Choosing the right headshot photographer can be a tough decision. There are so many out there, and it is hard to know who is best for you! I have been photographing corporate headshots in Sydney for over 8 years now, but not everyone has the time or budget to hire me. This blog post will help you find the best headshot photographer for you!
If you google “Sydney headshot photography” you will be presented with a multitude of options for photographers offering their services but how do you know which one to choose? I’m going to try to help you make the right decision by giving you some things to think about.
When choosing a headshot photographer you should pay attention to the following things:
- Location
- Price
- Style
- Editing
- How fast you can get your images
- Coaching
- Styling
Let’s break down some of these points.
Location
This one is easy enough. You don’t want to have to travel for hours to get to your photographer if you can help it. Can you get there without a car? Is it easy to find? Pretty basic stuff but something that you should be aware of.
Price
Some photographers will offer packages and some will be on a per-shot basis. You need to be clear about how much the session and the shots will cost you. Make sure you check if there are any hidden costs that you need to cover. Some photographers will charge extra for editing or they will charge extra for high-resolution images. Always be clear on what you are going to get for an agreed amount.
Style
Arguably the most important component in choosing a photographer. You need to check their website and their gallery of past clients. This is where you are going to pick up what their style is and if it matches what you are after. You can always explain to them what it is that you want but if you notice that most of the headshots in their gallery have a specific style, then this is most likely what you are going to get.
Editing
You need to check the type of editing that they have available. Some photographers will not consult with you on this point. The reality is that everyone likes a different level of editing. Your photographer should consult with you on what style of editing you like and how far you would like the editing pushed. Also make sure that if you receive your images and you don’t like the editing, that you are able to go back to them for a re-edit. Most good photographers will allow up to one re-edit based on feedback from the client.
Turnaround Time
I’ve heard some horror stories about people having to wait up to a month to receive their images. You need to be clear on how long it is going to take for you to get your photos back. Watch out for hidden costs for “rushed” orders.
Coaching
This is right up there with style. Coaching is going to be everything on the day of the shoot. Unless you are a professional model you are not going to know how to pose or express yourself in front of the camera. This is where the photographer is going to earn his or her money. They will need to coach you on the pose, what do to with your hands, how to smile, how to look at the camera, and a load of other things. Without this, the best you can expect is a nice snapshot but it will not be at a professional headshot level.
Styling
This refers to being helped with your wardrobe, accessories, hair, and makeup. Real life doesn’t translate to the camera every single time. Just because something that you wear looks good in real life, it doesn’t mean that it will look good in a photograph. This also goes for makeup and accessories. This is why the photographer will explain to you what works and what doesn’t. This is one of the reasons why a headshot session cannot be rushed. You will experiment with certain things and check the photographs to find something that works well for you on camera.
Conclusion
Follow these steps and you will be much better prepared to choose the right photographer for you. If you need more information on headshots and how I might be able to help you, do get in touch here. Don’t worry. I promise that I won’t try to convince you to book with me. But I do promise that I will try to help you get the best photographer for you.
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