Hey there! This post is going to be all about the easiest and quickest way to find a photographer for your fashion blog. As a working mom, I don’t have a every single day available to me to take photos and I definitely don’t always have someone around that’s capable or willing. So I had to gather resources for those days when my photog bae ( post coming soon) is working and not available for when I need photos taken. From time to time I shoot with my professional photographer and you’ll be seeing the work we created together throughout this post. So if you’re on a budget, traveling away from your usual photographer, or you’re ready to step it up a notch this post is definitely for you. Here’s my highly recommended method to find a photographer for your fashion blog.
GUIDE TO FIND A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR FASHION BLOG
Search Hashtags on Instagram
Searching hashtags on Instagram is by far the best way to find a photographer for your fashion blog. It’s how I found my current photographer and it’s even helped me to find a photographer for my blogger boo LaToya The Fat Girl of Fashion on her recent trip to New Orleans for Essence Fest.
Search hashtags specific to your current location or where you’re traveling to.
I.e. #tallahasseephotographer #newyorkphotographer #atlantaphotographer
Search hashtags by vibe. Not all photographers have the eye or aesthetic that you envision for your blog and social media platforms. Some photographers are dedicated to wedding photography, some to street style, some to in-studio commercial settings. In addition to location specific hashtags, search and find professional photographers by “vibe”. #newyorkstreetstyle #atlantastreestyle. Tap on the photos you like and look in the captions for credits to the photographer.
Finding a Photographer in Your Budget
While you’re searching for photographers on Instagram, pay attention to the amount of followers and likes they have. In general I find that the larger the following the more likely it is for the photographer to have a rate that might be outside of your budget.
Figuring Out Photographer Rates
First things first make sure the question hasn’t already been answered. Search the photographers profile for a link to a website or highlight that’s already posted with rates or special rates. Photographers sometimes don’t post rates because different clients have project requirements so it’s hard to set a standard rate when each situation is different. In those cases they often ask you to DM or email them with inquiries.
How to Ask Photographers for Their Rates
As a professional looking to establishing a consistent relationship with a photographer, you should reach out to them in a professional manner. “Hey what are your rates?” is not going to fly with everybody. So it’s better to reach out professionally every time. For the first message all you have to do is introduce yourself, share that you’re looking to for a photographer, and would like to inquire about their services and rates! That’s it!
Here’s A Template (great for DMs or E-mails):
Hi (Name or Social Media Handle). I’m (Name) a (fashion blogger, content creator,etc.). I’m looking for a photographer in (location) to take my photos and would like to inquire about your different rates/packages. Thanks in advance!
Note: I don’t typically pursue photographers that don’t respond in a timely manner (1-3 days). Also not a good look if they’ve seen your email (I track everything) and haven’t responded in that time frame.
Follow Up Discussion Via Telephone:
If you like their rates and what they’re offering, have follow up discussions to sort out dates, times, locations, etc. I think it’s a good idea to talk over the phone (at the very least for the first session) so nothing is lost in translation. Once you’ve established a working relationship with the photographer, text messages and emails should be fine.
Also don’t be afraid to ask about a service that has not specifically been listed out by your photographer. If your lifestyle only allows you 30 minute sessions on your lunch break or after work, ask if that’s something they would be able to do. Every person’s situation is different and if you want to consistently have photos to include in your blog posts and on other platforms you gotta “Make it work!” Tim Gunn voice.
RAW or NAH?
RAWS are as-is photos with no edits. It’s also a great way to ensure that you get your photos in a timely manner if not immediately. Photographers have multiple clients requiring edited photos and editing each photo in itself is a very time consuming process. If having super edited photos is not extremely important to you (or you know how to edit your photos yourself) , then you may want to discuss getting just RAWS in your agreement. It takes one project load off the photographer, you get the photos you need quickly to create your content, and who knows it might knock off a few dollars from your rate.
Be Careful
If a photographer’s Instagram, website, or overall vibe seems sketchy, don’t pursue it. There are loads of creeps perpetrating as photographers with the worst intentions. It’s very easy to sort this out.
Verify via social media what they look like. Follow their Instagram stories and feed to see how they work BTS. (Active professional photographers WILL be doing this). Bring a friend if you need to be comfortable the first time.
Always let someone know what you’re doing and where you’re going.
So Yeah! That’s pretty much how I was able to find a photographer for my fashion blog. I’m super happy with the work we create together. Hope you guys love it too!
Have you seen these other blogger photography posts!
TOP 3 WAYS I TAKE PHOTOS FOR MY BLOG IN 2018
