Over the years, I’ve been really blessed to work with some awesome photographers and creatives. I’m very visual, so I’m always impressed by people who can make what is simply an idea in your head come to life. As a blogger, that person is usually a photographer.
Because blogging has become so popular and profitable because of influencer marketing and social platforms like Instagram, high quality photography is extremely important for your content. If you want to blog full time in the style or lifestyle niche, learning about photography and researching ways to always get better is vital.
One of the questions I always seem to get asked is, “how do you find a blog photographer?” Naturally, I always want to reply, “Just ask.” But it’s not only that. There are some things you must keep in mind when you are searching for a photographer to make visual content for your blog come to life. Even if you are on a budget, it’s important to still have a bottom line. Just because a person has a camera, doesn’t mean they’re a photographer or even a good fit for the result you’re trying to achieve.
Here are 5 things to consider when searching for the perfect blog photographer.
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WHOSE PHOTOS GET YOUR ATTENTION
When I was first starting out, I would simply research local bloggers whose photos I loved and seek out their photographer via the credit on their blog. Most bloggers list their photographer and link to their site or Instagram. Once you find them on social or via their site, check their portfolio and find their contact information to reach out.
IS THEIR AESTHETIC COMPATIBLE
Once you find a photographer whose work you enjoyed, check out their work. Peruse their IG feed months back or look through their portfolio thoroughly. While a photographer may be talented with the best camera, their aesthetic may not match yours. Aesthetic compatibility is essential.
ASK ABOUT THEIR PROCESS
Everybody works differently – creatives in particular. Ask how a shoot with them would go. Do they only shoot style photography? Do they have experience shooting in studio? Are they open to batch shooting? Do they edit as well? What’s the turnaround on getting your pictures back? It’s imperative you know how they work and if it’s beneficial and compatible to your working style.
HOW EXPERIENCED ARE THEY
While you may have taken a good look at their portfolio and/or previous works, ask about their experience. Have they worked with a blogger like you before? Do they have a good track record? Are they on time? Are they professional? If you found them from another blogger, reach out and ask about how working with them was. Don’t rule out new photographers. A new photographer can be crazy talented while an experienced one can be stuck in one way of doing things.
DO THEY FIT YOUR BUDGET
Many people don’t ask for a photographer because they automatically assume it’s out of their budget. In most cases I’ve seen, budgets aren’t a major issue. Ask about pricing. If you can’t afford what they charge, see if there is a way to offer them relevant value. Are you noticeably more visible than they are? Do you need a certain kind of photography that they lack in their portfolio? Maybe they can offer a discounted rate if you help them bring in more clients by a certain deadline.
Even if you can pay them, but the pricing was higher than you expected: negotiate. Explain to them the budget you had in mind and adjust the scope of work if need be to come to an agreement. Don’t let the first number you hear from them scare you.
As a Photographer I agree with 90% of this. But negotiating gets confused with lowballing. An established Photographer usually can’t set off time to wait for potential client unless you already have a significant following. Also knowing when you’ve reached too high can also be an issue. And never insult someone’s work because you feel it should be cheaper. Come in as a potential partner.
I would think that if someone is negotiating it’s not because they think your work should be cheaper, but more so that they’re trying to fit it into their budget to work with you. If someone thinks your work should be cheaper my advice to anyone is to get to stepping because they are NOT going to be a partner.
I recently negotiated with a photographer because I really wanted to work with him, but my budget was set. We were able to agree on a few things TOGETHER as a team because the end result was a MUTUALLY, BENEFICIAL PARTNERSHIP. As you said, your client should also be your partner otherwise it’s only a transaction and those don’t last long.
These are awesome tips. Finding a great photographer is key and one of the more difficult parts of this business. Thanks Mattie!