Booking a professional photographer for the first time can feel a little bit like ordering off a menu in a language you don’t speak. You know you want something amazing, but you aren’t quite sure how to ask for it!
Whether you need a headshot for LinkedIn, coverage for a corporate event, or photos of your products for an online store, communication is the secret ingredient to great photos. The more your photographer understands your vision before they pick up the camera, the better the final images will be.
At J Sutton Photo, I want to make the process seamless for you. Here is a guide on exactly what information you should have ready when inquiring with a photographer to ensure you get an accurate quote—and photos you’ll love.
The Basics (For Every Shoot)
Before we dive into the specifics, every photographer needs to know the “Big Three” to check availability and give you a baseline price:
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- The Date(s): Is it flexible or set in stone?
- The Location: Is it in a studio, outdoors, or at your office? (Travel time is a factor!)
- The Budget Range: It’s okay if you don’t have an exact number, but a range helps us suggest packages that fit your needs.
What to Provide by Photography Type
Different shoots require different planning. Find your category below to see exactly what details will help us nail your vision.
1. Portrait Photography (Headshots, Family, Senior)
- The “Vibe”: Do you want these to look moody and dramatic, or bright and airy? Sending 2-3 example photos (from Pinterest or my portfolio) is incredibly helpful.
- Usage: Where will these live? A photo for a billboard needs to be shot differently than a photo for an Instagram profile picture.
- Wardrobe: How many outfit changes are you planning? This dictates how much time we need to schedule.
2. Event Photography (Corporate, Parties, Galas)
- The Timeline: Send a rough schedule of the event. We need to know when the speeches happen, when the VIPs arrive, and when the cake is being cut so we don’t miss a beat.
- Key People: Is there a CEO, a guest of honor, or a grandmother who must be photographed? Tell us who the VIPs are so we can keep an eye out for them.
- Lighting Conditions: Is the venue a dark banquet hall with no windows, or an outdoor park at noon? This helps us pack the right lighting gear.
3. Wedding Photography
- The Shot List: We don’t need a list of every generic photo (like “couple kissing”), but we do need a list of specific family groupings. This keeps the formal photo hour organized and fast!
- Family Dynamics: If there are divorced parents who shouldn’t stand next to each other, tell your photographer privately beforehand. We are experts at navigating this subtly to keep everyone happy.
- Venue Rules: Some churches or venues have strict rules on where photographers can stand. Let us know early so we can plan accordingly.
4. Product Photography
- Quantity: Exactly how many products are there? (e.g., “5 bottles of lotion”).
- Background: Do you want them on clean white (Amazon style) or lifestyle (styled on a marble counter with flowers)? These are two very different shoots!
- Reflections: Are the products shiny (glass/metal)? These take longer to light properly to avoid unwanted reflections.
5. Real Estate & Architecture
- Direction: Which way does the house face? We want to shoot when the sun is hitting the front of the building, not behind it.
- Access: Is the property occupied or empty? Will we need lockbox info?
Ready to Book?
Hiring a photographer shouldn’t be stressful. It’s a collaboration! The more you share about your needs, the easier it is for us to create magic for you.
If you are ready to start planning your next project, Click here to send me a message. Let me know which of the categories above fits you, and let’s create something awesome together.
