Whether 
you intend to pursue work that requires professional photographs or not, doing a photo shoot can be fun and exciting. If you are participating in a competition, photos can be a great way to document your journey. If you are lacking motivation and need an incentive to keep engaged in your fitness routine, scheduling a photo shoot can provide incentive to get in shape. Finally, you might be surprised at the value of professional photographs. They may lead to a career you never thought possible, especially if you are already involved in the fitness industry.
When scheduling a photo shoot, finding the right photographer is imperative for your success. Below are some simple strategies to follow to ensure you spend your money wisely.
Research: Spend time researching photographers online and reviewing their information. Read through different publications and make note of the photographers responsible for the images. Each photographer has a unique style and reviewing a photographer’s website can give you a good indication of their work. A well-designed website that features detailed information, examples of recent work, and testimonials can provide you with a wealth of information. Does the photographer’s Website include a section detailing the benefits of shooting with him or her? Is there an easy way to contact them for more information? Does the photographer offer “tips” through blogging, writing, or public speaking? Reviewing this information can often give you an idea of the ways in which they are involved with the industry. You can also check other mediums such as Facebook, model mayhem, and blogs to identify potential photographers. Also, don’t be afraid to ask friends for personal referrals.
Make contact: Once you have identified a few photographers of interest, contact them for information. They should be able to answer all your questions as well as provide details about what to expect when shooting with them. Remember, you are the client in this situation. A good photographer will value your business and work hard to ensure they communicate with you in a timely and effective manner.
Ask questions: Write down your questions prior to talking with the photographer. Identify the reason for the photo shoot when you are interviewing the photographer. Is this for a portfolio, to document your fitness journey, for fun, or to pursue submitting something for publication? Photographers want you to be successful, it’s job security for them. As such, they should be supportive of your goals. Many photographers will be able to offer you an idea of what it’s like to shoot with them via their website. Some photographers offer behind-the-scenes videos, interviews of them talking with clients, sample pictures, and information on what to expect from a photo shoot. If this information is not readily available, it’s imperative that you ask questions. Any good photographer should be able to provide you with well-formed answers on what to expect.
Details: When booking a photo shoot, make sure to get detailed information regarding what you’ve purchased in writing. The photographer should provide you a detailed accounting of the costs associated with your photo shoot. Photographers often require some portion of the payment up front with the balance due upon completion. Unless you are simply taking pictures to frame and put in your house, you should ask for details on the photographer’s copyright guidelines. Every photographer is different in how they will allow their images to be used; it’s helpful to know this up front.
When selecting a photographer, there are both red flags you should pay careful attention to as well as green lights that indicate good choices. Here are some listed below.
Red Flags:
· They talk poorly about other photographers, and try to dissuade you from working with them.
· They tell you they are busy and haven’t had time to get back to you. If you are paying for these images, you deserve to receive good customer service. It’s one thing when a photographer communicates their schedule to you and asks you nicely to be patient while offering a time when they will get back to you; it’s another thing to feel ignored.
· They can’t provide samples of their past work or references. You don’t need to shoot with someone who has years of experience as sometimes new professionals have the best eye. However, most photographers have spent time building their portfolio in order to offer clients images to view. They should have a list of personal references or testimonials from clients that can attest to the quality of their work.
· GOOGLE the Photographer. Be sure you are shooting with someone with YOUR BEST INTEREST in mind. Always read very closely ANY MODEL RELEASE.
Green Lights:
· They have a well-designed, informative website.
· They do things other than just take pictures. They write, they participate in events related to their field, and they give back to the community.
· The have the ability to shoot in a variety of locations and styles. Photographers that shoot fitness, lifestyle, in a studio, or at onsite locations are good bets because they are most likely to capture the type of images you need.
· Professionalism. Need I say more?
· Photographers that elicit the help of others, whether it be make-up artists, assistants, videographers, or stylists. This communicates quality.
· Passion. Does this person love what they do, or is it just a job? If you want to figure out the difference, take yourself down to the JC Penny photo studio. In my experience most
of those folks are there for a job. Enough said.
Having pictures done by a professional photographer can be a fabulous investment provided you make a good choice in who will best meet your needs. Take the time do some research, talk with the photographer to ask questions and gather the necessary details. Taking the extra time will ensure you have a positive experience.
Kimberly Miller is a Stylist, Writer, and Commercial & Fitness Talent. You can view her website at www.KimMillerStyle.com, read her blog at www.themodernme.wordpress.com, visit her AZ Republic Column at www.azcvoices.com or listen to her recent podcast at www.theproexposure.com
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