There is no doubt that the photography world is flooded with tons of professionals these days. That’s awesome–it means there are so many people here to help you relive your memories through images. However, it also means that since no two photographers are alike, there might be some major differences in styles, business operations, and customer experience. When this isn’t acknowledged, assumptions can be made…and, well, I don’t need to tell you what happens when we assume.

Therefore, your photographer…

…MIGHT NOT GIVE PRINT RELEASES

Some photographers (like me) release the images to you to print where you want; others participate with in-person sales where you will be expected to order through the studio. Neither option is better than another, but don’t expect one; always ask to make sure.

…POSSIBLY DOESN’T USE PHOTOSHOP

Gasp! A photographer not using Photoshop? Now that I have your attention, let me clarify. I bet your photographer edits in Lightroom and then tweaks in Photoshop. We have the skills; it’s the time that is the issue here. It is unfair to show up for a session imperfectly and then expect your photographer to spend additional time in that program creating perfection. I’m not talking about pimples or headswaping; I mean actually altering the photo in a way that drastically augments reality, such as tucking in shirts, changing colors of pants, putting on make up (a legit request I’ve received), and things like that. While we can do a ton of cool things, many of us aren’t here for the digital creation game (I’m here for real memories of real moments), and while we will do everything to make your photos amazing, asking for some edits is crossing an unfair line and places unattainable expectations on your photographer. Some might be willing, but it isn’t a fair to again assume everyone photographer is OK with this.

…PRICES BASED ON THEIR MARKET, NOT THE MARKET

We all calculate our costs of doing business differently. It’s not clear cut and dry. I charge what I charge based on the factors of my life, and my photografriends charge what they do based on their life. Some charge less, other charge more. There’s no formula for this, so it is important for you, the client, to have a formula for yourself: What look/style do you value, what attributes you require (such as that print release), and what experience do you seek? Knowing what you want will help you find who you need.

…WANTS YOU TO KNOW WE ARE PEOPLE TOO

We love our jobs, we truly do. However, IT IS a job. Therefore we take vacations and days off and turn the phone on silent and dismiss notifications. We have tech snafus like the next career, and we make mistakes. As our clients we obviously want to love on you and treat you like the royalty you are…however, sitting and session fees to not buy full access to us. We have your back, but we also need some space to be people.

All I want for you is to have the best photography experience you can get, and sometimes with a flooded market that’s hard to find. I’m hoping these four things your photographer wished you knew help you find the photographer that is perfect for you!

Kayla Lee is a Minnesota-based wedding and elopement photographer (and handcrafter and designer on the side). She serves elegant, authentic, sentimental couples who not only choose their own adventures, but also live them to the fullest! See more about the KLP Wedding Experience!

On Mondays we educate! Check out the blog every Monday for a new post to help you plan your wedding your way! Find past posts here!