First of all, if you are hiring a commercial photographer, you will find a wide range of prices, from really cheap to reasonably expensive headshots. So the first question you need to ask yourself is what is most important to me? The best quality commercial photographer possible or find the cheapest photographer? There are many inexpensive photographers in the market today, and if you hire a more affordable photographer, you are not likely to be happy with your experience or the final portrait. 

What you should expect from your commercial photographer

If you choose a commercial photographer that is more expensive, your shoot will look something like this. You walk into the studio, are greeted, and have some time to unwind, relax, and chat with your photographer. YOu will look through the wardrobe options you brought in and talk about the looks and what you had in mind. Your commercial photographer should offer you thoughts and options on how to best photograph you and make a suggestion for the background to use, etc. You will have some time to get dressed while the photographer sets up the desired look you talked about. Then the photography will start to take place. A good commercial photographer will set you at ease with some funny jokes, make you feel comfortable in front of the camera, and give you good direction on how to stand, move or turn your head, etc. After taking some great images, they will stop and show them to you and get your feedback on what you like or dislike, and take time to make adjustments ensuring you are happy with the end result. 

What questions should I ask my Commercial photographer?

Be sure to review several commercial photographers’ websites and find a style similar to what you would expect for your professional headshot. If you don’t like what you see on the website, do not hire that photographer. It’s also a good idea to pick up the phone and call and talk to the photographer to see if your personalities are a good fit. Ask some questions. Will I get to see my images while I am at my session? Do you have a studio, or can it be shot on location? Do you have hair and makeup services available on-site? How long will the photography session take? How long will it take to receive my photos? What kind of usage rights do I receive with the fee? Do you provide retouching, or is that extra? All these services go into the price of a commercial photographer. 

 What questions should an excellent commercial photographer ask me?

You also want to see what kind of questions the photographer asks you. An excellent commercial photographer should be concerned with your brand and where your images will be displayed. They should want to help you make the best decisions possible to photograph you. Everyone is different, and you should be photographed in a way that tells a story about you and your personality. For example, if you are not a smiling person, your photographer should not be trying to force an awkward smile on you. It’s okay not to smile in your headshots. Personally, I would not want to be just another headshot on some bland backdrop but come away with a unique image that is personal to me and my business.

Why do commercial photographers charge for usage rights?

When you hire a commercial photographer, most people do not realize that they are buying a license to use a particular image or set of images. The commercial photographer retains all rights to the pictures. The client is buying rights to use images in the manner that the client and the commercial photographer agree to. The client does not own the pictures, and they do not have permission to do whatever you please with the images. Generally, the more expensive the images or set of images, the more usage rights are granted. So, it’s essential to discuss the use with your commercial photographer.

Hopefully, these tips will help you hire a commercial photographer that will give you the best image possible. After all, your first impression is usually your best, so why show yourself off with a dull, boring out-of-date image. You want to look your best, from wardrobe to posing to final image selection and retouching. You want something unique, and you want it to be painless and easy in a relaxed and comfortable environment.