What photographer is right for me? | Humboldt County Photographer

As many of you may be aware, there are an abundance of photographers in our area.  I hear a lot of people asking for recommendations on photographers and many times they receive a barrage of different names and level photographers.  I have created the following guide in an attempt to help those who may be wondering, “What photographer is right for me?”

1) Photographers who just received their first DSLR (“fancy”) camera for mother’s day. 

 

2) Photographers who are building their portfolio (practicing to eventually start a business).

3) Photographers who have just made their business “official” or are part-time professional photographers and take on paying clients.

4) Photographers  who have been in business for many years and run a full time service based photography business.

So then the question comes, which photographer is right for you?

The first type of photographer I mentioned is the one who just received their DSLR camera. Often times this is an entry level camera. What this means is that the camera is created for consumers. 

I will use an analogy that is dear to my heart, espresso machines.  While I have my own personal espresso machine at home and my darling husband creates a latte for me every morning. It is still a $100 espresso machine. As a matter of fact, the steamer works so poorly that we actually microwave the milk before adding any of the other ingredients.  

While in contrast, if I want a well-made, professionally steamed Carmel latte I will take a drive to my local Starbucks where they have a professional espresso machine that the owners invested upwards of $6000 on. I will go to where they have my favorite disposable cups with the cardboard sleeve. That’s right, there is nothing like holding a Starbucks cup in your hand. It just FEELS wonderful.   I could go on but let me get back to my point.   

This first type of photographer has an entry level camera but also an entry level skill set. While they may have an eye and talent for photography, it is not a talent that has had time to be developed or has been fine-tuned.    

What are the benefits of this type of photographer?

Many times they are a good friend and it is always fun to go out and take pictures with your good friends.

It gives you an opportunity to get some cute snapshots of your little one in between the big milestones of their lives.
 

 

The second type of photographer I mentioned is the one who is building their portfolio.  They many times still have entry level cameras but have taken the time to learn the manual operations of that camera.  They have moved passed being satisfied with taking pictures of their own children or even their friends children and seek to develop their skill by reaching out to the community and offering free/cheap sessions in return for an opportunity to build their portfolio and increase their skill.  

The benefits of this type of photographer include the same as the first but now adds the benefit of being able to help out another individual develop their passion and art.

The third kind of photographer is the one who has just begun in business or is a part-time professional photographer and is taking on paying clients. This person has taken the time necessary to learn how to operate their camera manually, how to make a proper exposure, and has also gone through the steps of obtaining a business and sales license.  This photographer has often invested in a higher quality mid-range camera, lenses, and lighting equipment.  Because they have only just begun or spend half of their time on another profession they often offer a smaller range of services and products.

The benefits of hiring this photographer include:

 

 The cost is lower based on a smaller range of services and products.

They know how to create a proper exposure and can produce beautiful photographs.

This would be a good choice for someone who only cares about sharing their images digitally.


The fourth kind of photographer is the full time business professional. Photography is their bread and butter. They have devoted their time, energy, and passion in creating a business that is going to be long lasting and sustaining.   Did you know that only 50% of businesses survive their first 5 years?   

They often have a have invested in Professional level cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment. They have mastered exposure, lighting, and posing. They provide a service that goes far beyond just a one hour session and digital images on a disk. They spend time before the session informing the client on the best way to make a session run smoothly.  They have spent the time developing products that aren’t available to the consumer market. They stand behind their products and devote themselves to creating fine art to be displayed in your homes.

The benefits of hiring this photographer include:

Security knowing they have a good reputation in the community.  (They aren’t going anywhere)

Security knowing that they have the experience necessary to capture your most precious memories.

A full professional service from pre-session consultation through to delivering the fine art ready to hang in your home.

 

What kind of photographer is best for your family is completely up to you.  Are you just looking for a good time with friends? Are you looking for someone to capture those in-between stages? Are you looking for someone who can create beautiful images to be shared on Facebook? Or are you looking for a full service professional experience, a brand that is consistent and devoted to quality customer service?

 I hope this has helped you understand more about the forever growing photography industry.  My goal in writing this guide is to simply create an understanding of why there are “so many photographers” in our area and the role they play in your life.

- Keri Messina