Booking a photographer in Harrisburg, PA for your special moments is an important decision. Whether it’s a wedding, family portrait session, or milestone celebration, you want to ensure you choose the right professional to capture those cherished memories. However, there are common mistakes that people often make during the booking process that can result in disappointment or a less-than-ideal experience. In this blog post, we’ll discuss five mistakes you’re making when booking a photographer in Harrisburg, PA and how to avoid them.
Research the Photographer’s Style
Don’t make this mistake and end up hating your photos!
One of the biggest mistakes is not taking the time to research and understand the photographer’s style. Each photographer has a unique artistic approach and visual aesthetic. By not familiarizing yourself with their portfolio and ensuring their style aligns with your vision, you run the risk of ending up with images that don’t meet your expectations. Take the time to explore their website, social media, and previous work to get a sense of their style and determine if it resonates with you.
At Kate McCord Photography, my style is very consistent and shown through my social media and web presence. If you love the warm, golden hour glow…bold colors…and emotion pouring out of your photos, I am the Harrisburg, PA family photographer of your dreams!
Reviews and Testimonials
Trust the reviews, don’t skip this step!
Another mistake is not paying attention to reviews and testimonials from previous clients. These firsthand experiences can provide valuable insights into the photographer’s professionalism, reliability, and the overall quality of their work. Reading reviews and testimonials can help you gauge the photographer’s communication skills, punctuality, and ability to deliver the final product. Don’t underestimate the importance of other clients’ feedback when making your decision.
Be sure to check out the photographer’s Google reviews, Facebook reviews, and don’t be afraid to ask others in the Harrisburg area if they’ve had an experience with the photographer. Client experience is the most important factor of the photography experience in my own opinion and if clients aren’t leaving glowing reviews, you may want to ask yourself why!
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
You should be booking your session 6-8 weeks out.
Booking a photographer should be a priority, especially for popular dates or during peak seasons. Waiting until the last minute to secure a photographer can limit your options and result in disappointment if your preferred photographer is already booked. To avoid this mistake, start your search early, reach out to photographers in advance, and secure your booking as soon as you’ve made a decision. This will give you peace of mind and guarantee that you have the right photographer for your special day.
When should you be booking your Harrisburg, PA photographer? It’s really never too soon to book a session, especially if your photographer is willing to pencil in a tentative date. For maternity & newborn, it’s a great idea to get on the schedule as soon as you can. Once you’re in the second trimester is a great time to start shopping for photographers and getting on the books. For family photos, you absolutely want to book as early as you can. The best of the best fill up quickly and prime golden hour dates & times are few and far between. Planning at least 6-8 weeks ahead of time not only gives you a pick of your favorite photographer, but also gives you time to plan and coordinate outfits, locations, and schedules.
The Importance of Communication
It’s 2023, there’s no excuse for someone not answering your messages.
Clear and effective communication is essential when booking a photographer. Failing to establish open lines of communication can lead to misunderstandings and misaligned expectations. Ensure that the photographer is responsive, attentive, and willing to address any questions or concerns you may have. A photographer who values good communication will make the entire process smoother and more enjoyable.
Imagine you’re worried about a cut on your child’s chin or choosing between two different outfits for yourself…if your photographer is quick to respond & ease your concerns, the process is stress free. If you have to chase the photographer for answers, they leave you hanging & worrying, or don’t respond to your questions, the process is going to be stressful and not fun & care free!
You want to be able to talk to your photographer and have them answer any questions or concerns you may have. Although photographers do hold business hours, you should be hearing back from your photographer within 24-48 hours during normal times. Of course this response time may take longer on weekends or holidays! I have heard far too many horror stories of photographers ghosting their clients, leaving them in a panic days before their session. Trust your gut & do your research when booking so you are not left worrying during a time that should be fun & exciting!
Trust Your Photographer
Spend the money, do the research, and hire the photographer you KNOW will take the best care of you & your family!
This trust can be shown by allowing them to guide the process from choosing outfits (coordination over matching!!), giving input over the location, choosing a date & time of day for photos, and guiding you during the session in posing and engaging with your family.
Lack of trust in your photographer can be detrimental to the overall experience and outcome. It’s important to remember that you hired a professional for their expertise and artistic vision. (This goes back to choosing a photographer whose style matches your vision!) Micromanaging or constantly questioning their decisions can hinder their creative process and prevent them from capturing their best work. Trusting your photographer allows them to freely express their creativity and capture authentic moments. Prioritize open communication, express your expectations upfront, and trust in their skills to deliver beautiful photographs that will exceed your expectations.
Booking a photographer is an investment in preserving your precious memories. By avoiding these common mistakes of not researching the photographer’s style, overlooking reviews, not clarifying pricing and packages, ignoring communication, and waiting until the last minute, you can ensure a smoother and more successful booking experience. Take your time, ask questions, and trust your instincts to find the perfect photographer who will capture your special moments with skill and artistry.
Interested in booking with Kate McCord Photography? Visit my website and submit an inquiry today!
Visit me on Instagram or Facebook to check out my recent work!
