I have friends spread around the world thanks to military life. Since I am a Santa Barbara photographer, I am not always able to photograph my friends who are geographically scattered. When I’m unable to be there to photograph their family, they often turn to me for advice about choosing a photographer in their location. It’s one of the questions I’m asked most often, so I’ve put together a list of tips for how to find the right photographer for you.
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Why finding the right Santa Barbara photographer for you matters
Before we get into the best questions to ask as you book your Santa Barbara photographer, let me start by explaining why this matters. Chances are, if you’re looking to hire a professional photographer, it’s because you have something important happening in your life: memories to preserve through family photos, newborn portraits of your newest addition, or a wedding ceremony you want to remember forever. This photographer will not only capture these memories but will be a part of these memories, so you want to make sure it’s someone you mesh with and who shares the same enthusiasm and vision for capturing those moments. So, without further ado, here are 4 questions to ask before booking your photographer.
4 questions to ask before booking a Santa Barbara photographer
1. Have I done a thorough search of all the options?
Unless you live under a rock, I’d bet you already know how to do a quick Google search for photographers near you. What a lot of people don’t realize is that Instagram is a great place to search for photographers because the platform is literally all photo and video based.
Here’s how to search Instagram:
In the search bar of Instagram, you can type your search terms (ex. “Camarillo Family Photographer”) and then click search. Select the “tags” option in the top menu and then click the hashtag that matches your search. Ta-da! Up pops posts from your area that have been tagged hopefully by the exact photographers you’re looking for.
There is probably a way to search TikTok too if that’s your thing, but it’s not mine so I can’t help you there.
2. Does this photographer do the kind of photography I’m looking for?
Photography is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Portrait photographers and event photographers are very different, so if you want a newborn photographer, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the photographer you had for your wedding is the right person for the job.
In many cases, special equipment/lenses/lighting/training is needed for the specific occasion being photographed. Good newborn photographers are trained in how to safely pose and photograph newborns. And vice versa, a wedding photographer who is experienced is far more likely to catch all the important shots you want because this is what they do all the time.
3. What is the style of photography I am most drawn to?
This is pretty simple, so don’t overthink it. When you see the work of a photographer who is good for you, you should have a positive reaction and instant desire to have them photograph your family. If you feel good about the kinds of images they’re creating, it’s time to reach out to them.
4. What am I NOT seeing in this photographer’s portfolio?
If you have young children, can you see that this photographer has experience capturing young children well? Or are all their portraits of adult couples or high school seniors?
When it comes to weddings and events, I always tell friends to look for a couple key images in the portfolio: first, photos taken in all kinds of light, especially at night or during full sun. If nighttime photos and bright sun photos both look great, that means you have found a photographer who knows how to shoot in any lighting conditions your wedding day might bring their way.
And second, check your photographer’s portfolio for a good mix of candid and posed photos that are all taken well. If the only thing you see are posed photos of the wedding party, that could mean this photographer isn’t as great at catching the real-time, candid moments you might want captured.
Now go find your photog soul mate
Hopefully these questions and search tips can help guide your hunt for the right photographer for your purposes and your family. And of course, if you live in the SoCal area (specifically Ventura County), I am always happy to talk more about what defines my style as a newborn and family photographer. If you think we would be a good match, please get in touch!
The best questions to ask before booking your Santa Barbara photographer
Erica Hurlburt is an award winning Ventura County Photographer & Santa Barbara Family Photographer who specializes in newborn, family and school photography. Her style tends toward cleaner, classic images, both in how they’re composed and edited. Her goal in every session is to keep things relaxed and fun and to create images that are both meaningful and unique.
Erica serves clients in Camarillo, Ventura County, Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Malibu, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Ojai and beyond.
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