There’s a “good problem” when it comes to Tybee Island photographers: there are so many talented ones to choose from! But how do you know which one is the best fit for you? (Hey Shannon, I’m guessing you’re about to tell us why you are the best Tybee photographer, right?) No, I’m not going to do that. In fact, I often share with my clients that I’m in the “making people happy” business, not the “simply making money” business. Sure, money is a byproduct of what I do, but when you focus on making people happy, you always do what’s right and integrity will take you further than money ever will.
What does that look like? Sometimes a potential client wants something I don’t specialize in, like food photography or business headshots. Could I do those? Sure, but I know other Tybee Island photographers who are better suited for those jobs. They’re passionate about it and will most likely make the client much happier. So, I’ll recommend those photographers, even if it means I don’t get the job. That’s my way of prioritizing happiness over profit.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about how to choose the best photographer for you. My first piece of advice is to not focus on price. In fact, try to avoid knowing the price until it’s absolutely necessary. (But Shannon, I’m on a budget!) I get it. But we’re not talking about a huge price difference here—just a few hundred dollars, sometimes even less. Let’s put a pin in that for now, and we’ll come back to it, I promise.
My second tip is to bookmark the websites of photographers whose work speaks to you. I don’t mean just finding their images “pretty” or “well-lit.” I mean images that move you—ones that give you goosebumps or make you feel something deep inside. Images that make you imagine what it would be like to be part of a photoshoot with them. It may take some time digging through blogs, but this step is key to finding a photographer who is right for you.
Once you’ve bookmarked several photographers whose work resonates with you, it’s time to take the next step: finding out if their personality speaks to you as well. You can get a sense of this by reading their blogs, browsing their website bio, or seeing how they respond to your emails. But nothing beats a phone call. In just 5–10 minutes, you’ll get a good sense of their motivation and whether or not you feel comfortable with them. After all, you’re going to be spending time with this person while they capture memories with you and your loved ones.
Here’s a tip for your conversation: try to avoid asking about price right away. Instead, share a bit about your situation—why you need a photographer—and see how they respond. Do they dive straight into pricing, or do they take the time to learn more about you and your needs? Do they seem genuinely interested in helping you make the most of your time on Tybee?
You’re now at the final step in choosing the right photographer for you. If you’ve stayed true to your heart during the first two steps, you’ve probably narrowed your options down to two maybe three photographers. Now, let’s talk about price. Because, yes, you do need to pay for the service they provide.
Let’s say you have two photographers left, and they’re each $100–200 more than you originally planned to spend. Let’s put that into perspective. If spending the extra money means you and your significant other can be completely comfortable around the photographer—laughing, being yourselves, and even forgetting the camera is there—isn’t that worth an extra $100–200? Even better, imagine if you connect so well that the photographer stays in touch with you long after the shoot, cheering you on as you achieve your goals. What is that kind of relationship worth?
Or think about it this way: you look at a photo of your little one, still young enough to give and receive a kiss, snuggled up to you. That photo is now over two decades old, and your child has long since flown the nest, now with their own children who cuddle and kiss them. Will you still question the extra $100–200 you spent back then for a moment that’s now priceless?
The truth is often times you’re not going to know how valuable spending a little extra is going to be until several years later or more, but I promise if you follow your heart rather than your wallet you’ll get it right every time.
