Here is a summary of points to consider when setting out to hire a photographer to cover your big event.
Photography is a creative process and not all professional photographers want to join associations or be judged by awards.
You may be better served by a small professional operation than an international, award winning (and expensive) operation; the important thing is that you have the choice and know all the alternatives.
There are at least seven associations serving the Irish photographic industry. The Irish Photographers Website is not an association but is Ireland's leading independent website that actively encourages ALL professional photographers to participate .
We also host Ireland's leading 32 county directory of Professional Photographers and the only one that invites ALL professional photographers to take out a listing. That way we can provide "a one stop search engine" to the most important person - You The Customer!
Some more points you should consider when engaging a photographer:-
- Experience Level
Has this person photographed in the field you are looking at? Does he/she do this for a living or for fun? Are they insured, do they have the qualifications etc.
- Appearance
Does your photographer present himself well, is he/she well groomed?
- Price Range
Although, the last thing you want to do is shop by price, is this person within your budget? If not, is he or she worth the price difference? Make sure you understand what everything costs, including reprints, usage and albums.
- Personality
Is the photographer that you meet someone that you can get along with? Is the "chemistry" there?
- Photographic Style
Are the images that you are shown, what you would like to see? There are "buzz" words flying about everywhere about photojournalism, formal, classic candid, and so on. Do you want a mixture of black and white or only colour photos?
- Offering
What exactly are you getting. What about extra time, etc - but remember if you make extra requests on site these will be reflected in the final invoice.
- Delivery
Some photographers take longer than others - be sure to ask about this.
- What about deposits and payments?
Most photographers will require a desposit; this is only natural. What about cancellations and the photographer not being there?
ENDS
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