Tons of photographers quote themselves as professionals, but these days it takes more than an expensive camera to find amazing grad photos.
Tons of photographers quote themselves as professionals, but these days it takes more than an expensive camera to find amazing grad photos. It's a special time of your life, so you'll want your photo shoot to live up to your expectations. Follow these tips to differentiate between the fakes and the pros.
Past clients
Reputable photographers not only show their portfolio, but they're also proud to show testimonials of past clients, however, due to privacy policies they are unable to give out names and contact information.
Speciality ensures special photos
A great graduation photographer will specialize in graduation portraits. Photographers that can't distinguish between their genres probably aren't familiar with the unique features of each type of portrait. Finding someone who specializes in grad pictures is much like finding a specialist for specific medical needs - they do it because they're really good at it and they know what people want and like. They'll be more likely to cater to your occasion, and they'll be able to suggest additional ideas if you feel stuck.
School is cool
Although some photographers honed their talent with lots of practice, this doesn't happen often. The ones who know the trick of their trade have often dedicated years in a college or university program. Again, if the education is there, it will be on the website for all to see since this shows they're extremely dedicated to their trade.
They're wanted
A great grad photo professional will most likely be in high demand, which means you will have to book them weeks or even a month in advance. You'll know by those around you where photographers are being found, and a referral is always a great place to start.
Image matters
Professionals have great websites and business cards - after all they are artists. Although there might be more to a book than its cover, it's safe to look for someone who doesn't have a website that's stuck in the '80s. Their business card will look modern and clean. You should be able to do a Google search without sketchy comments showing up.
Ensure with insurance
A professional photographer that makes his passion his livelihood will be covered, like any other business, with insurance. Of course, having insurance means that if anything goes wrong, the photographer has something to rely on. But to you it means that they treat their photography and their clients seriously. They won't disappear on you and won't change their mind about their standards and policies, or what's included in their package prices.
Equipment to get the job done
You'd be surprised, but a huge chunk of what you pay for it not just the photo session itself, but rather the editing that goes on in the background afterwards. A grad photographer will have the equipment and computer programs necessary to deal with common problems related to your age group; blemishes will be eliminated.
Photo envy
Finally, when looking at the photographer's portfolio you'll know if you like them, so this one's not rocket science. If you're not sure then it's not a match. If the vibe is off, then search elsewhere. Look on the bright side: the Internet makes this step easy!
