The Perfect Portrait

Can you get one? 

So let me start off with the obvious, there's no such thing as a perfect anything, whether it's a portrait, cabinet, car, or anything you can think of. What is possible, and what you should expect from any professional you hire, is what's perfect for you. This not only means following solid photographic technique, but also working with you to accentuate the parts you want to show off, and hide the little imperfections we all have. 

So let's start with Style, Every Photographer has their own style, and most can shoot more than one style, but make sure that the photographer you're considering has at least some experience in the style you want. If they've never shot pin-up before, you probably shouldn't go with them, on the same token, if they've shot plenty in the style you like, but it isn't what you are looking for ask them if they can make the changes you are looking for, and if not, they probably aren't the best fit for you.  

Now that you've found a photographer that shoots the style you want, go through their portfolio again and look for two kinds of images, first, the ones that make you go WOW !! It's important that they have something in their portfolio that grabs you, because at the end of the day, you want your portrait to make you go wow. Secondly, look for people in their book that look like you, while most good photographers are pretty versatile, seeing someone who looks like you shot by them eliminates a lot of the need for you to imagine what your final portrait will look like. 


Thirdly, talk to your photographer! I can't say this enough, while we have ideas and styles, we are all in the business of pleasing people, and we can't create the image you want if you don't articulate to us what you want. Professional head shots are very different from boudoir shots for your significant other. Also, there are different versions of photos in a given genre, so please, please, please let the photographer know what you want. Bringing examples in your initial meeting with them is a huge plus. The more we know, the more we can create the images you want.


Finally, the part no one likes to talk about, the money. If you reach out to a photographer and they give you a quote based on what you asked for, chances are they are pretty firm on that. We are all willing to negotiate, but you have to be realistic.   Not only do we have the day to day expenses you do(we have to eat to), but there's also equipment, insurance, business overhead, and of course we deserve to be properly compensated for our education and experience. I'm not saying you have to go with the most expensive photographer in the world, just be realistic in what you expect. 


I hope this article has been a little bit informative and helpful to you. Take a moment and look at the examples below and see if they give you ideas of how you'd like to be photographed. If you have any questions, just click on the contact us tab above and send a message.

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