Before we get to choosing your perfect photographer, let’s quickly touch on how to FIND your perfect photographer! … Also, Is anyone else getting Pokemon vibes?

So where do I find this elusive Mewtwo, ahhhemm I mean “perfect photographer”?

SEARCH THESE ZONES

• FACEBOOK RECOMMENDATIONS This is likely my favourite way to find a service, because not only will you find GOOD photography, you will also find good PEOPLE. People generally only refer services on that they loved! 
• INSTAGRAM Search targeted hashtags like #perthfamilyphotographer, or #perthweddingphotographer, whatever you’re looking for, scroll the results and click on the images that make your heart happy and give the photographer a good ol’ follow! (Pretty please) 
• GOOGLE, a little dicier, only as google will recommend those that have the best SEO skills (not a skill of mine I must admit haha!) However, lots of people have found me through google and I am so grateful they have! Make sure you take the time to have a chat either via email and phone and feel out the vibe, or check out their google reviews too!
• Old fashion ASK A FRIEND in real life! Love the photos they got? Kick it old school and ask them in person

Ok … so lets say you followed these tips … and you have found a few ‘togs’ you LOVE … (thats ‘photographer’ in our talk FYI)

HOW DO YOU PICK THE PERFECT MATCH FOR YOU?

Well, a little like your favourite Pokemon, you will find we all have different skill sets, value adds and we all offer different things. You just need to figure out where your values align, and genuinely just follow your gut to find your match!

_{^{HERE ARE MY TOP 5 TIPS TO FIND THE PERFECT MATCH :}}

1. Love their style

There is a reason this is number one! You simply MUST love their style! Do you dig their vibe? Do you like their point of view and their edit style? Good! This way you know what to expect when you get your photos delivered to you. It’s probably not cool to book someone and ask them to do something completely different to their iconic style … It’s kind of like going to McDonalds and asking for a Whopper (awk!)

2. Like their personality.

This is maybe bigger for me than for most people, but I simply MUST like a person if I am going to pay for their service. You spend a decent amount of time with your photographer, in pre-communications, on the day and in aftercare. This is especially important for your wedding day! Photographers are one of the biggest influences on your day, it’s important to me that my clients are almost like friends, because I want you to have the best wedding or best shoot ever! 

If you like your photographer, it will also likely mean you will be super relaxed on the day, it will feel like a conversation that results in beautiful images … heck yeah right?? Choose ‘good people’ and it will elevate your overall experience.

3. Know what they have to offer

We all have differing experience levels, things we specialise in, and deliver a unique service. Try to look closely and see if you can find the unique differences in the photographers you like:

Are you looking for someone that rocks location based portraits, or maybe you want someone with a studio? Do you want someone who understands how to tame a toddler or who can pose newborn babies like they are made of playdough? What about someone that can set up in YOUR home or close to home, or maybe you dream of someone who will travel the globe to photograph you? Would you like to be offered a client wardrobe or an inventory of props? Did you want a full service photographer that can take you from shoot planning to prints on your walls, or maybe you want just digitals? Do you want someone that photoshops and takes care, or someone that edits quickly and has a fast turnaround? or maybe you just want someone fun that can get capture some joyful candid moments?

Ask questions of your photographers, figure out your non-negotiable needs and book what suits YOU

4. Research their professionalism

You can usually tell early on if your photographer is going to be reliable in the way that they respond to your communications, however for a foolproof check, Try to screen them. Either check reviews, ask for recommendations.

Do keep in mind, sometimes us photographers are so busy out DOING the work, that emails can be tough to reach, but if you feel you don’t have enough information, just reach out and ask .. a true professional will be there to help you! I have personally created an epic client lounge so that my clients are never alone with their questions and I am always an email or call away.

5. Understand their value

The saying is true, you get what you pay for. Photographers that have more experience in the industry, more expensive equipment and bigger overheads will charge a higher price point, you just need to figure out if the price reflects the value you feel they offer.

Always check your price guide properly and ask questions prior to your session so you know your investment in advance, I am really upfront with pricing, because no one likes nasty financial surprises.

In a perfect world it would be amazing if we could afford every photographer we desire, but sometimes that isn’t the case, and I am here to say, thats ok! .. because there is a big wide world of fantastic photographers out there, in varying price points! No photographer wants you to be in financial strain to book them, and any good photographer would happily give other recommendations more suitable to your budget if you simply ask. If your heart is totally set and you MUST book someone thats a little out of your financial grasp, maybe ask about how to set up a payment plan to break it into manageable chunks.

In summary, the best thing to do is to LOVE your photographers style + personality, do the research and ASK QUESTIONS and you will be in good stead to pick the perfect photographer for your next photo adventure! I hope this helped clear up a few questions!

Good luck!

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