How to Choose Your Photographer

How to choose the best photographer for your next photoshoot.

To assume your photographer does nothing but click a camera shutter and instantly, magically “Photoshop” images to perfection is naive.

A well trained photographer starts the art at the first contact finding out what you want and getting a feel for your personality and style.

Chatting early to bring the proper clothing (and props if needed) before the session begins the journey stepping off in the right direction so you and the shooter get what you both want.

You may not realize it but from the moment you step into a real studio the photographer is studying everything about you.

How you move.

Facial features that will best be highlighted by different types and directions of light.

Expressions and what enhances the most pleasant looks.

Your tone and cadence of how you talk.

How often you blink.

The seven shades of your natural smile.

All done before you step in front of the camera.

So the real you is captured and not just another DMV mugshot.

Like any cook, singer, painter or writer each experienced photographer has a style.

A style of how they work to get the finished product.

Some work quietly and slowly trying to nudge out a perfect photo.

Others, like us at TA Schmidt Photography use energy and fun to make sessions loud and fast paced.

Also, each studio has a style or “look” of what the final images will be.

Some like romantic.

Some like hyper reality.

Some like a snapshot moment in time captured on the fly in the park or at your home.

We prefer a “show and tell” story about your adventures through life.

A peek into your relationships.

Insights into your interests and passions.

Showing you on a “good day”.

Which is why we offer four levels of retouching and enhancements.

A Light Touch-Up just removes zits and gently soften bags under the eyes and lines on the face.

The Magazine Touch-Up does more smoothing and some body sculpting which is our most popular look.

Cosmetic Retouching is available but something we don’t often like to do because it makes the skin too plastic and perfect.

Finally, Artist Choice is a blend or combination of any of the above to get a dramatic piece of art for your walls and gifts for family.

Ultimately YOU get to choose.

So make sure you first choose a photographer that can deliver the look you want.

Call us at (530) 945-3693 if you feel we can deliver the portraits for your children, family, high school senior, engagement, or business headshots.