| Choosing a portrait photographer to capture images | | | | basic packages will involve taking an agreed amount |
| that evoke emotion can often be an overwhelming | | | | of images and handing the images over on CD, with |
| task. The decision of which photographer should take | | | | little or no enhancement, for the client to print at a |
| your lifelong memories need not be so daunting if | | | | later date. |
| you consider the aspects of cost, style, packages | | | | The more expensive packages will take a number of |
| and expertise. | | | | images. These may or may not be enhanced or |
| Cost | | | | manipulated and then presented to the customer in |
| At the forefront of your decision must be | | | | many formats such as photographs, canvases, |
| affordability. Packages can range from a few hundred | | | | albums or soft copy. Other options to consider also |
| to thousands of dollars. A limit must be set on what | | | | include colour finish, photographic paper used, |
| you can afford. However, it is wise to remember | | | | copyright ownership, when and if copyright will be |
| that the cheapest option available may not | | | | handed over to the client, use of images for |
| necessarily be the best option to suit you. | | | | advertising purposes and hidden costs such as |
| Photographers may offer specials at certain times of | | | | overtime and extra purchases outside the package. |
| the year, such as Mother's Day and Christmas. | | | | A discussion with the professional will enable the |
| Style | | | | customer to make an informed decision as to what |
| Each photographer has his or her own unique style. | | | | options best suit their needs. Some photographers will |
| Some prefer formal portraiture set in a studio while | | | | be flexible with their packages and tailor them to suit |
| others prefer more creative, natural and candid shots | | | | you, while others insist you use theirs. |
| choosing an outdoor or less formal location. Some will | | | | Expertise |
| blend the two options, taking some in a studio and | | | | A good photographer not only knows their |
| then continuing the shoot at a venue such as a | | | | equipment and how to use it, they also know how to |
| beach or park. Asking to view a portfolio of their | | | | get the best image available with the conditions on |
| work will enable you to obtain a feel as to which part | | | | the day. They must make the client feel comfortable, |
| of the spectrum they work in and the one you | | | | relaxed and read the body language of all those |
| prefer. | | | | involved, especially babies and young children. Again |
| Packages | | | | meeting or talking to the photographer establishes |
| With so many photographers on the market, there | | | | this. Be sure to ask if the person you meet is the |
| are also many packages. These vary according to | | | | person who takes the photographs as some |
| experience of the photographer, time allocated to | | | | companies have different individuals to do each task. |
| the shoot, digital versus film, number of prints or | | | | Hence a good portrait photographer is one that is |
| images taken and received and enhancement, | | | | cost effective, suited to your style, professional, |
| manipulation and presentation of images. The more | | | | flexible and one that you feel comfortable around. |