Pensacola & Gulf Shores area visitors,
Are you hoping to book a photographer to capture some memories during a visit to the white sandy beaches of Pensacola, Florida or Gulf Shores, Alabama? Booking a local, professional photographer is a great way to capture family connections and special moments while making sure YOU are in the photos as well! Here are some great tips to help you find and book the perfect professional photographer to preserve your family's memories:
1. Do your research:
There is no shortage of photographers on the upper Gulf Coast, but we all have different styles. Look for local photographers who specialize in the style of photography session you're looking for: family photography, maternity portraits, a candid family photography session, engagement portraits, etc. Check out their social media, website, and Google listing to see portfolios. You want to see both the quality and the consistency of their work.
2. Check out public reviews:
Find photographers and photography studio's public listings on sites such as Google, Yelp, and social media. You want to be sure to check out their public reviews and not just rely on the reviews the photographer highlights on their website or social media.
3. Reach out in advance:
Don't wait until you're unpacking in your rental to reach out to a local photographer. Many professional photographers book months in advance for spring, summer, and fall. Not only that, we too enjoy time off with our family and schedule our vacations based on our bookings and kid's schedules.
Once you've found a photographer or two whose style you love and who are in your budget, reach out to them. Share your travel dates, where you'll be staying (many of us are licensed to cover areas in south Alabama and north Florida), and the type of session you're looking for.
4. Chat it up:
You want to feel comfortable with the photographer you choose, so chat a bit. Let them know if there's a location you'd really like to use for your session. Send the photographer pics of what the family will be wearing (or inspo pics if you're still putting outfits together). If you are lost on what everyone should wear, most photographers LOVE helping our clients put everyone's outfits together! Make sure you are on the same page for time of day for the session as well as any parking fees that will be needed, etc.
5. Go over pricing:
Ensure you understand the photographer's prices as well as what is included in the session fee. This can vary depending on things like the duration of the session, the number of people being photographed, travel fees, and special location fees. Sessions also often include a set amount of images or prints and you have the option to purchase additionals.
6. Book your session:
Agree on a session date and time, fill out your contract, and pay your retainer fee.
6a. Read the contract and note the retainer and weather policies specifically. Weather on the Gulf Coast can be unpredictable. Stay flexible and be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary. My personal philosophy is to book non-local clients' sessions for an early date in their vacation so we are able to reschedule if the weather lets us down for the original date.
*If your photographer doesn't use a contract, there's a good chance they're not a legal business and I recommend you find someone else. A contract is there to protect both of you.*
7. Confirm the timing for your session:
For sunrise and sunset sessions, timing is crucial and your photographer should explain this to you at booking. Your timeliness allows for the best lighting (and the reason you booked that photographer). If you're booking a session outside of the golden hour window, your pictures may show harsh shadows and squinty eyes - a side effect of white sand and harsh summer sun.
8. Session day:
Summertime sunset sessions start pretty late. Consider feeding the kids beforehand, and maybe squeeze in a nap for the youngest ones in the group. Arrive for your session on time (no need to be early, your photographer likely built in a cushion already). If you are traveling more than a few miles to the session location, consider not putting the kids in their outfits until you arrive. Go make memories with your family, snuggle your kids, give your significant other a kiss, take a deep breath, and trust your photographer to have things under control from here!
