With a new year comes a new work cycle and new clients. It is an exciting time and a busy time. Most photographers start booking the new year in the year prior and yes dates can go quickly! But have no fear because now is still the time to reach out, gather information and get on the books with your favorite image maker.
Important things to know when Booking a 2025 Photography Session:
Step One: Finding a Photographer
So this can be tricky where do you look for the perfect photographer? Google, Facebook, Referrals from friends and family?
There are good and bad things about all of those but when used collectively you can really vet a photographer. Referrals always get you a first hand account of someone else’s experience, google brings up legit photographers where they are located and connect you to their websites, and social media can bring about all the photographers you never even knew about including ones who are just starting out.
Once you find the photographer you want to work with the next step is contacting them.
Step Two: Check Out the PhotographersWork and Their Niche
Once you have a list of photographers you are considering your next step should be to check out their work. That means view their portfolios and websites, make sure their work and style meets with your desires.
Not every photographer is going to be the right photographer for you. Especially because photographers specialize! That’s right not every photographer photographs weddings, or newborns, or families. Some only do events and sports, some only seniors, some absolutely love and are amazing at taking fresh 48 images. So if you know exactly the kind of photographer you are after then you can check out their work to make sure it jives with the results you are desiring from your own session.
Step Three: Contacting the Photographer
So many, many clients come to use through social media and they just send off a basic message in messenger. There is very little information, and results in a message chain or a message the photographer returns and never gets seen by the potential client.
Website inquires are many photographers preferred method of contact because their forms ask all the necessary questions so they can respond with an informed response vs the usually overwhelming information filled mini novel. This is also a great way to discover their availability and the real great photographers will have information on other locals if your inquiry isn’t something they do or are available for.
Photographers can also use inquiry responses to set expectations. They will detail the kind of photographer they are, how they select images, and deliver said images. This way it can help you make an informed decision before booking and set your expectations for what working with this photographer will be like. Which is why photographers take inquiries through all forums very seriously.
Step Four: Getting on the Books
A true professional photographer will walk you through the process, they will provide a quote, their availability, contracts, reschedule information and cancellation information. The professional is going to make sure you have all the information necessary because they are providing a true service and once they send a contract off and it returns signed you are on the books.
From there great follow up questions can be asking about props, what to wear, and an advice the photographer might have before your session. If you are booking out months to a year in advanced do not panic if you do not hear from your photographer often, we get in touch when it is nearly a session date, we will walk you through everything again and generally make sure you are prepared and remember you booked us!
Step Five: Have Fun at Your Session and Reap the Photo Rewards
Once you make it to your shoot date it is all smooth sailing and reaping the rewards. Once your receive your images be sure to share with your family and friends and then pay it forward. Photographers love clients who recommend them to others and some even offer referral bonus’s!
Wishing you a Happy New Year and May Finding and Booking your 2025 Photographer be a smooth process!
