I'm working on a project and need a professional photographer. But not just any photographer, a…read morecreative one. A good friend of mine, swooped in with a recommendation, him. She worked with him 10+ years ago when she modeled. She raved to me about how great he was and said his were the best photos she ever took. I had seen her model photos years before, but it had been some years. She sends me a sample of her past work with him to prove his skill, I'm impressed. So, I look him up on both Facebook and Instagram. I do a glance over of his work posted and also view his studio. I like. I really like. I then go to his website and schedule my consult.
At the telephone consult, I briefly explain my project. I fear my request is out of his scope. It's not, he reassures me there's more to his portfolio than what's posted. He is very clear and business focused. We discuss his rate and services offered. I decline the need for hair & makeup assistance. Given the goals of the project, I opt to handle both on my own. We text a bit after the consult and that's what solidified things. My project would require professionalism, comfort, transparency and positive energy. The call & text convo confirmed that's exactly what he projects and I was in good hands.
Within 48hrs of the consult, we schedule the shoot. 50% of the session rate is due prior and the final 50% due the day of the shoot. He emailed me an invoice that allows credit card and pay pal transactions.
He suggests that we create a private post so that we can communicate ideas. The night before the shoot, he inquired of my preferences so that he can further personalize my session. He reinforces that he wants it to be fun. (NOTE: I'm dedacting specific details of his prep. I feel these are keys to his greatness and for you to know the specifics to his methods, you should just hire him and see for yourself). Our remote interactions ease my nervousness & assist in establishing a baseline of rapport & comfort. I'm now excited.
Day of shoot, we both arrive and it's all smiles. No awkwardness. He meets me at my car and walks me to his studio on the 2nd floor. As he sets up the studio, I apply my make up. We are now in person, and it is clear our interaction is organic. I watch him as he perfects the setting, lighting & angles in prep for the shoot. The shoot itself was no pressure & fun. It was interesting watching him because once behind the camera, regardless of distraction, his face loses all emotion & he falls quiet. He's in artist mode. It's almost like a puzzle or a formula and he's trying to come up with the best way to execute to get the desired result. Similar to that of a mastermind. I found it fascinating to personally witness. I may have gawked. In fact, I'm almost certain I did.
After the shoot concludes, he discusses the follow up process and expectations. Again, I'm impressed by his presentation of things. Fancy & very professional. He allows me to take pics of the studio as I previously explained how I Yelp everything. Upon review of my lil rinkydink iphone pics vs his online pics of the studio, his are far better and photography is meant for the professionals. Him, definitely not me.
I thank him for taking on my project, and he thanks me for choosing him to execute it. It says a lot for my friend to trust me enough to refer me to someone she regards so highly and it says a lot when, 10+ yrs later he made such an impression that she would choose to refer him over all others she worked with. We part with nothing less than respect.
Given my personality, I hop on flights for food so I would most definitely travel to another state for a photographer who is mastery with a friendly professional demeanor. It goes without saying, and without having received the final product that yes, I would, hands down work with him again in the future.
