Are you searching for someone to take the perfect family picture, or someone to shoot your wedding? Here is a guide to find your perfect vintage photographer.

Are you looking for a great vintage-themed photographer for your next photoshoot? Finding someone who can do the kind of photography that you’re looking for can be a challenge. Not all photographers have the same focus, and everyone has their own specialty.

 

If you’re going to be spending a lot of money for a photo session, you need to know how to find a photographer that aligns with your vision, and it’s not as easy as it seems. You need to get it right the first time, or you’ll end up wasting your time and money.

 

Keep reading to learn how to find good photographers in your niche and pick one for your next vintage photoshoot.

 

Look Around Online and on Social Media

When you’re in the beginning stages of finding your photographer, you might not know where to start.

Luckily in 2020, most photographers keep a portfolio of their work online, making them easier to access for potential clients. They’ll keep samples of the work that they’ve done in different niches so that you’re able to see their range. 

You can search for photographers in your area by simply typing “photographers in [ your city]” into your search engine of choice. When you have a specific niche, like vintage photography, you can tighten your search.

For example, you can just search “vintage photography in [your city]”, but you can refine it further to suit your needs. If you need 1920s-style photography, search for it! If you need pinup photography, search for it!

Some photographers are also active on social media, making them easier to find than ever. While some use Facebook, many also use more photo-friendly social media apps like Instagram. 

When looking through Instagram, check the hashtags for what you’re looking for. Start small with #[city]photographers, for example, #orangecountyphotographers or #ocphotographers. These will give you a good start for finding the person that you’re looking for. 

 

Check Portfolios

Once you’ve begun narrowing down your search, look through the photographer’s portfolios.

Not all photographers are alike. Many operate in specific niches. You wouldn’t want to hire a children’s photographer for a wedding or a real estate photographer for a family portrait session!

While they might be happy to do it, you won’t get their best work, and they might be out of their element. 

It can also be helpful to email the photographer to ask for specific portfolio examples of what you’re looking for. Even if you find the right niche, they might not have something on display for what you need. They may be experienced in that area, or happy to work with you, but it’s helpful to see if they’ve done similar work before. 

If the photographer has no couple’s photos, for example, you can ask to see portfolio pieces that reflect that kind of work. 

 

It’s possible that this photographer hasn’t had clients who have asked for it yet, so not having those specific examples may not be a problem. 

 

Find Your Price Point

Photographers range widely in price. A photographer’s work doesn’t end with the photo session. They also have to edit your photos, and if they provide prints, they have to pay for those and pass the price along to you.

While prices might seem steep, consider the post-processing hours that they’re putting into the work, the cost of their equipment, and the time that they’ve taken to learn their craft. 

That said, you also have a budget. Some photographers list prices on their websites, but many don’t, and you’ll have to send an inquiry. Don’t feel rude about price shopping; it happens all the time.

It’s not good to choose a photographer based on price alone, but a cheaper photographer doesn’t have to be a bad one, and a more expensive photographer doesn’t have to be a good one. 

 

Know your budget and find someone who fits within it. 

 

Ask About Photography Equipment

If you know anything about cameras or editing tools and you care about what the photographer uses (or how much they know about what they use), it isn’t offensive to ask. 

Some vintage photographers prefer working in film. Some prefer digital with post-processing. Some photographers use tripods and heavy flash while others prefer to do things by hand.

If you have a preference, it’s okay to ask these questions. 

 

Ask About Settings

If you have a specific idea of where you want these photos to be set, ask if your photographer if they have pre-made studio settings or if they’re more comfortable working in certain kinds of settings.

Some photographers shine when it comes to indoor photos. Some love working in low-light conditions. Others love working with natural light. 

A natural-light photographer might not be comfortable working in an indoor or studio session and vice versa.

 

Talk to the Photographer

At the end of the day, you want to find a photographer that makes you feel comfortable. 

Before you commit to a photographer, get a feel for how you two will get along. If your personalities clash or they’re resistant to your ideas, it’s okay to move along to the next one. 

The photographer is there to make your photo ideas come to life. It’s great if they have their own ideas in mind, but they should also take your wishes into account. 

 

Will You Find the Perfect Vintage Photographer? 

 

Finding photographers in the niche you want is easier now than ever. With the rise of social media and the accessibility that the internet offers, you can see people’s work with ease and know what you’re getting into before you even send that first message. 

You can find the photographer that’s right for you in no time. 

If you’re interested in a vintage photography session, we might be able to help. Visit our site to contact us and see if we’re a good match. We’d love to hear from you!