Now a days in my industry it seems like everyone is a photographer. Cameras have become better and cheaper; however expertise has not changed. How do you weed through all the Google listings, recommendations, and choose the best fit for you. Of course most people check out their work to make sure they like what they see but there's a lot more to it than that.
1) Well first things first, only give your time to a valid business. This hopefully will help you make sure the work, expertise, and commitment to you and your community are legitimate. This will also give you peace of mind that the professional will likely show up, produce the promise products and abide by certain codes and ethics. Not only do photography businesses (those with or without a studio ) have to be registered with the federal government and get an EIN, most states also require registration and localities often require business licenses. So yes, there are federal, state and local obligations to run a business. In the state of Florida, it is easy to check to see if a business is registered with the state by going to an online database and searching the business by name, corporation, or owner's name. Simply go to sunbiz.org and search. If they are not listed, they're not a legitimate business in Florida. Unlike some other state Florida does not have a hobby or minimum income law. The first moment a photographer collects a dime, even if for electronic images, they must have been registered with the state and collect sales taxes on all items or products sold. In my area if a studio or Business location is within city limits a license is also required through the city.
2). If the studio you were interested in clears number one, then I recommend giving them a call to ask important questions.
A. Are they insured? Insurance is so important especially in today's world. Most photographers that are insured not only get insurance to protect their studio and equipment but also for the liability of their clients. What if a studio light falls and hits a customer in the head?
B. Did she/he offer the type of photography you were looking for: wedding, birth, commercial, family portraits, etc.?
C. Do they have a studio? This may not be important if your session is on location or outdoors.
D. Are they approved to photograph in the location that you want? Some large venues or resorts may require proof of registration, license insurance and be set up as an approved vendor. Some require photographer to carry certain values of liability insurance, for example $2 million. We offer Boston Birthing Stories (birth photography) as one of our services and we need to be sure that we are approved the hospital and with the particular doctor.
E. Can you come in or set up a face-to-face consultation prior to choosing them? If they say no...RUN! We offer and sometimes require a complementary consultation prior to every session and event. This is so important,not only to get all of the information to plan your session, but to see samples of their work on the studio walls, to get a feel of their style, and to make sure their personality fits what you need.
3) If they have impressed you with the research in 1 and 2, then see about pricing and get started planning for your session. Be sure to ask about the what if's… It rains? Photographer drops a camera in the water (do they bring a back up gear for every session)? Photographer is sick? Client needs to postpone the session? etc...
4) Sign a contract, get confirmation of the session, your receipt from the invoice etc. and make sure you know what's going to happen after your session.
Choosing the right photographer will make it fun and stress free for all involved. It is a big deal so be sure to protect your memories.
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