. I know him as a total goofball who loves to make people laugh. I need to find someone who can roll with the punches and keep it fun.

I also need to find someone who will put ME at ease. I’m going to be totally honest. I also get camera shy and a little awkward when someone else is holding a camera aimed at me.

Experience

Everyone starts somewhere. Photography is an art of constant growth and learning. There is a huge difference from someone who picked up their camera for the very first time today from someone who has been perfecting their art over time. Experience gives photographers tools to fall back on when, particularly the smallest clients start out less than enthused about being there. Experience gives photographers tricks for working with less than ideal locations and lighting.

The experience level also is what makes a huge difference in whether you approach your photography yourself or hire a professional.

The Photography Business

Professionalism

I want to make sure that the photographer we work with is an established professional. I’ll be watching for their level of organization from our first time connecting, before we’ve booked anything. There should be a contract that we sign prior. (This is huge for making sure expectations are aligned, right down to the timeline for photo delivery!) I’ll want to make sure that my photographer is a legal, tax-paying business and it is not just his/her side hobby.

Investment

It might be tempting to choose the least expensive photographer. However, when a photographer charges very little, they may have very little experience and/or may not be paying themselves fairly (or making anything at all).

Photographers have quite a few costs of running their business that they factor into their pricing including the amount of time they spend with each client throughout the entire experience from planning to shooting to editing. They have to factor in the cost of their equipment including repairs and replacements. They have costs relating to printing work and licensing and furthering their education. Some have a studio they need to pay rent on. After all their business expenses are complete, they also need a salary, just as with every other profession.

Professional photography is an investment for a client. It’s a bit like a vacation expense as you create your budget. It’s not something that you do everyday, but it is an investment in preserving your family memories or for the marketing of your small business. (And for businesses, it is a tax write off!)

All photographers work differently in how they charge for a session. Some have creative fees and the photos are extra. Some include print credits or products. Some include retouching, others that is extra. Find out what hidden expenses there could be so that you don’t have a surprise when you receive your photos.

I prefer the transparent route because money always feels icky to me when we don’t talk about it. Therefore, when you book your call with me, I will give you the entire lowdown. You can see my base pricing for headshots/branding or families on the experiences pages right now.

Process/Customer Service

Photography is an investment in time and money. Some photographers will guide you through the process from when you first book your session to help you prepare. Some have very minimal communication and can leave you guessing.

Communication throughout the planning process is very important because it helps everyone relax on the day of the session when they know what to expect.

My clients all receive my look books, location guide, and preparation checklists that begin a few weeks prior leading up to the minutes before our session. I also send everyone a questionnaire so that I’m able to learn your hopes and goals for your photo session.

Good luck!

I know that was a lot of information and finding “the one” can feel daunting. If you’d like to chat it over with me to see whether we are a good fit (because no, I’m not the photographer for everyone), just hit the button to get in touch!

I’ll end this post just as I end all of my emails to my clients:

Please let me know as any questions, comments, concerns, and/or ideas come up.
I’m here for you every step of the way!