SHOUD I?
You are preparing for your maternity session and you search on Pinterest or Instagram "maternity photos ideas". The amount of photos that popped up are limitless. You're staring to get really excited and immediately send a bunch of photos to your photographer only to get a text back saying " I'm sorry but I don't do those types of photos or sets."
Sigh*
Now you are nervous!
"Did I make a mistake hiring this photographer?"
MAYBE I SHOULD'NT?
As a professional photographer I do not mind when clients send inspo photos. Many times those photos are very helpful and provide me with ideas I can incorporate for my client's photoshoot. However setting expectations is important. Many times, clients send inspo photos of styles I do not shoot or sets I do not have. This is when, as a professional, you must be clear and honest at communicating what you can or cannot do.
I never over promise!
do your research!
Prior to hiring a photographer you must be familiar with their style. If your photographer does not have a website or plenty of samples on social media, I would consider finding someone else.
Look through their galleries and see what they can offer. This will help set the expectation of what they are capable of and will prevent from having disappointments in the future.
girl, be for real!
Once you are familiar with a photographer's work and you decide to hire them, keep in mind what you see is what you get. You cannot hire someone and expect completely different results from their portfolios. Do not set that bar too high expecting results that don't even match your photographer's work.
SHOULD I SEND INSPO PHOTOS THEN?
ABSOLUTELY!
I highly recommend sending those inspo photos prior to hiring your potential photographer that way you can both determine whether you are a good fit or not.
As mention above, those samples can also help with your photographer's creativity and push some cool new ideas that will help them for future bookings.
BUT...
COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY.
Be open to communicate with your photographer your expectations as they should also be open to communicate theirs.
