There are plenty of things you’ll need to know before any kind of photography session, but some things can be ambiguous. Asking your photographer the right questions will iron out any misunderstanding and confusion you may have.
How long will the session be?
Some sessions may only be an hour, but some may be two or three, maybe more. It all depends on what kind of session you are doing. Senior photos tend to go quicker, but newborn photos can take much longer. It’s important to understand how much time you are working with so you can make the most of your and the photographer’s time.
What should I wear?
As a photographer, I usually prefer to shoot solid colors over prints and patterns. I do like patterns, but they need to be implemented correctly, otherwise they become a distraction. Ultimately, the choice is up to the client, but there are some things you need to keep in mind. If you plan on displaying the photograph on your wall, choose colors that compliment your walls well. You definitely don’t want to get your photos back and find out that it clashes horribly with your decor. Good photographers will keep this in mind and help you decide which colors work best.
In what way will the photographs be delivered?
Many photographers provide digital copies of the photos, while some photographers only offer prints and other printed products. There is no one right way to deliver photos, but you need to make sure you know what you want and make sure that the photographer is offering what you want. Here’s my little piece of advice: Order prints! The digital age is upon us. It’s easy to just take the digital images and forget them. Get them printed and hang them on your wall. Share them with your family! You won’t regret it!
How long will it take for me to receive the photos?
Most photographers need a couple weeks at the very least to get everything organized and edited. The length of time depends on how many clients the photographer takes on and how many photos they took during the session. When the photographer gives you a timeline, make sure to respect the timeline, as they have many other clients who are just as eager to view their photos.
What information do you need from me?
Lastly, there are a lot of things your photographer will need to know from you. Information they need could range from your availability to things about your personality. Again, a good photographer will be prepared to ask you all the questions they will need to perform their job effectively. Don’t be afraid to reach out and see if there is anything the photographer might need.
You shouldn’t have to worry about any of these things, though, because hopefully your photographer will already have all of these things, and more, in mind, but it never hurts to be prepared.
∆ Abbi