Photography by Studio EnVogue

With today’s MEGAPIXEL MANIA and practically everyone now owning a Digital camera, it’s getting more and more difficult to know if you’re hiring a true professional. In FACT, it isn’t the number of MEGAPIXELS that make a professional photographer, it’s what you DO with them that matters… The world’s most advanced and detailed FILM was useless in the wrong hands and so are MEGAPIXELS! Picking up the lastest DSLR and starting a part-time business is EASY, but learning how to take PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS is another issue… Here’s a few questions you may want to ask to help make certain you are investing your time and money with a true professional.

How long have they been a “professional”? You’ll want to know how long they have been a PROFESSIONAL, not how long they’ve ‘been taking pictures’… Taking pictures since you were a child doesn’t make anyone a professional… Taking the time to build an amazing portfolio (of people, not just landscapes and flowers) and having a strong client base would be a good sign that you are dealing with a PRO. You’ll want to review MANY examples of any potential photographer’s work and if you’re not TOTALLY THRILLED, you will want to look elsewhere. Most importantly, don’t hesitate to ask for references!

What kind of professional training do they have? Professional photography requires truely technical skill and to accomplish it on a professional level advanced training is a must!

Do they have any kind of certifications or other professional credentials? Many are offered; few are received… Less than 3% of photographers ever accomplish professional certification and I am proud to be one of them! I am also a proud member of Professional Photographer’s of America and Professional Photographers of Mississippi and Alabama.

Are they fully Licensed? Do you really want to do business with someone who hasn’t done this? Chances are if they haven’t applied for proper licensing, they most likely have not made arrangements to pay sales tax either. I’m betting they won’t be in business very long!

Do they have liability insurance? What if your wedding images are corrupted or damaged? Is your photographer covered? Or, worse yet, what if someone is injured during a photo session? What happens then? I’ve seen people trip over cords, lightstands and even fall off of tables! I’ve even seen a strobe light explode. You never know what can happen!

Do they have a Studio? Many new shooters claim to specialize in ‘outdoor’ photography, but often this is because they do not have a permanent studio and have not learned professional studio lighting techniques. MOST well trained photographic artists will JUMP at the opportunity to fine tune their abilities to manipulate light indoors or outdoors and NEVER pass up an opportunity to work in a studio. Many up and coming photographers often rent studio space on an “as needed” basis just to practice their skills. Beware of those who claim to offer better pricing because they work strictly “on location”… Photographers who have access to a studio generally have a wider range of skills, have more return clientel and can many times offer much better pricing than you may think!

What kind of equipment will be used and do they have back-up equipment?
Hint: a Canon Rebel, XTI or NIkon D40-D70 were not designed to produced professional images. Also, professional LENSES are just as important as the camera itself…

What professional LAB or PROFESSIONAL PRINTING method will be used?

What PROFESSIONAL type of paper is used and what is the longevity of the images?
Hint: Many new photographers use mini-labs and may even have your images printed at a pharmacy or discount store as they may not have enough business to open an account with a reputable Professional Lab. Beware of the fact that you may just get what you pay for when it comes to hiring the photographer who is not well established and is offering DISCOUNT PRICING!

THERE ARE MANY UP AND COMING TRUE ARTISTS AND MANY OF THEM WOULD NEVER MISLEAD THEIR CLIENTS IN ANY WAY. BUT, IN TODAY’S MARKET, THE CONSUMER HAS TO BE MORE SAVVY THAN EVER WHEN IT COMES TO FINDING AND HIRING THE PROFESSIONAL JUST RIGHT FOR THEM. I’m here to say, without reservations, that there are MANY new shooters out there who have LITTLE or NO technical training or experience as a true professional.

sincerely,
Cindi K