May 22, 2013
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Hiring an event photographer….
It wasn’t long ago that I covered this sort of subject. Still, I frequently get asked many questions regarding how to hire a professional photographer for a possible event or a family photograph. So, here are some tips to get you through. I may be too honest for you, but honestly is what gives you the best answer.
Lets say for example that you are planning a small event that you would like to have photography coverage. Be it an anniversary party, birthday party or a small scale milestone. The whole extended family will be there and you feel it would be a good idea to get some nice photographs.
Usually, someone in your circle of friends has used someone to record an event. So, that would be your first phone call. Here is what you should be prepared to answer.
1. How many people will be there?
2. How long do you need coverage for?
3. How many groupings are expected to be photographed?
4. Will there be someone to gather up the groupings?
5. Do you want to purchase the copyright free cd with all the images or would you prefer to purchase prints.?If you have no clue who to call, you need to do some homework. Obviously, hit the computer with a few searches and expect to make a few phone calls.
The conversation should go like this: “Hi, my name is John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt and I am planning an anniversary party for my parents 50th’. It will be held at XYZ on September 25th. I am looking for someone to come and take photographs of my parents and extended family. I am interested in ordering some portraits for keepsake. OR I am interested in obtaining all the photographs that you shoot and the copyright so that I can make my own photographs.”
Ask the photographer if they have insurance (which in my opinion separates the men from the boys here.) Will the photographer be using “on camera” flash or be bringing in a lighting set up with umbrellas and studio lights? Will the final prints that you order be retouched? Will they be cropped? What is the turn around from the time of the party to the time that you can see the images online? Discuss pricing of portraits. Lets face it friends, if you are hiring a “professional” photographer, he/she cannot possibly charge you $4.00 for an 5 x 7 when it is their business. The photographer has to pull the image, retouch it, crop it down and send it to a real lab. The photographer has other expenses that are also built in. For example, a can of oil for your car is only $4.00, but an oil change is $35. Those guys have overhead as well and labor. Any photographer that charges next to nothing might very well be worth next to nothing. This is not a time to look for the cheapest photographer. I’m not kidding. You do get what you pay for. If you are looking for a deal and go with your co-workers son who loves to take photographs, you may end up sadly disappointed.
Your search for a photographer should be started as early as possible. 60 days out or more. After discussion with the photographer, he or she should spell everything out in an email or letter. Personally, I send the client through email everything that was discussed, exactly what they are getting and start and end times. Also, don’t be surprised if the photographer states that no one else is allowed to take photographs during the allotted “portrait” time. Why? First, because it is my business and I know how to light and pose people. If it takes me ten minutes to set up 45 people so it looks amazing, and 20 people are behind me taking photographs with their phones, obviously, my sales of that image are diminished greatly.Be expected to give a credit card number to the photographer and pay a retainer to hold their services for the evening. If you cancel their services, be prepared to lose that retainer. Why? If the photographer derives 100% of their income from photography and you have booked as weekend date, chances are that the photographer has turned down other people because you secured his/her services. Now, two weeks out (just guessing), you decide to go with your co-workers son and save money. This photographer is out of what could be his monthly rent!
And lastly, as sad as it sounds, I do indeed charge sales tax for my work. Why? Again, because Uncle Sam says I have to. It is a taxable service. So, if your photographer does not charge you sales tax, you may want to re-think the whole “professional” category.
Questions? Email the studio at lerephoto@gmail.com OR send me a shout out on the studio’s Facebook page @ Donna Lere Photographer. And lastly, you can follow the madness on Twitter @donnalerephoto.
Make it a great day! Donna Lere www.lerephoto.com 215.968.5220 457 Woodbourne Road, Langhorne, PA 19047
