Snapped Up: Quick Tips for Hiring a Photographer

The wide distribution of smartphones means that nowadays everyone can take photos, but that doesn’t mean everyone is a photographer. If you’re hosting an event, launching a product or selling properties and you want good quality images, you’ll need a professional. Here’s how to go about getting one.

Why

Photography is a deceptively scientific art form. Whilst a smartphone can certainly capture an image, they will often fail to capture an atmosphere. You may also find that the results lack a certain note of quality from a technical standpoint, this can mean blurriness, bad lighting, under/overexposure, low resolution, or poor framing. Gaining mastery over these techniques can take years of training and may require specific equipment to achieve an acceptable result.

Photography is not only about the act of taking photos but also post-production. If you hire a professional photographer, you can be certain that they will handle any required editing after the shoot is over. This means adjusting hues, tonality, and any minute details (such as ‘red eye’). This process is not only exhaustive but also technically difficult and, if you want great-looking, high-resolution photos, you’re better off bringing in an expert.

When

There are plenty of occasions where it makes sense to spend money on a professional photographer. In real estate, for example, online photos are crucial for providing a strong first impression of a property, as research has shown that homes with professional listing photos sell for more than their list price. To take good property photos, you would require an understanding of diffusion, inside/outside temperature adjustments, and correct lens specifications. In industries where imagery has a profound effect on profit, you’re always better off spending.

If your event is more personal (e.g. a wedding), a photographer brings value because they can capture you and your guests at their best. Crucially, wedding photographers know all about timing and can be relied upon not to miss any of the significant moments throughout the day. All of the details that you might have spent hours arranging (such as flowers or table decorations) can be shot in all their glory for you to enjoy for a lifetime. It’s also worth noting that amateur photographers, at any event, are more prone to mistakes - if they don’t understand light diffusion, for example, you might find all your indoor photos are washed out or discoloured.

How

 Finding the right photographer isn’t always easy considering how heavily saturated the market is. Ultimately, you want to find someone who strikes a good balance between cost, quality and availability. This individual will charge reasonable prices per hour, or a flat rate per event. They will take photographs that you, as their customer, like - don’t worry as much about what constitutes a ‘good photo’, just focus on the kinds of moments they like to capture. Finally, you need someone who you can rely on to show up and commit. Take time to read reviews and testimonials and don’t settle for anyone you’re unsure about.

 The act of hiring is often as easy as reaching out with an email or phone call. Good photographers will consult with you ahead of time, checking in on your requirements before agreeing to the job. You should also be presented with a contract, to be signed by both parties - this will ensure that everyone is on the same page (literally) and understands the terms of conditions of your arrangement. Be sure to clearly explain your expectations within this document.

In an image-focused world, photography has taken on new importance. And, whilst the phones in our pockets are often capable of taking good photos, the people holding them are rarely able to. If you want results that impress, it’s always worth doing your research and bringing in an expert.

Tony Hale is a UK-based photographer specialising in Brand Photography for small businesses. If you want to create a more successful brand and a profitable business with stylish, stress-free images, visit: www.tonyhalephotography.com