5 Steps to finding a GREAT Grad Photographer
I always get told when I’m working with Graduates that this is one of the first professional photography experiences they have had, and they don’t know what to do.
I’M HERE TO HELP Y’ALL!
I have 5 steps that will help you find a portrait photographer for your grad photos! & I’ll continue to blog about tips to help make your session THE BEST!
Figure out your Budget
Look at Photographers Social Media
Find the Style you’re looking for
Find their personality
BOOK with the one who checks all your boxes!
STEP 1 : BUDGET
Photographers range in price wherever you go. Each photographer offers a variety of packages, or even sends a custom quote.
You're paying for the end product, yes, but you're also paying for their expertise & knowledge of photography, the campus, and things that come with grad photography.
Find a price range you feel comfortable with & then start looking.
STEP 2 : SOCIAL MEDIA
Take a stroll through Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest. Search key terms in Google or in Facebook groups.
I like to use hashtags on Instagram like:
#lubbockgradphotographer
#lubbockseniorphotographer
#ttu23 #ttu24 #ttugrad
Save your favorites so you can compare them later!
STEP 3 : STYLE
Do you find yourself liking a certain style?
Light & Airy
True to Color
Super Warm
Dark & Moody
Make sure you are booking with someone whose editing style you like. I wouldn't suggest a light & airy photographer to someone who loves dark & moody images.
STEP 4 : PERSONALITIES
When you're inquiring, or looking through a photographer's social media, and website - you can tell a lot from their personality.
Are they fun? outgrowing? a little shy?
Sometimes it helps to find their personality and see if it meshes well with yours!
STEP 5 : BOOK YOUR FAVE!
One you've found the photographer who checks all your boxes...
IT’S TIME TO BOOK!
Some photographers book well into the next season or the next year - so it's always good to reach out earlier than later in the semester!
If you've reached out to multiple photographers, PLEASE don't ghost the ones you aren't choosing. We promise it's fine. We would rather know, than keep reaching out and bugging you!
When it’s all said and done. You want to have a great experience with a grad photographer, and lightly stalking them on instagram is worth it, in my opinion. My biggest take-way from this post is to make sure you’re looking within your budget, and at the STYLE of the photographers work.
And one thing on budget, as someone who has worked their way up from charging $75 for a session to now my $300+ per session.. you can find great talent at every stage. It’s the experience, knowledge and piece-of-mind that you’ll get your images, the way you want, and in a timely manner that determines the price you’ll pay.
HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL GRAD SESSION!
if you’re looking for a casual, fun, and easy-going grad photographer who’s been taking Texas Tech Graduate portraits for 4+ years on Texas Tech camps.. hit your girl up! I have spring availability!
