Choosing a photographer for your Clemson graduate portraits is a big decision! These photos will celebrate one of your biggest accomplishments and you’ll have them for a lifetime. With so many talented photographers in the area, how do you find the right fit for YOU? Here are the most important things to consider when making your choice.
Look at Their Portfolio and Style
Every photographer has a unique style, and you want to make sure theirs matches what you’re envisioning for your portraits! Spend time looking through their website and Instagram to see their recent work. Do you love the way they capture light? Are the poses natural or more formal? Do their colors feel warm and vibrant or soft and muted?
Pay special attention to their Clemson graduate sessions specifically. Do they know the best campus locations? Can they work with different lighting situations? You want someone who understands how to make Clemson’s iconic spots look absolutely stunning while making YOU the star of the photos!
Read Reviews and Testimonials
What are other Clemson students and graduates saying about their experience? Reviews can tell you so much about what it’s actually like to work with a photographer. Look for comments about communication, professionalism, how comfortable they made clients feel, and whether the final photos exceeded expectations.
Don’t just focus on the pretty pictures (though those matter too!). The best photographer is someone who makes the entire experience enjoyable from the first inquiry to the final gallery delivery.
Consider Their Experience with Clemson Locations
Does the photographer know Clemson University inside and out? Someone familiar with campus will know the best times to avoid crowds, where to find the most beautiful light at Tillman Hall, and those hidden gem spots that make your portraits unique.
Local experience matters! A photographer who regularly shoots at Clemson understands the flow of campus, knows backup locations for weather issues, and can guide you to spots that perfectly match your vision.
Evaluate Their Communication Style
From your very first interaction, pay attention to how the photographer communicates. Do they respond promptly to your questions? Are they enthusiastic about your session? Do they take time to understand what YOU want?
Your photographer should make you feel heard, valued, and excited about your session! If someone makes you feel rushed or doesn’t seem interested in your vision during the booking process, that’s probably how you’ll feel during your actual session too.
Understand What’s Included
Make sure you’re crystal clear on what comes with your session! How long is the session? How many locations can you visit? How many outfit changes are included? When will you receive your photos and in what format?
Understanding exactly what you’re getting helps you compare photographers fairly and ensures there are no surprises later. The right photographer will be completely transparent about their process, pricing, and deliverables.
Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, choose someone who makes you feel EXCITED about your graduate portraits! You should feel confident that they’ll capture this milestone beautifully and that you’ll actually enjoy the experience. If something feels off or you’re not completely comfortable, keep looking.
The right photographer will make you feel at ease, understand your vision, and create an experience that’s just as memorable as the final photos!
Questions to Ask Before Booking
Here are some great questions to ask potential photographers:
- What’s your typical turnaround time for delivering photos?
- How many edited images will I receive?
- What happens if we need to reschedule due to weather?
- Do you help with posing and feel comfortable directing?
- Can I see full galleries from recent Clemson graduate sessions?
Ready to book your Clemson graduate portraits with a photographer who knows campus, understands your vision, and will make you feel amazing in front of the camera? I’d love to chat about creating stunning portraits that celebrate your incredible achievement! As a local Clemson photographer who’s captured countless graduate sessions on campus, I’m here to make this experience fun, stress-free, and absolutely worth it. Contact me today and let’s start planning your session!
