7 Important Questions to Ask Your Photographer Before Hiring Them (Part 2)

A few weeks ago I shared 7 questions you should consider when looking to hire a photographer, this week I want to share 7 more to help you feel confident in picking the right photographer for you. (P.S. If you’re looking for a Bend family photographer I hope this list helps you pick me :)

1) What if we're running late for our session?

Does your photographer have a late fee or a cancellation fee? This should be included in their contract that you sign.

I understand things happen, but I ask that you do your best to plan extra time so that this wont happen. Your session is planned according to the amount of light left in the day. If you are late, then this is time taken off of your session that you can't get back. We will work with the remaining amount of light, but this may also affect the amount of final images you receive. Please let me know ASAP (via email or text) so I can plan accordingly.

2) What if my kids aren't cooperating during my session?

If you are doing a family session, and have unpredictable little ones (who doesn’t) its totally ok to voice your concerns on how your photographer will deal with stressful situations. See if they prefer that you take the reins when kids are struggling or if they prefer you to step up and be in charge.

I can usually judge a situation well from the start of our session. If you are stressed your kids will feel that, and it will show. I know it can be hard to just let them be if they are being wild, rambunctious or crazy, but I encourage the laughter, the chaos, the silliness, the chasing, the tickles, even embracing tears or shyness if a child is reserved. The point is, I'm pretty confident that if you let your kids be themselves then we won't have any major issues. I will take control and if I need your help I will be sure to ask!

3) Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are part of the family for many. If you have a pet you want included during your session I would make sure the photographer your looking at is comfortable working with animals. Adding an animal can complicate a session, regardless of how well behaved they are. See if this is something your photographer has done before. If so, they should have tips that would help make a session run smooth with your dog (s) there.

Typically, when clients bring their dog and if we are close enough to the car we can leave them in there after getting some pictures with them, or if you bring a leash we can tie them up close by as we finish the remainder of our session. I encourage you to bring a squeaky toy and a treat to get your pup looking at the camera!

4) How long does it take to get our gallery? How many pictures do I get in my final gallery? If I love the pictures can I purchase more?

It should be stated in the contract your photographer sends you how long to expect to wait to get your pictures back to you. If you are wanting them back quickly, some photographers have a “rush fee” to get them back to you as soon as possible. Also, see if your session and package include all of the images from your shoot or if you get an allotted amount that you get to select yourself.

First off, I always send a few quick edits of favorites the day after our session to hold you over until you get your final gallery. I tell my clients between 2-3 weeks after our session you can expect your gallery in your inbox, however I always try to get it to you sooner! For the time of a mini session I usually send between 60-80 images for you to choose from, and for full hour sessions I send between 80-120 images for you to pick from. Nothing makes me happier to hear that clients love their pictures and have a hard time choosing their final digital files. Good news, you can purchase additional pictures! When I send you your gallery, it will come with a code that will get you however many images your session came with for free, and then you can "add to cart" the additional images and they will be added to your total.

5) Can I have the RAW images?

First off, look at a photographer who’s editing style is what you want. It’s not really fair to ask a photographer to change their editing style because of something else you like better.

Nope, sorry not sorry. I do not deliver RAW files to clients for any reason. The reason for this being RAW files are unedited and not an accurate representation of the type of work I want to be known for. They also require special software to open. If for some reason you have an issue with the editing of your images please let me know. I will do my best to resolve this.

6) Should I tip my photographer?

This is a personal preference!

I absolutely don't require my clients to tip, however it means so much when they do. If you feel comfortable doing so and would like to I so appreciate it.

7) Do you have recommendations on where to get our pictures printed?

Ask your photographer if they have suggestions for where to print so you avoid getting bad quality prints.

It is so exciting to me that you want to get your pictures printed and not just let them sit on your computer after all the hard work of planning outfits and getting them done. I know there are easy and convenient places you probably have had your pictures printed before, but the truth is, they're not the best quality. Stay away from printers within stores like Target, Walgreens, Costco, etc. I have tried printing my own pictures here before and the color is always off and the quality seems cheap. I have found a few online printers that really are not much more and the quality is amazing, the cost of shipping is typically free and they come so fast. These are Nation's Photo Lab, Mpix and Miller's. I have ordered from each of these and always been extremely impressed with the quality and their customer service.

I hope these questions are helpful and give you a good idea of if we would be a good match. I would love to take your family pictures if you think so!