There's plenty of photographers in Pensacola, FL to choose from for your next photography session. But before you get that new headshot or those updated family photos, do you know the important questions to ask before booking your session? Here's 8 questions to ask your photographer:
1. Do you have my date available?
One of the first tasks towards scheduling your next photoshoot is confirming that your photoshoot date is available. This is especially important if you're planning a trip to the area. People from all over the United States visit the Gulf each year, and some even specifically schedule Beach Portrait Sessions to create a treasured family memory on our breathtaking beaches.
For time-sensitive sessions like that, it's important to clear a date or timeframe with your photographer, as some photographers fully book their schedules months in advance, depending on their popularity. The last thing you'll want to experience is missing out on your photoshoot due to a photographer's unavailability, and this also applies even if you're a local, too.
2. Do you have examples of your work?
Now, chances are you won't need to ask this, as they should hopefully have their images displayed on their website/Instagram/etc, but if there's any doubt as to your potential photographer's style; be sure to ask for examples of their work. Don't worry about offending the photographer with this question, as I think I speak for most of us when I say that we want you to book us for our specific style and ability.
3. How much is the Deposit and when do you need it by?
It's always nice to hear a client ask this - but it's also an important piece of information for you to ascertain from your potential photographer as well. Deposits, Retainers, Booking Fees...All these are terms for an up-front amount that a photographer will require you pay in order to reserve your session date and time. This helps photographers separate the people who are ready to book between those who are just 'shopping around'. Getting your deposit squared away will help you and your photographer lock down a date and time for your session.
Which brings us to our next question...
4. What is your cancellation or reschedule policy?
Whenever booking with a photographer, make sure you understand their cancellation or reschedule policies before paying the deposit or booking fee. While you would never want to cancel or reschedule without cause, let's face it: sometimes life gets in the way of your photoshoot. While you're at it, be sure to ask about the procedure of rescheduling over inclement weather. Florida is a rainy place with even the occasional hurricane, so it's good to know what happens to your deposit if weather cancels your photoshoot.
5. What does your posing process look like?
This might be apparent from the photographer's portfolio, but you may want to ask anyway, especially if you're shy in front of the camera. There's basically two main styles of posing subjects in photography: candid posing, or directed posing. Candid photographers typically issue a prompt to the subject, like "walk towards the camera" and photograph you acting out that prompt. This is a very interactive way to do a photography session that kind of feels like acting. Some people love candid posing like this.
Directive posing, as the name implies, is where the photographer takes a more hands-on approach towards posing their subjects. A directive posing process would be more like, "Place the hand on the hip, tilt the head, smile towards the camera". Directive posing is a much more guided process than candid posing. Depending on the type of person you are, you may have a preference for one posing style over the other, so be sure to ask your photographer if that's you.
6. Is retouching included in the price?
It's important to understand how your photographer will edit your images, as there's typically a great deal of variance between photographers on this. Some photogs will edit your photos, some won't, and some charge extra for it... knowing what's included in your package will help you have a better idea of how your photos will turn out.
7. How and when will I receive my photos?
You should ask how your photos will be delivered to you. Will they be emailed to you? Or will you receive them via a CD or DVD? Do they offer any other options? This is an important one, as receiving your photos is a big part of the experience of booking a photography session. Most photographers have moved away from CDs and DVDs and are now exclusively sharing digital galleries these days. As for delivery timelines, it's different for every photographer, so be sure to ask.
8. Do you offer a printing and/or album service?
The last question on our list is for those who would like physical copies of their images. Ordering prints and photo albums is an often overlooked, but incredibly valuable part of booking a photoshoot. While digital files are more ubiquitous and easier to keep track of, nothing beats the look of a beautifully-framed portrait of you on the dining room wall, or the presence of a leather-bound family photo album on the living room coffee table. Be sure to ask your photographer about what options are available for printing your photos or ordering albums!
Photographer in Pensacola, FL
If you're looking for a Pensacola photographer, I'd love to be the one to capture your next session. I know you have plenty of photographer options in this area, but I pride myself in offering images and customer service that's above the competition. Get in touch with me to book your next Pensacola photography session.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this content, considering subscribing to the newsletter or following me on Instagram, where I interact with my fans & share exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Are you ready to schedule your session? I would love to be your photographer! Get in touch with me to book your session, and let's create some beautiful images.
Austen Hunter Photography is a Pensacola, Florida photographer who specializes in senior picture photography, beach photography, fashion photography, graduation photography, military portrait photography and headshot photography in a bold, graphic style, from Destin and 30A Florida, to Pensacola to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Alabama. Austen Hunter has been published internationally and is known for his bold, graphic, and clean photographic style. He uses a variety of both natural light and off-camera flash to capture images. People book Austen for outdoor portrait sessions or sessions conducted at his home studio.
