| Though digital photography is cheap and available to | | | | to smile. The photographer should be able, under |
| all, there are times and occasions when everyone | | | | most circumstances, to overcome these everyday |
| needs to pay to have a picture done right. One such | | | | occurrences. |
| time is to capture the portrait of someone or a | | | | 5) Skill. Is the lighting professional? After all, that is |
| group dear to you. Yes, it will cost more than taking | | | | usually one thing you can't imitate so it should be |
| a picture with your point and shoot and then asking a | | | | right. Is the photographer skilled at arranging the |
| drug store to enlarge it for you. But it will be an | | | | scene so it is balanced, key people are highlighted, |
| investment in the future by recording a reminder of | | | | and everyone can be seen? Their job is to get a |
| the past. How does one go about choosing a good | | | | picture worth framing if you so desire. They should |
| portrait photographer? Here are eight principles that | | | | know how to do that with one scan of the group. |
| can help with this decision. | | | | 6) Choice. A good photographer will take enough |
| 1) Location. Is the studio close enough to your home | | | | pictures so that you have ample choices from which |
| to be convenient? Remember that you will probably | | | | to pick your favorites. How long do you have to wait |
| have to go there at least three times, to get the | | | | before the proofs are available? Some companies will |
| picture made, to make a choice, and to pick up the | | | | allow you to select your favorites while you are |
| final product. Also, is it accessible or do you have to | | | | there. Are their recommendations motivated by |
| cross a heavy traffic area? | | | | money or what is best for you? Are they able to |
| 2) Facility. One family got up early on a Saturday | | | | present the options without making you feel under |
| morning to meet their appointment for a family | | | | pressure? |
| portrait only to find the studio was too small to get | | | | 7) Integrity. Is the firm honest? If they promised you |
| everyone in the picture. Is the studio large enough to | | | | one free 8 X 10, will they keep that promise? Are |
| accommodate the group you want photographed? | | | | the pictures ready when they said they would be? |
| 3) Punctuality. You will want to be on time for an | | | | When you leave, would you say it was a good |
| appointment. Are they? Are you allowed all the time | | | | overall experience? |
| promised to get the picture right? Are the proofs | | | | 8) Price. Photographs may seem expensive but when |
| and final prints available when they say they will be? | | | | you remember that they must pay for quality |
| It might be good to check with others about the | | | | cameras, staff, and facilities, it is worth the extra |
| reputation of the firm in these matters. | | | | expense. Yet, the price should be competitive. Call |
| 4) Personality. Do the employees look sharp? Is the | | | | around to see what the average costs are for the |
| receptionist and/or photographer friendly? Do they | | | | picture you want. |
| treat you with respect? Are they personable? Are | | | | From our experience, getting a good family portrait |
| they patient with small children and babies? Are they | | | | can be a stressful time if done by the wrong person. |
| willing to accommodate special needs people? Usually | | | | Choosing the best portrait photographer for your |
| portrait time means the whole group has been under | | | | needs is worth the investment. If you follow the |
| stress to get clean and dressed and there on time. | | | | principles above, you will likely be glad you had it |
| That means smaller children may show it by refusing | | | | done professionally. |