Picking a professional photographer for your event in Austin, no matter what it might be for, can feel like a daunting task. How do you know if a photographer is legit? Out of the hundreds, if not thousands, of options, how do you pick the right photographer?

As someone who has been a professional photographer for years and years, I know how many options there are out there. I’ve seen so many photographers come and go, and I’ve heard so many horror stories. One of the most recent ones is about a wedding photographer that even the BBB had to send out an alert about!

So yep, I totally get why you’re here, wondering how to pick a professional photographer! Don’t worry, though—I’ve got you covered. We’re going to go over exactly what a professional photographer is, how to know a photographer is good, tips for hiring a photographer, and, finally, 10 ways to know a photographer is professional!

What is a Professional Photographer?

So what counts as a professional photographer anyway? Well, it depends on who you ask. The true definition of a professional is “having a particular profession as a permanent career.” Some people believe that accepting money for a service means they’re a professional. Whether you agree or disagree, there’s a very important point to consider:

There’s a stark difference between someone hustling for money to eat and hustling for money for extra spending cash.

Now, hiring a photographer that does this full-time isn’t a foolproof way to prevent being taken advantage of, but it is definitely something to consider. Most professional photographers, especially in Austin, do this because it’s how they survive and pay their bills. Unhappy clients equal no food on the table. And that kind of motivation can make sure a photographer shows up!

What Are the Types of Professional Photographers?

Event Photographers

Event photographers can offer a range of services and skills. They’re perfect for birthdays, reunions, quinceañeras, concerts, etc. These kinds of photographers should definitely have skill with off-camera-flash, be able to wrangle people for group photos and be able to spot the good moments worth keeping.

Corporate Photographers

Corporate photographers in Austin have attended all kinds of events, especially for the big weekends like SXSW or enormous company parties. It takes a special skill to move through the crowd and get great candids while being able to walk up to anyone with a smile.

Family Photographers

Austin family photographers can cover family reunions, first birthdays, newborn celebrations, and other milestone moments of life. These kinds of professional photographers are able to interact with people of all ages, especially babies.

Wedding Photographers

Well, this is pretty self-explanatory, but wedding photographers photograph—you guessed it—weddings! It takes a certain special set of skills to conduct entire wedding days with a smile, quick reflexes, and ingenuity.

Convention Photographers

Conferences and conventions in Austin are happening all of the time. Normally, these kinds of professional photographers are able to work in crowds, stand on the sidelines to take photos of panels, or even help cover meet-and-greet moments.

How to Tell If a Photographer Is Good

Portfolio

One thing to keep in mind when picking a photographer is that websites are filled with “Hero Shots.” The best of the best, so to speak. But this isn’t the best way to judge a photographer. Make sure you have asked for access to full albums, read their blogs, and scope out their social media!

Reviews

Reviews, at this point in society, make the world go ‘round. We use reviews for everything: restaurants, hotels, even the dentist. So make sure you check out their reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp (albeit higher-end photographers won’t really utilize Yelp), The Knot, and WeddingWire.

Pricing

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Good photography isn’t “cheap.” While prices will vary between photographers, there’s no way you’re going to get excellent wedding photos for $500. If someone is willing to shoot your birthday for $100, you’re probably better off getting a disposable camera.

So just make sure that the trifecta of reviews, portfolio, and pricing makes sense.

4 Tips for Hiring a Photographer

So now that you’ve narrowed down your options of professional photographers, what’s next? Well, there are definitely some questions to ask! We’ll go over some more questions later, but here are the top tips!

Ask About Their Deposit

Most photographers have a zero refund policy on deposits/retainers. This makes sense, as we save that date for you and only you, unable to make other money that day. But if this doesn’t make you comfortable, then it’s important to discuss that with them.

Ask For a Contract

Make sure there is a contract! Zero ifs, ands, or buts! Make sure it covers their turnaround time, who retains what rights to the images, any refund options, and payment plans.

Ask For 3-4 Full Galleries

This is super important! Remember when I talked about looking at their portfolio? This is a part of that! Ask to see multiple full galleries, to get a feel for what they’re going to deliver once your event is done.

Talk to them

Okay, this one is obvious, but I’ve definitely had people trust me so much they hire me without even talking! I’m not complaining, but if you’re not confident 100%, then make sure you set up a time to at least chat on the phone for a little while.

10 Qualities of a Great Professional Photographer in Austin

Now to the meat and the potatoes of this article! Now, this doesn’t have to be specific to Austin photographers, but I feel really passionate about the qualities that make a good photographer. It will help guide you when trying to choose the right photographer for your event.

Community - A professional photographer is definitely involved in local organizations, especially ones related to events. Some of these organizations will be ILEA, MPI, Texas Live Events Coalition and other nonprofits that support Austin event professionals.

Knowledgeable - A great professional photographer in Austin will be familiar with local event venues and locations in the city—whether it's a park or an indoor space. They’ll also know about reservation requirements for some venues like the Central Public Library, Laguna Gloria and Retro Boats on Lady Bird Lake. And, especially if you’re having a wedding in Austin, they’ll at least know a little bit about your wedding venue and have probably worked there.

Creative - You’d think creativity was a staple in photography, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, a lot of photographers are very “cookie-cutter” in the way they do things. This is absolutely fine if you prefer a more traditional style, but a great photographer can do both traditional and creative.

Kind - Kindness is paramount, especially when your event is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. When you’re feeling stressed or upset, a photographer approaching the situation with kindness can make all the difference in making you comfortable.

Flexible - Cool as a cucumber—that’s what you need in a professional photographer! Great photographers are able to go with the flow, even in the most stressful of situations. Trust me, it takes a certain kind of skill to keep smiling during 105-degree temps or pouring rain.

Friendly - Another thing you might assume is a “duh!” requirement, but trust me, not every photographer out there is friendly! And even further, not all photographers develop friendships with their clients before, during, and after their events.

Experienced - Continuous education is necessary for this business, whether it be learning about equipment, lighting, posing, or even communication. That way, no matter the situation, they’re able to handle it.

Inclusive - As an LGBT photographer in Austin, I feel really passionate about this! Inclusivity is no longer an option, in my opinion. And picking a photographer that believes the same will help ensure that your own existence is honored and appreciated.

Responsive - How quick to the draw are they? While I don’t believe everyone should live with a phone glued to their palm, you also shouldn’t have to wait a week for a response. A great photographer makes you feel like you’re their only client, with a workflow in place that keeps the information flowing.

Ability to work on a deadline - We’ve got things to do and photos to see! Above, I mentioned the necessity of making sure your contract has deadlines in it. I cannot stress this enough! I’ve heard time and time again about people (who hired other photographers) that waited months for their images…if they received them at all.

Final Thoughts

Picking a professional photographer can be super fun and also overwhelming. I’m hoping this guide will help you figure it out. Naturally, I’m always going to volunteer to be your photographer! But no matter who you choose, make sure to take my advice and ask lots of questions!

10 Qualities of a Professional Photographer in Austin

What is a Professional Photographer?