HEADSHOT PHOTOGRAPHY
It can be a daunting task to find a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, or probably any major city. Searching online with search engines like Google is helpful and hurtful at the same time. For example, on the one hand you can read reviews. But on the other hand, the results shown are typically for within a handful of miles from your current location. This can limit you from finding real value if you extend your reach 5, 10, or 15 miles. Furthermore, there are red flags you should consider. But what are some of these?
It is common today that most local businesses, especially ones with a storefront, have a business website, not just a social media page. A headshot photographer is no different, especially if they have a physical business location. It is important for a headshot photographer to showcase their work. This helps you decide if their quality is up to your needs.
Furthermore, it helps convey the breadth of their capabilities. Can they adapt lighting to your needs? This is particularly important for acting headshots. Can they do studio headshots in addition to natural light headshots? These factors and more can be telling in a comprehensive photo portfolio.
Also, the website should be a wealth of information, or provide as much detail as possible so you don’t have to chase the photographer down to ask questions. A red flag is that a website lacks basic details you need so that you have to call or email them. This way, they can pitch you with sales tactics to book with them.
For example, you might call or email to ask questions and spend 10-15 minutes on the phone with them. This can be a sales tactic attempt to make you feel like you now owe them something. You were likely looking for basic answers that should be available on a website. This might include pricing or at least a price range. What’s their location? What do they include in a typical session, and more?
It is possible you might book a headshot with a photographer and then you come to find out when you show up that they don’t have a commercial studio. You might show up to an apartment complex, a home garage, or a random outdoor location like a street corner. It turns out the photographer does not have a commercial studio. I’ve worked with clients that have expressed these surprise scenarios to me.
There is not necessarily anything wrong with a headshot photographer not having a studio, but it is arguably wrong to not clearly disclose this. It can be uncomfortable as a client to arrive at a location and expect a commercial studio and then there is not one.
Imagine also if you arrived for your session and the photographer pulls out their smartphone to start doing the headshots. This can also be disconcerting, just as much as being surprised they don’t have a studio. It is a common expectation that a headshot photographer has a commercial studio and a real camera and lens. If they do not it should be disclosed. So, another red flag is if the website does not list an address and show photos of the studio.
Many photographers do not list pricing. Again, there is nothing wrong with this, but it can be telling. First, it might be for the above mentioned sales tactic. If you call and start asking questions, are they attempting to make you feel like you now owe them for taking the time to answer your questions?
It is not difficult to at least provide base rates on a website and what is included in a base rate. A lack of doing so can be a red flag in so many ways. Is it a ploy to get you on the phone to close the deal? Is it because they charge way more for quality results you can get for way less somewhere else?
It is not difficult for a photographer to provide pricing for some of the most commonly requested types of photo sessions. Sure, sometimes a potential client needs a custom price for a custom session. But these are typically exceptions.
Some people just want to easily and quickly book a session online. Therefore, it might be ideal for a photographer to offer online booking. This way, someone can book a session themselves and receive confirmations without needing to chat with the photographer ahead of time. However, there are some people that have questions or simply want to chat with a photographer first to see if they are comfortable with them.
So, another red flag is a photographer that is not as responsive as you need them to be. In addition, you can uncover other red flags with a conversation. You can ask about the above, like what is your website address, and do you have a commercial studio? Can I see pricing on your website?
I once went on a test drive with a car salesperson and when it was done, he invited me in to have a seat and discuss pricing. I remember telling him before the test drive that I only wanted to test drive right now because I wanted to test drive a couple of other cars I was considering. Then I would decide which one to try to make a deal for. Instead, at the end of the test drive when I reminded him of this, he said (paraphrased) with his face expressing sad surprise, “but I just took the time to take you on a test drive?” I remember giggling at this and reminding him that was part of his basic job description.
The point is, if you want to have a conversation with a photographer – or you need to because they don’t provide answers on their website – don’t feel like you owe them anything. If your goal is to chat with them to see if you vibe well with them, ask away. But be fair about. Time is still money and taking excessive amounts of their time can be unfair to them too. But ask them if there is a certain way they like to work? Are there any tips they recommend for the type of session you want, and so on.
We live in a world full of scams. Taking a bit of time to seek out red flags when searching for a headshot photographer can be important to avoid a bad situation.
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