Your brand’s photos can often speak louder than words. Getting the perfect look, striking the right tone, and pulling it all together to have the highest impact possible is a big ask – but it doesn’t have to be complicated.
There are many approaches you can take when hiring a photographer, but it’s important to never lose sight of the most important parts of the process. With AI-assisted search, talented photographers that are ready to connect, and the ability to hire when you’re ready, VSCO Hub can take you through each step.
Even with a platform that can help find your perfect photographer, it’s helpful to know where to start and what to ask before you hire. This guide will walk you through what to prepare and pay attention to when you start a conversation with a photographer.
Before You Connect
It can be good to ask yourself some questions before jumping into interviews with any potential photographers. If you’re new to hiring photographers, check out our hiring guide for a good overview of what to expect and where to start.
The most important items should form the basis of your creative brief, including your goals for the shoot, creative direction, audience, and budget. This document can be updated as you move through the production process and should make your discussions with photographers more focused and productive.
How to Connect
There are many ways to talk with photographers and many have their own preferences. If you use VSCO Hub to find a photographer, we’ll get you introduced whenever you’re ready to get started.
Email is a common way to touch base, but scheduling a phone or video call can sometimes be more time efficient. An in-person studio visit may make sense for more complex projects. Regardless of how you meet or discuss, you’ll want to make good use of the time so you get all your questions answered.
Questions for a Photographer
With your goals outlined, brief in hand, and some promising leads on some amazing photographers, you can start asking the important questions. Here are ten questions that you can use to kick things off when talking to a photographer. Be sure to think about your specific needs and incorporate them into your own questions.
1. Where’s the best place to see your portfolio?
If you’re already in contact with a photographer, you’ve probably already had a good look at their portfolio, but it can always be helpful to ask for more specifics. A photographer's portfolio is their visual resume, so you’ll want to make sure you’re seeing the big picture along with the parts that are most important to your project. When reviewing a portfolio, there are a few things to look for:
- Diversity: Does the portfolio show a range of subjects and settings, or is it limited to a specific niche? Depending on your needs, you may need a very unique skill set or a photographer with a more flexible approach.
- Quality: Are the images sharp, well-composed, and perfectly edited? In photography, details matter. Make sure the technical aspects of the portfolio are holding up to your expectations.
- Style: Does the photographer have a signature style, and does it match your brand’s vision? Consistency in style can be vital for maintaining a strong brand identity. Try Hub’s AI-assisted search to find photographers that match the look you’re after.
Photographers on VSCO can use their profiles to share recent work, create curated portfolios with Albums, and build a portfolio website. When ready, VSCO Galleries is perfect for sharing completed projects.
2. Do you have experience with any similar projects?
Experience matters, especially when it comes to your exact needs and expectations. Ask the photographer if they have worked on projects similar to yours in terms of scale, industry, or creative direction.
- Product Photography: If you need product shots, look for strong compositions that showcase the value of what they’re showcasing. Studio experience may be important depending on your goals.
- Lifestyle Photography: If you’re planning a lifestyle or more candid photoshoot, make sure the photographer can capture moments naturally and authentically without coming across as overly commercial.
- Event Photography: If you need event coverage, you’ll want a photographer familiar with working on a tight schedule and limited shoot times. Event photographers have to work and react quickly because there isn’t always a second chance to get the shot.
3. How would you describe your creative process?
Understanding a photographer’s creative process can help you gauge how they approach projects and if their workflow aligns with your project. You’ll want to think about all stages of the creative process.
- Pre-production: How do they plan for a shoot? Do they conduct location scouting, create mood boards, or develop shot lists? This can be especially important if you’re relying on the photographer to finalize creative direction.
- Collaboration: If your shoot has a lot of moving parts, collaboration can be an essential part of the creative process. Ask how they plan to keep everyone updated and the best ways to pick up important conversations.
4. How would you approach pricing my project?
Photographer rates can vary widely based on experience, location, and project scope. It’s essential to get a clear understanding of their pricing structure and what is included in their rates. Ultimately, these items should be formally laid out in a signed contract before getting to work.
- Hourly versus Project-Based Rates: Do they charge by the hour or by the project?
- What’s included: Does the fee cover shooting time, editing, retouching, travel expenses? What about usage rights and file delivery?
- Additional Costs: Ask if there are any potential additional costs, such as equipment rental or assistant fees that you should be thinking about.
5. Do you have any client references or testimonials?
If you’re looking for a way to differentiate some potential candidates, consider asking for client references or testimonials. Speaking with past clients or seeing first-hand feedback can give you insight into their professionalism, reliability, and how they handle client relationships, even after the photos are taken. A good photographer reference should cover:
- Communication: How well did the photographer communicate before, during, and after the shoot?
- Punctuality: Did they deliver on time or even ahead of schedule?
- Deliverables: Once the work was done, did the end-product match the outlined vision?
6. What is your post-production process?
What happens after the photoshoot can often be just as important as the shoot itself. You’ll want to get a feel for the photographers editing process and ensure it aligns with the look and feel you need:
- Editing Style: What is their editing style, and does it match your brand’s aesthetics? How flexible are they in providing different options or looks?
- Turnaround Time: How long will it take to receive the final edited images?
- Revisions: How many rounds of revisions are included in the rate, and what is the process for requesting changes? This is particularly important if you have a very specific look in mind.
7. How do you handle licensing and usage rights?
Understanding the usage rights and licensing terms is essential to avoid any legal issues or unexpected costs down the line. You should consult an attorney regarding any contracts or usage agreements, especially if you have questions or need specific guidance.
- Usage Rights: What rights do you have to use the images? Is it okay to use them on social media in addition to our website or campaign?
- Exclusivity: Are the images exclusive to your brand, or can the photographer use them for their own promotion or even to other brands?
8. What about travel, scheduling, and logistics?
Efficient scheduling and travel are crucial for a smooth photoshoot. You’ll want to get a feel for how the photographer manages getting from A to B.
- Scheduling: How do they handle booking and scheduling shoots? How flexible are they with dates and times? What about check-in meetings along the way?
- Location logistics: How do they manage on-site logistics, such as permits, weather contingencies, and alternate plans? Do they have their own studio or do they need space to be rented?
9. What equipment will you use?
The equipment a photographer uses should align with the job they’re doing. While high-end equipment alone doesn’t guarantee great photos, the right equipment can make a difference in achieving the desired final look.
- Cameras and lenses: What kind of cameras and lenses do they use? Are they suitable for your project’s needs?
- Lighting and accessories: Do they have professional lighting equipment, reflectors, and other needed equipment? Sometimes it’s best not to rely solely on natural light.
- Backup Equipment: Do they bring backup equipment in case of technical failures or malfunctions?
10. What happens if something goes wrong?
It is rare that everything goes exactly as planned, so it can be important to work with your photographer to be prepared for the unexpected.
- Insurance: Do they have liability insurance to cover any accidents or damages during the shoot?
- Contingency plans: Will you need contingency plans in place for emergencies, unexpected situations, or bad weather?
Find a Photographer on VSCO Hub
There is a lot that goes into hiring a photographer. By asking the right questions and understanding the production process, you can help get the best photos possible for your project. Remember to clearly communicate your vision, leave room for creative feedback, and always keep the door open to questions from others.
Start your next photographer search with VSCO Hub.
