So, you need a photographer. The question is, how do you go about choosing one for your project? Do you spread out the yellow pages? Contact your local Chamber? Ask you cousin Mabis about the wedding photographer she used last spring? The one with the dirt cheap pricing range?

The ASMP says, “Don’t underestimate the value of a photographer’s enthusiasm and experience, as he or she will become an important part of your project team.”

And the ADCMW says, “If you’re working with an art director, ask for his/her recommendations; look through the artist directories; contact artists’ reps …”

When asked “How should a company or individual in your profession be chosen?”, our photographers said …

Bill

How should a company or individual in our profession be chosen? — At this moment in history — with the Internet at our fingertips — probably the most important way photographers are being chosen is via their websites, which function as instantaneous, on-line, portfolios. Having at least qualified the photographer(s) by checking out his/her website and work, I think the next step would be to phone or e-mail one or several photographers and discuss the job in detail, get feedback from the photographer(s) as to how he/she would shoot the job, and discuss a budget. Based on all this, in most instances you’ll now have enough information to select an excellent photographer for your project.

Bill Wisser | Advertising and Editorial Photographer
Bill Wisser Photo.com | The Naked Eye

Bruce

I’ve been on the account side of hiring photographers both with an agency and corporate full timers. Quality and passion in the work is number one followed quickly by business professionalism, and personality. The later is much harder to get a read from a photographer you never met or comes to you with no recommendation. There is really no substitute for a one on one meeting but often that’s impossible. Trust your gut but be willing to take a chance when you can.

Bruce DeBoer | Photographer
DeBoerWorks Photographic Productions

Dave

That depends on the the branch of photography. In general, word of mouth.

Dave Beckerman | Photographer / Owner
Dave Beckerman Photography | Black and White Photography

Jeffrey

Good question! First and foremost the creative approach, quality of work, quality of light used to create the image, professionalism, personality and reputation. The reputation is the least important (unless it’s bad). I think it’s important to find the right image-maker for the project based on the visual needs of the assignment. If someone calls me for portraits, I am going to send them to someone I know will produce the best result because when it comes to portraits there are much better photographers than myself. However, if you need “artful” interpretations of an environment it’s all me! The level of professionalism is important and to some degree so is the personality. If you don’t get along together sometimes it’s difficult to be creative if your at odds intellectually. It can work but usually not long term.

Jeffrey Jacobs | President
Jeffrey Jacobs Photography Inc.

Jon

Definitely on style and definitely not location and not on price! A photographer is a creative like a designer. If you like their style and the style fits the project then who cares (within reason & budget) where they are located. Larger agencies select photographers on style not location. A lot of designers use their “local guy” to do photography but is their style right for the project? Sometimes looking farther afield can get you photography to make your project a success. Budget is always a factor but as we all know “you get what you pay for” and sometimes the cheapest is far from the best.

Jon Boyes | Advertising and Editorial Photographer
Jon Boyes

Patrick

Although budgets are a necessary evil of today’s profession I would hope the quality of work is the most important aspect of choosing a photographer. It does not bode well to just except the lowest quote.

Patrick Chuprina | Photographer
Chuprina Studios

Rochelle

Every photographer has experience and a skill set of some kind, so I think having ‘vision’, adaptability and transferable skills are more important than repetitive experience doing a certain scope of projects. Personality is important too, so having an initial meeting is a great way for both the client and photographer to determine if they feel comfortable, communicate well and can work together.

Rochelle Dahl | Photographer & Designer
Rochelle Dahl Designs

Tom

In this day and age, anyone can be a photographer - which is something to be careful of. Portfolios are always a good thing to consider, as well as previous clients they may have had. Be sure to ask questions and expect answers. Does the photographer understand color correction & CMYK printing? Have they worked with professional models and stylists? Going through professional organizations is also a good method for finding photographers. Both the ASMP and PPA have areas on their site where photographers/members are listed.

Tom Smalling | Photographer
Tom Smalling Photography & Design | Tom Smalling’s Photography Blog

Will

Ability to deliver, and good working communications.

Will Williams | Photographer and Designer
Perspective-Images.com

If you are in the market for an architectural or interior photographer, the ASMP’s tips in Selecting a Professional Photographer are a decent help.

Next up will be answers to the question, “At what point should photographers be brought into a project?”

until the next
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