The word photograph literally means recording light. By that rationale every image be it digital or film is a photograph. Ok, I'm fine with that. In fact, I think the new digital age is an amazing and wonderful thing to have happen in my lifetime. It's the first time in the history of photography that anyone can make photographs. What used to be a club with a members only status, is now a public frenzy. The rate of new photographers to those leaving the business is 10 to 1. This is a double edged sword for many. It means the market is tougher to generate income, get noticed, and sometimes just keep your head above water. It's a great time for clients as well.
With a limitless amount of photographers to choose from, it's a great way to find deals on family, senior, wedding, or any other type of photograph need you may have. Herein lies the rub (for all you Shakespeare fans). I hear photographers being hired for amounts that literally equal $1.57 an hour by the end. We've been there too. When you are first starting out you have to prove to a client you have what it takes to meet and then go beyond the expectations of said client. To do this, it takes hard work, dedication, and continuing education. If you want quality, you hire a professional. When you want a good deal you run the gauntlet and hope the photographer you hired can come through.
One of the best ways to hire a photographer is to spend a few minutes looking at their body of work. Does the work fit your need? Is it trendy, consistent, or both? One of the biggest questions to ask yourself: does the photographer understand light? The photographs below are examples of light use.
This pair of images shows the difference between a proper exposure according to the camera and an adjusted image that utilizes strobe lighting with proper exposure. A professional photographer should be able to use both natural light and know when a strobe will enhance an image.
This is an example of a nighttime exposure with strobe side lighting. Please note the dramatic elements of side lighting versus the typical front flash. Next time you are watching a television show or movie that utilizes nighttime tones watch what type of lighting they use. You can learn a lot about lighting watching the masters at work, not just the storyline.
This example is a classical side lighting technique used by landscape and natural light photographers. Does the photographer know how to do this if necessary? Ask. It's ok to ask a photographer questions. A true professional will not stumble or talk about success with other methods. A real professional knows when to step down from a job they know they cannot do.
Before you hire a photographer, do yourself a favor. Look at the work the photographer produces, take a few minutes to ask questions, and don't price shop, one of the biggest complaints clients have is that they went with a cheaper photographer instead of the one they wanted. Most of the occasions you're hiring a professional for, happen once.
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