Choosing The Right Professional Photographer

Before you settle down on just any ordinary photographer, there are a few things to make sure of beforehand.

• Check their reviews. From Google, Facebook, and other social media reviews, people post their experiences online, and those speak for themselves.

• Do they have a portfolio? Look at the work they have done. If they have a website, this makes it even better. Make sure their style fits what you imagine for your future sessions. Compare their portfolio to other portfolios out there. Please note their editing style.

• Most photographers specialize in different niches nowadays. If you're looking to do boudoir, and the photographer specializes in a different niche, it’s a no-go!

• Are they within your budget? The prices of photographers range from low to high. Some photographers will charge you $500, while others will cost you $5,000 for the same gig. Have in mind what you can afford, but don’t let price be the main factor.

• Make sure they have availability for dates you have in mind. If you have a wedding in six months, check with the photographer to see if they have availability then. Some photographers need several months in advance. Book as early as possible!

• See if they have insurance. Don’t be ashamed to ask them this question! Have peace of mind knowing they are covered in case of an accident, injury, emergency, or damage.

• Try to match your requirements with the photographer’s strengths, expertise, and compatibility with your type of style. You will find your match! The world is full of wonderfully skilled photographers ready to meet you.

Choosing the Right Accessories for Your Senior Portraits

You’ve got your outfit planned, know exactly what you’re doing with your hair, and have already spoken to the makeup artist about that wicked cat eye. Now it’s time to consider your accessories, which can make or break your outfit. Here are four things to keep in mind.  

1. Don’t let the accessories wear you. Too big or too zany can overwhelm your face and body, taking away from the overall image. This is about you.

2. Choose accessories that mean something to you. Maybe you want to wear a ring your mother gave you, or those earrings that always earn you compliments.

3. Try not to choose anything that’s heavily ornamented. In a few years, ultra trendy items can look really, really dated. Funky and fun are A-OK, of course, but be thoughtful in your decisions.

4. Make sure your accessories all work well with your outfit. For example, a thin belt may flatter your figure more than a thick belt. And those dangly earrings may look best with your hair up while the studs look good with your hair down.

5. Get a second, and third, opinion. Wear everything you plan to put on for your session day and ask for someone else’s advice. Take some pictures, even, and ask your friends and family if they have any suggestions.

These subtle flower earrings really tie in with this cool, hip outfit.

For the guys, just a pair of your favorite sunglasses can create a whole new smooth look.