06/04/2026
I see ALOT of discourse in FB groups & TikToks with ppl complaining about their photographersā¦sometimes very rightfully so! Other times I feel a lot of it couldāve been avoided if the person knew what to look for when looking for a photographer. So here are MY suggestions:
1. There is literally a photographer in EVERY price point from free 99 to thousands of dollars. Find what works for you, but have realistic expectations. Then ask What is the full price? Is a non refundable retainer due at booking? Can payments be made along the way? When is the full balance due?
2. In the event you need to cancel or reschedule what is the process? Does the retainer transfer over? If any amount is to be refunded how long will that take? This should all be outlined in the contract
3. When reviewing a photographers work on BOTH socials and website make sure that their images reflect the style you like. Rather thatās true to color, light & airy, dark & moody, artistic and so on.
4. If for a wedding ask to see 3 full galleries. That way you KNOW what is actually gone be the delivered product you are paying for. Socials and webs are just an overview of typically the best images/key moments.
5. Find out and make sure it is IN your contract What is the turn around time for delivery of the images? How many images do you get? What can you/can not do with the images? There is a difference a VERY BIG difference between personal and commercial useā¦yes that bday shoot that u did that u now wanna be on the cover of ur book. Well it just went from personal to commercial and requires different licensing and fees.
6. Make sure the photographer can capture images in various lightingā¦indoors and out. Full on sunshine to dark and gloomy storms. To bright open rooms as well as dark, low light.
8. AI is a hot topic! If YOU want to use these images in AI you need to ask if thatās allowed. If YOU are opposed to AI ask your photographer if they use it, if so how and make sure it aligns with your wishes.
9. And THE most important part when looking for a photographer their work has images of people that look like YOU! This can be a taboo/touchy subject BUT It is imperative that your photographer knows how to photograph your skin tone, body type, style of dress etc. As well as those who will be in session or at the event/wedding! I canāt tell you how many times Iāve seen and heard ppl complain because the photographer did NOT know how to properly capture someoneās skin tone/body type. No matter if your the fairest of the fair or the darkest of the dark your photographer MUST know how to light and take your images properly. You donāt wanna be blown out and all your features missing or the images are so dark you canāt even see you! Or they are not use to posing ur body type and it shows in awkward/unnatural poses.
10. Finally CONTRACT CONTRACT CONTRACT Everythang should be outlined in the contract and YOU yes YOU need to actually read and understand it. If you have questions ask and get clarity. If there is no contract baby gone find someone else. That contract is there to protect everyone and make it clear what the expectations are!
I hope this helps and yall find dope photographers to capture YOUR moments šøāØ
