With so many photographers out there it can be hard to know how to choose the right one. Here are five questions to ask when hiring a photographer to take your brand photos:

1. What guidance do you provide?

When it comes to planning a brand photoshoot, there are many factors to consider. Some of which you might need assistance with, and some you might feel comfortable taking the lead on, but you should know what to expect in advance of signing a contract. Here are a few items to consider:

Styling: Do they provide wardrobe advice or work with a stylist? Do they include hair and make-up or do they refer out? 

Location: Is the location predetermined? Or do they help choose the location? If not, do they provide feedback on the location selection? When choosing a photoshoot location it is important to consider whether the location is on-brand as well as other factors including lighting.

Props: Do they provide any props or provide guidance on the props you should bring?

Shots: Do they plan out a shot list or is their style just to wing it? Do they expect you to plan your key shots? Every brand shoot is different and requires different key shots, so it’s important to know how these are determined before photoshoot day!

Posing: What is their style or method for posing clients? Definitely think about your own concerns regarding posing and make sure those are addressed.

How can I expect to communicate with you?

Every photographer is different in their preferred communication so it is important that you are aware of your own expectations. If you expect to be able to text message your photographer at the drop of a hat, then a photographer that communicates solely via email probably isn’t going to vibe well. There is a lot of planning involved in a brand photoshoot so you can expect to be communicating regularly with your photographer leading up to the shoot.

What makes you qualified to shoot branding specifically?

This is a big one. There are many photographers pivoting into branding and while a photographer might take pretty pictures, branding is a whole different ball game. Everything from posing to editing is different from other genres of photography. I would recommend choosing a photographer that has some continuing education specific to branding and/or some background in marketing. 

What type of editing is included?

This may not be the first thing that comes to mind when hiring a brand photographer, but definitely something important to consider. Does the photographer’s package cover basic editing (i.e., lighting adjustments) or does it also include things like skin retouching? What if you wanted something specifically edited (i.e., tan line removal)? 

Are they a natural light photographer or do they also use lighting?

This is another major important consideration especially if you are shooting in a specific location where natural lighting might not be sufficient for high quality photographs (i.e., an office building or low-lit studio). Not all photographers are trained in using lighting equipment, so this is something you should definitely consider when hiring a photographer. If you need to shoot in a space without ample natural lighting, make sure the photographer showcases some similar situations in their portfolio. 

I would love to help make all of your brand photoshoot dreams come true! I’m a Denver-based brand photographer, but I am available for travel. Click here to get in touch!