How To Choose A Professional Photographer // Session with Lauren Lefevre of Edit by Lauren
You did it! You launched your blog.
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After countless hours finalizing your blog’s design, copy and graphics, you’re finally ready to share it with the world (you should probably throw yourself a party just for that)!
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Only one vital detail is missing — gorgeous photos of you. Images that make you feel confident, happy and proud to share with your readers, family and friends.
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You feel like any photos you do have don’t look on par compared to other bloggers.
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You’ve tried having your friends take them for you — you may have even hit up your parents to snap a few photos, but it’s just not cutting it (and let’s face it, it's sometimes a little awkward in front of the camera if you don’t have any direction).
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And then there’s editing. You’re still pretty new to Photoshop and slowly learning the tools but honestly, you’ve got more important things to do to get this blog launched than using the clone stamp tool over and over again, am I right?
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You’ve also tried using a tripod and timer on your camera to take the perfect shot. And you know it’s doable but it’s just taking forever to find the right focus, composition and lighting. And there are so many shots you just can’t get with the tripod!
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You know you’re ready to go pro. And that’s just what you’re going to do.
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So what’s the first step you should take in finding a photographer who’s going to blow your mind, make you feel gorgeous (and confident) and give you images that are going to bring you not only traffic and new followers — but also income.
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(We both know you didn’t start your blog just to make money, but you know it’s down the line, and why not monetize something you’re spending all your nights and weekends on?)
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There are lots of photographers around you. You’ve seen some of their images on Instagram and Facebook, checked out their portfolios and weighed your options.
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You’ve narrowed it down to a few that you really like. So what’s it going to come down to?
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Who can get you the results you’re looking for? Here are a few things you can look for when trying to decide who to shoot with:
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Find a photographer who fits your aesthetic
Every photographer will be a little different in their shooting and editing style. It’s important to find someone whose work you admire. Make sure you’ve taken a look at their portfolio and decide if it fits with your blog’s branding and personality. I love bright images with lots of color and gorgeous bokeh. I also get really excited when bloggers want to collaborate on creative shoots complete with props and fun locations.
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Find a photographer who matches your level of creativity
Are they willing to collaborate with you on new ideas and locations? Do you have a great idea for a shoot you’ve never seen before and really want to turn it into a reality? If you find someone who’s open to new fun ideas, don’t be afraid to pitch them your vision! I love collaborating with bloggers prior to shoots to craft the most creative and customized shoot for their blog and brand.
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Find a photographer who can help you reach your goals
What are your goals as a blogger? I worked with a blogger in Dallas who had been trying to get into rewardStyle and hadn’t yet been accepted. After working with me a few times, she was accepted! It felt so good to help her reach one of her blogging goals (and now make money from it)! Other bloggers I've worked with have received more blog views than ever the day they posted our shoot, a 46% increase in Instagram followers and have redone the entire homepage of their site to match the quality of the images (just to name a few).
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My goal for every blogger I shoot with is for them to reach whatever blogging or business goals they have (more followers, greater branding, more income) by creating gorgeous images.
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Is your goal to get into rewardStyle? Let’s do it.
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Rebranding your entire blog for your launch or anniversary with images that make you feel confident and beautiful? Done.
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Planning a super creative shoot with pineapples, palm trees and champagne? Dream shoot!
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If you’re ready to go pro with your blog’s photography, get more followers and earn money, I’d love to shoot with you. You can find out all about my blogger sessions here.
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That said, I'd love to share my shoot with Lauren Lefevre, a wardrobe stylist and fashion blogger at Edit by Lauren. I got to meet and shoot with Lauren while she was in town for rewardStyle the Conference in Dallas this year — and she is the sweetest!
