The Beginner’s Guide to Finding a Professional Photographer for Your Personal Brand or Business

Establishing your personal brand is essential in advancing your career or marketing your business. If you want to perfectly show your professional identity to the world, then it’s best to hire a photographer to help you. But unless you’ve gotten married, you may have not worked with a professional before.

If you’re shopping for a headshot photographer, here are some factors you should look into:

Portfolio

The easiest way to find out if a photographer is actually good at their job would be to look at their previous work. Doing this will also give you an idea of what their style is like and if that’s something you want to do for your photos. Some specialise in portraits that try to capture their client’s personality but tend to be more posed. Meanwhile, others do a photojournalistic type of personal brand photography, which aims to show their client in a candid light.

You can always find a portfolio section on the photographer’s website or social media page (it’s usually what they post about). If you can’t find it, maybe it’s best to pass on them and look for someone who can show proof of their skills and experience.

Service inclusions

Many professional photographers do more than just taking pictures of you and your products. Some offer packages that include additional services like planning calls and helping with locations.

There are also photographers who’d be amenable to taking photos of you in your home, office, or another preferred location. Aside from these, some packages include how long the shoot will last, from a one-hour session to a full-day photoshoot.

Photographers usually list their service inclusions. Otherwise, try contacting them to find out the details.

Photographer’s attitude

Once you find a photographer you like based on their portfolio and service package, contact them and try to interview them. You’d want to work with someone who’s not just good at taking photos, but is also accommodating to your ideas. Most importantly, you have to feel comfortable working with them.

You’d be able to sense how a photographer is when you contact them, whether online or on the phone. Usually, they respond on time and with enthusiasm. Feel free to ask them any questions you may have and share what you have in mind for your photo shoot. Your ideal photographer would also be able to contribute their own ideas on how to bring your vision to life.

Client reviews

Most, if not all, photographers claim that they’re one of the best in the industry. But are they really as reputable as they say?

Many of them usually back that up with client testimonials posted on their website or social media page. If you’re looking for a photographer on a directory type of website, chances are you’ll find reviews under their listing as well.

Ready to book your photographer?

While hiring a professional photographer may seem daunting, we hope this guide will help you find someone who will not only give you amazing photos, but also an amazing experience. And if you’re looking for a headshot photographer in Manchester who can give you just that, our team at Portraya would be happy to work with you.