TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK A PHOTOGRAPHER BEFORE YOU HIRE THEM

With so many photographers out there, it can feel overwhelming to have to put extra work into choosing one. But not all photographers are alike – in fact, most of us like to think we’re one of a kind. 😉 Jokes aside, there are an almost infinite number of photographic and editing styles, and every photographer has their own personality and approach to their sessions – and those things might not align with your vision, so it’s important to ask questions up front to get a feel for who you’re working with and what you can expect from the session and your photos.

Here is a short list of questions I recommend you ask any prospective photographer before you sign any contracts or pay a retainer.

1)      DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN MY NICHE?

This may be the most important question to ask – yes, even more important than cost – because if you’re looking for newborn photos and the first photographer you contact shoots only weddings, you’re wasting your time. And even if they agree to take the photos for you, do you really want to trust your brand new baby with someone who doesn’t specialize in photographing newborns?

2)      WHAT'S YOUR STYLE OF PHOTOGRAPHY?

Think documentary, cinematic, traditional, etc. Each of us has a style, and some of us even blend styles to make something even more unique. If you like traditionally posed photos, then you want to make sure your photographer shoots that way. And if you have more of a lifestyle vibe, a traditional photographer can’t give you what you’re looking for.

TIP: check out the photographer’s website and socials and take note of whether or not they pose their clients, or if they seem to let their subject interact with each other (and not the camera). It’s also important to note their editing style because they’re going to edit your photos in a manner that’s consistent with their other work. If you want true to color and this photographer edits with warmer tones, you’re not going to love your pictures, no matter how great the composition.

3)      WHAT'S YOUR PRICING STRUCTURE?

Some photographers’ pricing is all inclusive – meaning the cost covers the session and images – and some come in packages, or even a la carte. It’s important to ask before you sign & schedule because there’s nothing worse than getting a surprise invoice for your digitals when you thought you’d already paid for them.

4)      WHAT'S YOUR PAYMENT STRUCTURE?

Some photographers want payment in full at the time of booking, some require half the cost as a retainer and the remainder due within a certain time frame prior to the session. And others may let you break up the fee into multiple payments. It’s important to ask that up front, so there are no surprises.

5)      WHAT IS THE IMAGE ORDERING PROCESS?

Some photographers like to do in-person sales, meaning they meet with their clients to go over the images, at which time the client places an order. Other photographers simply deliver a gallery ready for immediate download, and others deliver what’s called a proof gallery, where you’d review the images uploaded by your photographer and select the ones you want to download or purchase. It’s important to know ahead of time what the process is, as it will save you time at the end so you don’t have to wait even longer for your photos.

6)      WHAT PLANNING HELP DO YOU PROVIDE?

Even the simplest of sessions requires some planning, and it’s good to know going into things how much support your photographer offers along the way, whether that’s location scouting, styling guidance, or simply being available to answer any questions that might arise between scheduling and the day of your session.

7)      HOW DO YOU APPROACH YOUR SESSIONS?

I know I sound like a broken record, but trust me – the more you know going into your photo session, the more comfortable you’ll feel. In this case, knowing ahead of time whether your photographer plans their poses, works on the fly, or somewhere in between will help you know what to expect. Going into a session with one expectation and finding out your photographer operates in a completely different way can throw the energy of your session completely off, and trust me: that will show in your pictures.

8)      DO YOU HELP WITH POSING?

With the exception of a select few, most of us don’t know what to do with ourselves in front of the camera and need guidance. Your photographer should be able to easily guide you through poses or with prompts to ensure your photos look natural and flattering. If they can’t…well, keep looking until you find one that can.

9)      HOW LONG WILL THE SESSION BE?

Most full sessions last around an hour, and mini sessions are anywhere from fifteen to thirty minutes. Some photographers are strict with time, while others just go with the flow, shooting until they feel they’ve gotten what they need. It’s important to know before you begin how long you can expect to be there and whether or not you’ll be kept to a strict timeline.

TIP: Be respectful of everyone’s time and don’t be late. Chances are, for every minute you’re late, you’ve cut into your session time, and that’s just going to stress everyone out. Plan to arrive at least ten minutes before your session start time.

10)    HOW MUCH EDITING WILL YOU DO?

Aside from their overall aesthetic (i.e. light & airy, dark & moody, bold & colorful, etc.), how much touching up does this photographer do? Don’t expect them to remove every blemish and wrinkle – at least not for free. Find out what corrections they regularly do, and what extras they’d be willing to do and for how much.

In addition to asking the above questions, there are a few other things you can do to get an idea of who you will potentially be working with:

·         Read their reviews (Google, Yelp, Facebook, etc.) – be judicious, though. One or two one-star reviews among a large number of four- and five-star reviews is normal. More bad reviews than good is a sign to keep searching.

·         Ask to see some galleries of their work. Most photographers only put a small selection from each session on their website or social media – a gallery or album will give you a much clearer picture (no pun intended) of what their work looks like.

·         Throughout your correspondence or conversations with this potential photographer, try to get a feel for their personality, and make sure it matches yours. If you’re exuberant and outgoing, but your photographer is serious and reserved, I don’t think anyone would enjoy themselves during a session. (Hint: Scope out their social media, too. Their captions, videos, and content will give you some clues about who they are)

It sounds like a lot of work, I know. But if you’re going to check out restaurant reviews before ordering a meal, why wouldn’t you look into someone who’s going to be sharing and photographing intimate moments with you? Photos are an investment (and to some, even a luxury), so make sure you’re getting your money’s worth by doing a little bit of work up front so on the day of your session, all you have to do is show up and have fun. 😊

How to Get in the Right Headspace For Your Photo Session

Tips for overcoming the pre-session nerves (and we all get them!)

If you're like most people (including me), the idea of getting in front of a camera is a little bit terrifying. There's a lot of pressure, and suddenly you're self-conscious and awkward so then you get anxious, and before you know it you've got a gallery of photos where you look like an extra from Revenge of the Nerds (if you don't get the reference, I encourage you to check that movie out - it's a cult classic).

So…how do you get over those nerves and get into a self-confident, I’m a bad-ass headspace? There are a few things you can do, actually. Check out these tips below:

First, it's important to communicate with whomever you're working with beforehand. If I'm your photographer, tell me what you're worried about. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve to help with nerves, but more importantly I'm here to listen to what you need. This session is all about making you look & feel your best, so that's what we're going to do.

Don't laugh, but I recommend that you take some time to practice posing and facial expressions in front of a mirror. You're going to feel like a crazy person, but I promise, it will help you feel more comfortable and confident in front of the camera. The more you know and understand what your body can do, the more you can control it. Same with your expressions. A lot of why we feel awkward in front of the camera is just not knowing "what to do" with ourselves. If you practice ahead of time and learn to control your facial and body movements, you'll feel TONS more comfortable once I raise the camera to my eye.

Choosing the right outfit can also make a big difference in how you feel during the shoot. Wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable, and avoid anything that is too tight or restrictive. For a more in-depth exploration into styling yourself (and your partner) for your photo session, check out my Instagram feed for some quick tips, or send me an email and let me know you'd love to see my styling guide. I'm happy to share!

If you booked a solo session and you're terrified you'll make a fool of yourself, bring a friend along! They can be your cheerleader, your security blanket, your comic relief - whatever you need!

Having someone you're comfortable with can make the difference between dreading your photo session and laughing all the way through it. And that, my friend, is what makes excellent pictures.

Think of what you'd do to comfort a friend or loved one who was feeling nervous - and do those things for yourself. Need some ideas?

* Take yourself out for a fancy coffee (or tea, if you prefer)

* Go for a walk in Nature (fresh air is sooooo good for the soul!)

* Put on your favorite playlist and turn up the volume (and consider sharing that playlist with me so we can listen to it during the shoot!)

It's natural when you're nervous to hold your breath, but if you focus on breathing - controlling your breath - your nerves will calm themselves and you'll be relaxed and ready for your closeup!

Finally, try to have fun and enjoy the experience! Remember that I'm here to bring out and capture you at your best, and I will guide you through the process to ensure we get the best results. Dance it out if you feel yourself getting stiff, laugh it off if you feel like you're being awkward and weird (you'll be in good company because that's how I am 90% of the time), and always - always - let me know if you need a little boost. I promise...I've got you!

Nancy Dinsmore is a Gainesville, Florida-based photographer specializing in Lifestyle Engagement, Maternity, and Newborn Photography.

Location matters

What's the best spot for our photo session?

I'm so glad you asked! There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a location for your session, whether it's for engagement or maternity. You want to make sure it's accessible, first and foremost - is there parking? Is there a long walk to the site? Is it crowded?

Second, you want to consider what vibe you're going for. Rustic? Organic? Urban? Glamorous? If you've got a style in mind, I've got a location for you. Check out some of my favorite spots in the Gainesville area:

Dudley Farm Historic State Park - Newberry, FL

Dudley Farm is a hidden gem here in North Central Florida. Full of history, raw texture, and real Florida nature, it's a perfect and versatile location for almost any kind of session. I especially like to bring couples here, though, because there's so much room for interaction - between the couple as well as between them and the environment.

(check out all it has to offer here: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/dudley-farm-historic-state-park )

Downtown Gainesville, Florida

What's not to love about Downtown Gainesville? The options for backgrounds are almost limitless! From the regal architecture of the Hippodrome Theater, to the eclectic Sun City Center, to the historic Firestone Building a few blocks away, there is something interesting everywhere you look!

(More details at: https://www.visitgainesville.com/explore/downtown-gainesville/ )

Micanopy Historic District

Micanopy (mik-an-o-pee) is kind of like the town that time forgot - in the best possible way. Everything looks like it came straight out of history book - aged brick walls, rustic buildings, quiet streets, and some of the biggest Live Oak trees in Florida. It's perfect for a vintage-style session or, if you're really adventurous, a modern vibe against a historic backdrop!

(More information at: http://www.explorehistoricalachuacounty.com/location/micanopy-historic-district/ )

Florida Beaches

I admit, I'm a sucker for a beach session. No, I don't love trekking across the sand with all of my equipment, but I DO love what the beaches have to offer in terms of visual interest. My favorites? Marineland Beach and its coquina rocks, offering a unique texture to every scene. And Boneyard Beach at Big Talbot Island, with its driftwood and scraggly old trees. It's a total mood. (More about Boneyard Beach here: https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/boneyard-beach )

Historic Thomas Center, Duckpond Area, Gainesville

The Thomas Center is a popular place for a reason - between the beautifully appointed gardens and the gorgeous Mediterranean-revival architecture, it's got everything you need for a photo session. I wish I could name a favorite spot on the grounds, but I can't. Everything about it is a photographer's dream.

(Visit http://www.historicthomascenter.org/ for more information)

San Felasco Hammock State Park

I just recently discovered this spot and I was in love the second I pulled into the parking lot. It was a dreary day - cold, damp, and drizzly - but it didn't matter. Even the muted winter colors seemed to just pop out, and the textures...gasp! There's a uniquely organic feel here - more than in any other natural setting I've used - and I'm itching to get back there and create!

(check it out: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/san-felasco-hammock-preserve-state-park )

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

Last, but certainly not least, is my first love. Kanapaha Gardens is a visual wonderland. Winding garden paths, vine-covered pergolas, a bamboo forest, succulent gardens, an entire Camelia forest...the list goes on. If you're looking for a natural setting with lots of versatility, this is the place to go.

(more information here: https://kanapaha.org )

Northern Florida is rich with both history and some of the most lush and varied nature I've ever seen, and I know there is even more to explore - here, and beyond. Maybe in a year I'll have a new list that's twice as long!

Thanks for hanging,