How Do You find the Right Branding Photographer for You?

Searching for a photographer can be overwhelming and confusing, especially in a city like Chicago, where so many talented photographers call home.

This guide is here to help you find the perfect photographer for your personal and business branding needs, ensuring you feel confident and empowered throughout the process. 

There is a lot of information here. However, I always prefer to err on the side of giving you too much information. Knowledge is power. Power will make you confident. And confidence is beautiful.

1. The Photographer’s Style

The Session Space – Studio vs. Environmental

Branding photographers may work out of a studio or on-location, meeting clients in their homes, workspaces, or public venues. Each environment offers unique benefits.  

Studios provide weather controlled settings with consistent backgrounds. Typically, I find that studio rentals are great for clients needing just a few portraits. (I rent studio spaces for Branding Blitz sessions. These are quick portrait sessions that are personality-filled and you walk away with at least three retouched images for your personal and marketing needs.)

All of my work is at a location that connects with the branding goals for my clients. The location is so important for enhancing the authenticity of a brand’s voice and connecting to that know, like, trust factor.

In Brand Builder sessions, the goal is to include content beyond just headshots. In includes photos that show the workspaces, details telling the brand story, behind-the-scenes processes, products, personalities, etc. These sessions typically work best on-location.

Studio and location rental is always an option. Finding these beautiful, indoor spaces is easy to do with websites such as Peerspace, Vrbo, or AirBnB.

There are tons of locations throughout the city that are free and accessible to the public.

Part of my client on-boarding includes a welcome guide with more information about locations. I’m also here to help guide you to the perfect space for your session.

Traditional vs. Lifestyle vs. Documentary vs. Stylized

Here’s a quick rundown of what all those mean, just so we’re on the same page:

• Traditional: Posed and directed, with everyone looking at the camera. 
• Lifestyle: Less posed, guided by actions and movement, creating a relaxed atmosphere. 
• Documentary: The photographer captures moments as they unfold, with minimal direction. 
• Stylized: Subjects dress in costumes and are placed within a scene, often with a theatrical element. 

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 believe everyone has a beautiful spark. 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. I often pose through giving people mini-tasks that incorporate movement. I find it helps people feel more relaxed and allows people to be themselves. And to me, that looks authentic and beautiful.

Color

Photographers have different editing styles, from warm to cool tones, bright and airy to dark and moody. Choose a photographer whose portfolio matches your aesthetic preferences. 

Of course, location influences the colors throughout a session. We’ll want to incorporate your personal or business brand’s color as much as possible throughout your session!

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 because they should have a consistent style.

The consistency should be seen right down to how photographers work with skin tones and colors across their portraits.

2. The Photographer as a Human

Photography is a collaborative process and is essential for personal and business branding.

Personality

It’s crucial to find a photographer whose personality makes you feel comfortable.   If you are camera-shy/awkward, look for someone who can put you at ease and make the session enjoyable. 

Find that photographer who supports you and encourages you to be YOU.

Experience

Experience matters. 

An experienced photographer has the skills to connect with their subjects, work within challenging lighting conditions, and handle the unexpected that can arise during any photo session. Their expertise ensures a smoother, more enjoyable experience for you.

The Photography Business

Professionalism

Ensure your photographer is a professional with an established business. Look for signs of organization, such as clear communication and a formal contract outlining expectations and timelines. 

Investment

Professional photography is an investment. While it might be tempting to choose the least expensive option, remember that quality often comes with a higher price. Take time to understand the photographer’s pricing structure and any potential hidden costs to avoid surprises. 

Photographers have quite a few costs associated with running their business. This includes administrative costs, equipment repair and replacement, business licensing and insurance, taxes, time spent planning and post-processing. These all become costs that are wrapped into session pricing.

Photographers work differently in their pricing structures. Some have creative fees and the photos are extra. Some include licensing, others this could be additional. Retouching photos could be an added cost. Find out what is included with your investment beforehand.

Keep in mind that professional branding photography is a tax-deductible business investment. (Hair and makeup and location costs is also tax-deductible!) For my own business investments, I like to think about how many clients I might attract as a result and if that makes it worth it.

Process/Customer Service

Good communication is essential. A photographer who guides you through the process, from booking to the final delivery, can make the experience more enjoyable and stress-free. Look for someone who provides resources like look books, location guides, and preparation checklists. 

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 click that button below to schedule a zero-pressure inquiry call.

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.