Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Photographer in Arizona + My Answers

Asking About Photography Styles

Every photographer has a different style, so it is important to match with a photographer whose style matches yours. Important steps to take before inquiring are to look at websites, social media, portfolios, and the photographer's tagged posts. When you look at the photographer's personal materials, you are able to see both their best work and what their favorite poses and shots are. When you look at their tagged photos, you get to see work you may not see otherwise. It also gives you an insider look at clients, the different editing styles they use, and the different lighting techniques. After looking through portfolios and determining what styles you are interested in, that is when you can ask follow-up questions to make sure you get the photos you want, and the photographer knows what you are looking for. 

Simple questions to ask the photographer about their style before the shoot:

1. What colors would you recommend wearing based on the location of the shoot and the time of day? - This question helps ensure that when editing the photos from the photoshoot, both you and whoever else are in flattering clothes for the location's background, skin tone, and coloring grading. 
2. Do you have your own poses that you always do, or is bringing pose ideas to the photoshoot okay? - Photographers pose people for a living. Some photographers have poses that they always do and prompts they specialize in. But if you have a specific pose you want a photo of, ask the photographer if you can bring your own pose inspiration, or allow time for poses you want. This makes sure that you get you and the photographer to be on the same page with your visions of the photoshoot. 
3. What time of day would work best for the photoshoot to take place? - Photographers can work in many different types of lighting, however some types of light can help make the photos look better than others. As a photographer I tend to work best during golden hour and blue hour in the evening. Other photographers may work better with sunrise to daytime lighting. Other factors that impact lighting in photos are shadows and overcast. When booking a photographer ask what time of day works best to make sure the photos you receive are the best possible.

Questions To Ask Yourself About Photography Prices & Deliverables

Photography is not an inexpensive gig - and it should not be. Many photographers would love to have prices for sessions that are accessible for everyone to afford, but with the price of cameras, lenses, SD cards, editing software, etc., costs do unfortunately rise. When looking for a photographer, book with someone who fits in your budget; don't expect a photographer to discount their work based on what you want. If the photographer you want is not in your budget, it is okay to save money and wait to book with them. However, there are other questions to ask yourself about the price of photography.

1. What is your budget for photos? - Before going into a photoshoot, make sure you know what your budget looks like. Most photographers have a place on their website that shows what the prices look like for their services. Look at this page when choosing a photographer. Ask yourself what you are willing to spend on the shoot you want. 
2. What deliverable items are important for you to receive from a photoshoot? - When looking at prices, you can also find what deliverables you receive. How many photos do you want to receive? Are you getting a full online gallery, or are you receiving a set amount and having to pay another fee for extras? Is there an option for wall hangings, custom art, or any special niche that the photographer offers? Ask yourself what you want to receive from the photoshoot, and what you are willing to spend on those deliverables.
3. Are there any extra fees needed for the photoshoot you want? - Photographers may require extra fees for certain parts of booking a photoshoot. Examples may include the price of film for a film photography shoot or travel fees, depending on the area of the photoshoot. Photographers tend to add more if you choose to do a photoshoot on film, instead of digital. This is to cover film developing fees and the cost of film rolls. As for the travel fee, depending on where the photographer is located and the location of the photoshoot, there may be an extra travel fee. In this case ask how this impacts your budget and how to get photos in the location you want.