Choosing a portrait photographer based on price is the worst thing you can do.
You can spend $5-$8 on a fancy latte that will be gone in 15 minutes, ok 5 minutes because let's face it they're amazing - BUT want to spend a really low amount like $50 on a photographer. Why is this maybe not the best option way to choose the person taking your photos?
Well a more experienced professional portrait photographer is not going to be charging that amount, because they can't. It costs money to run a photography business to pay for ads, to keep up on editing software, camera repairs, flash drives, gas to get to and from shoots, etc. Those are called the cost of doing business. So while your cousin - sister - whoever can totally charge a small amount, a professional photographer with taxes and all kinds of fees can't.
So why wouldn't you just hire your friend? Do they have the experience? The right camera and equipment? Do you KNOW they'll get that shot you want? This is what you're paying for too - the experience. Keep reading to see why.
This portrait photo was taken on a day with super harsh lighting. We were all squinting! So how does the photo of this couple have soft, beautiful, romantic lighting? Experience. Knowing what lighting equipment to use when and where makes a huge difference. And it's how an experienced portrait photographer can get soft, beautifully lit photos on a harsh sunny California day.
But isn't is weird working with someone you don't know? Maybe at first but we'll be bffs in no time! I'll chat with you about your outfit, makeup and hair goals before the session so by the time we're actually on location we can focus on having fun. My job is to capture your personality, your job is to be yourself and have fun. Don't worry about blinking or posing, I'll direct you.
So if you just want some snapshots to remember the moment, you can hire anyone, or even use a phone, because it's better to have the photos than not. If you want gorgeous artwork that's ready to frame and hang in a gallery on your wall, you're going to want an experienced professional portrait photographer so please don't choose based on price - choose based on the final use of the images. You're going to have these photos for 5, 10, 25 years! Just think how many fancy lattes you'll drink in that time.
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