Having a portrait session is a very exciting prospect, but it can be a challenge trying to find the right portrait photographer for you. If you’ve never had a portrait session before, how can you know what to ask a portrait photographer? If you’re stuck on what questions to ask a portrait photographer, don’t shy away from your portrait session. We have created a pre-portrait photoshoot questionnaire to help you find the right portrait photographer for you.
With a portrait photography questionnaire not only will you know what to ask your photographer – but a photography questionnaire can help you can get clear on what you want to get out of your session so you can take your best photos yet.
1. What do you specialise in?
Generally, portrait photographers are adaptable and enjoy working with a diverse range of subjects. However, it may make you more comfortable to go with a portrait photographer who specialises in the kind of photoshoot that you are going to have. For example, you would want to have a photographer who specialises in baby portraits for a baby photoshoot. Not only is this significant for artistic reasons, but also they would know how to safely handle and pose your baby.
2. What is your photographic style?
It’s worth asking your photographer what their photographic style is to make sure these are photos you would actually like to own. Looking at a photographer’s portfolio is also a good idea because you will be able to see their work for yourself. You might be looking for a colourful, light-hearted portrait session, and their style signature might be dramatic and black-white. This way, you will be able to see if you’re a good match.
3. Can I see your references?
Even if you’re won over by the photographer’s photos it’s still worthwhile to have a look at their references. By speaking to other clients they’ve worked with you will be able to get a sense of how their professionalism and how they interact with people, which is important in a portrait session that can make you feel out of your comfort zone. You can also look at their reviews online to see other people’s unbiased opinions of them.
4. Do you have insurance?
Most professional photographers will have basic liability insurance, but it’s always a good idea to ask for peace of mind.
5. How much will you charge me for my session?
It’s always a good idea to discuss costs upfront to make sure that photographers are within your budget. Ask your portrait photographer how much they will charge for the session, and how long the session will last. Some photographers charge an hourly rate, and others charge per image, so it’s good to get a gauge of how what the cost is before. Some photographers will ask for a deposit before the session. Be clear about exactly what you will be getting for your money. Some photographers may charge extra for more than a set number of edited images, for example.
6. What packages do you offer?
Ask your photographer what is included in the package as this varies from photographer to photographer. Many photographers will offer different packages at different prices, so they may offer more photos and a longer session at a higher rate.
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- How many photos will I receive? There is often a limit on the number of photographs you are allowed to take away from them, so be sure to ask how many you will receive.
- What’s your retouching service? Most professional photographers edit and retouch as part of their package, but it’s always useful to make sure this is included in the initial cost.
- Digital or print? These days most photographs are sent digitally, but your photographer may include physical prints as part of their package.
- What size are your prints? If they do include print photographs for their clients, make sure you know whether they’re A5, A4, or A3
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- JPEG or RAW? Most photographers will send you the digital print in JPEG format but some clients like to have the uncompressed RAW file to edit it themselves.
7. Can I customise the package?
Some photographers are flexible with their packages, but others will expect you to pay extra for deliverables that aren’t explicitly included as part of their package.
8. When can I expect to have my photos?
To avoid frustration, ask when you will receive your photos. It is usually a matter of a few weeks, but some photographers can take months to get your edited photos back to you. At Splento we guarantee a 24-hour turnaround.
9. How will the day go?
If you’ve never experienced a portrait session before, it’s understandable that you wouldn’t know what to expect. A good portrait photographer will walk you through the session and explain how it will go. The photographer will likely ask you what you want to get out of the session so if you have any photos you would like to take, be sure to tell them so they can facilitate giving you the best session possible.
Now that you know our questions for asking your potential portrait photographer, you will be able to find the right photographer in no time.
If you’re on the search for a good portrait photographer, consider Splento! At Splento, we provide you with top-rated professional photographers, at your convenience. Splento also offers our reliable, experienced photographers at an affordable rate. Contact us today to enquire about a portrait session.
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