Are you wondering how to choose a photographer? And then, when you find one, how to brief one? At Kish+Co, we offer our clients the option to either work directly with photographers, or work via us. Some of them are super busy and just want us to take care of it all. Others have the time and are happy to organise shoot times and more. If you’re organising a photoshoot, these are a few things you need to think about.

1. What are you shooting?

Is it food?
Is it a profile shot?
Is it a product?
Is it a wedding?

Photographers will often have a niche area. 

Here are some of the folk we’ve worked with; Sayher, Sean, Kristian, Darren, Bianca

Here are people we haven’t worked with (yet) – but we know they’re lovely because we’ve met them; Lizzy, Emma, Shara.

2. Don’t just do a google search for “wedding photographers” or whatever you’re looking for.

Why? Because the results you’ll get are people have have great code in their website, but not necessarily people who are awesome wedding photographers. I’m not saying they’ll be bad – I’m just saying, appearing high up on Google doesn’t verify skills.

How to find a photographer = How to get the right photographer for the job!
The only way to judge this is to look at their photography.

Look at wedding blogs and see which photographers the recommend.
Same goes for food blogs. Ask on twitter.

Here are some websites where you might be able to find more photographers:

Australian Infront
Desktop Mag

And when in doubt – unless you work in a creative field, ask a creative.
They’re more in the know about this sort of thing and are likely to find a better candidate for you.
Sorry if that sounded harsh, but you are better at what you do than we would be at it I’m sure!

3. How do you verify?

Look at their work. Look for mistakes.

Often, photographers will have images that aren’t on their website. ALWAYS ask them for some. Check their social media pages; likes, comments, responses

Some basic mistakes that make for a no-go are:

• pixelated images
• not replying to emails within 3 days (unless of course they are out of office)
• shadows on their images – lots of shadows
• the key object being out of focus
• showing up super late for a meeting (gives you a gage for how late they might be for the shoot :))

Of course, there are more things to look for, but this will get you started. When in doubt, compare.

Which images feel right? Which ones capture a moment? Which images make you hungry? Which ones make you wish you were there?

Yes – it’s in the emotive, not just the technical. That is why I would trust a photographer with less equipment but more emotion in their pictures.

4. When you’re ready to ask for a quote, what do you need to know?

• How many pictures do you want per scene / person / item?
• Don’t push it. If a photographer says they need 3 hours to shoot 6 dishes, trust them. They will deliver. It takes a second to snap, but sometimes, it can take 20 minutes to perfect a snap. Trust me on this one. (Get more quotes or you really feel like it’s not quite right).
• Would you like full rights forever?
• Do you want a CD full of images – or just 6?
• Would you like all pictures retouched? What level of retouching would you like? Bags under eyes, no crumbs etc?
• Where will the shoot be – sometimes it’s best to discuss this with your photographer because they can offer ideas for locations.

5. Other things you may not have considered when it comes to budget?

You might need a stylist.
Or perhaps a make up artist?
Yes, you’re going to need help on the day – rally up a colleague or a friend who is onto it and ready to help out.
Your designer can attend the shoot – I recommend paying for this expense because – they’re going to think about how you can use the photograph within your packaging, website or brochure. They’re thinking of close ups and alternate shots. You might not be thinking of this with so many things on your plate.

6. How are you going to brief them?

I recommend going out for a coffee for this one. It needs some clear brain space.
Do you want black and white pictures?
Any particular poses?
Particular backgrounds?
Mood?

Don’t overwhelm the photographer on this. Sometimes people give 20 different things and it just gets really tricky to accomplish all, especially when there is a time restraint like an event or a wedding.

Just send through about 5 things you’d like them to keep in mind and let the rest flow.

7. Getting ready for the day.

This is really specific to what you’re having done  Like if you’re wedding, I’m guessing you know that you might want hair and make up done

Be there on time, if not early.

Bring spares. Of what? I don’t know But bring a spare cake if you’re shooting cakes. That sort of thing.

Double check and confirm time and location with the team.

Feed your team. Everyone loves food and it’s a thoughtful thing to do to keep energy peak and the team happy.

Flow. Let the photographer do their thing and trust. You’ve prepped all the way till here, have a little faith.