When you find yourself in need of a photographer’s services, the options can feel overwhelming. There’s no shortage of photographers in Las Vegas, and each one has their own strengths and weaknesses. Whether you’re looking for corporate headshots, senior portraits, or event photography, the Las Vegas photographer you choose will determine if your photos match your vision.
As important as it is to choose the right Las Vegas photographer for your needs, most people aren’t well-versed in how to navigate that choice. In this article, we’ll walk through three common mistakes we see time and time again in the decision-making process, and how you can avoid them to book with confidence.
Mistake #1: Not Considering the Style of Photography You Actually Want
Whether you realize it or not, there’s probably a style of photography you have in your head for your project. You may not have the right words for what you’re imagining yet, but nevertheless, there’s a type of photo you’ll be thrilled with - and, perhaps more importantly, a number of styles that you’d be upset to receive as your end product.
Take the two images below. Both are business headshots, and both feature a professional man in similar clothing with a pleasant expression. The differences between the two, though, give the viewer unique impressions of the subject of the headshot.
Once you’ve determined the style you’re looking for, comb through photographers’ portfolios and look for that style specifically. Most clients only look for quality in a portfolio, but savvy ones will look further to determine which photos are more relevant to their own vision.
Mistake #2: Choosing the Cheapest Las Vegas Photographer Based on Price Alone
Las Vegas is a competitive photography market, which means you’ll find a wide range of pricing options. According to research conducted by HeadshotPro, Nevada is actually the state with the least expensive median headshot package prices in the U.S., so clients here may already be accustomed to low costs.
While not a universal truth, most new photographers just starting out will feature lower rates while seasoned professionals tend to be more expensive. Of course, most clients want to save money where they can, but going with the lowest quote just to cut costs can backfire in the long run.
Photographers who drastically underprice their services often do so because they’re still building experience, working with lower-quality equipment, or because they offer minimal editing. That might be fine in some situations. But, if you’re hoping for polished, professional results, you could end up disappointed.
Even worse, you may find yourself needing a re-shoot or paying extra to have someone else fix the images. This can end up costing more than hiring a qualified Las Vegas photographer from the start.
Mistake #3: Blindly Trusting a Friend or Colleague’s Recommendation
A personal recommendation can be gold when it comes to booking a service like photography. In fact, Nielsen’s 2021 Trust in Advertising Study revealed that 88% of their respondents across 56 countries “most trust recommendations from people they know”. If someone you trust had a great experience with their Las Vegas photographer, you have better odds of also having a great experience, right? Well, that’s at least probably the case.
There are a number of other factors that can come into play that can impact how you feel about the photos you receive. Your best friend’s wedding photographer might not be as skilled at convention headshots. Or, maybe your brother-in-law’s laid-back personality allowed him to work well with a disorganized, chronically-late photographer, while your need for proactive communication wouldn’t fit.
We’re not saying you should throw out a recommendation, only that you’ll see more success if you evaluate each photographer on their own merit regardless of personal connections. Just as it’s important for you to be familiar with the photography style you’d like to see, it’s also crucial to define the other aspects of the relationship that are important to you. Depending on your priorities, you might ask about the editing process, turnaround time, and scheduling availability beyond technical capabilities.
Let’s Talk About Your Project
At the end of the day, hiring a photographer isn’t just about finding someone with a camera. It’s about partnering with a professional who understands your goals, communicates well, and delivers work that reflects your vision.
Take your time, ask thoughtful questions, and trust your instincts. And, if you see your vision reflected in our portfolio and you’d like to have a conversation, let us know.