Although there will probably always be a need for bricks and mortar photography studios, the savvy photographer is going mobile. It can be too much of a hassle in time and gas money to bring yourself to a photography studio, so you need to go to the customers, instead. When the customers don’t have to pay for travel, they tend to spend on extra prints. Even premier professional portrait photographer Annie Liebovitz went to the Queen of England instead of the other way around.

Cooperation Opportunities

Have you ever gone into a pet store and seen a display about a pet photographer coming to the store? If you’ve ever come back on pet photography days, you know the lines go out the door. This also happens for children’s professional photography or for any formal portraits, which can often be quickly set up in the corner of a large department store.

And what photographers do these stores pick on these busy days? They pick photographers with a mobile photography studio. Although some chain stores, like Sears, might have their own in-house photographers, for the most part, if you contact a store to set up a portrait day, you’re going to get some action (provided you have good references and a great portfolio, that is.)

Stocking Your Vehicle

You don’t need to bring everything and the kitchen sink along to your next portrait gig. You do need a van, truck or at least a station wagon filled with lighting equipment, extension cords, extra batteries, different colored background drapes or cloths, a tripod, some reflective umbrellas or cards to help with your lighting and a vast array of props. Usually, adults don’t need any more props than a chair. But pets and kids need some squeaky toys to get their attention, at least. And, of course, you need a camera or two.

The Darkroom

Just about the only thing you can’t stock in your mobile photography studio is a good darkroom and your darkroom chemicals. Professionals who want to make creative photography out of even the most basic portrait need to develop their own pictures. Many photographers can do away with the need of a darkroom altogether by going digital. That way, their laptops, their memory cards and their cameras become the photography studio darkroom. Some artists claim that the quality of a real live film photography studio can’t be matched, but technology is very quickly catching up with the imagination.

For hundreds of years, portrait photographers have been employed to capture images of individuals and families to pass down through the generations. The photographs taken by portrait photographers can disclose details about past generations that would otherwise be unknown. History books come to life when they include portraits of famous individuals like Robert E. Lee and Abraham Lincoln. Portraits are a very important part of our lives, preserving both cultural and individual family histories. Many families consider the portraits that have been passed down from generation to generating to be heirlooms. Since portrait photographs are so significant, it is important to choose the right portrait photographer for the job when you decide to have portraits taken.

What to Look for in a Portrait Photographer

When you get in touch with a portrait studio, the first question you should ask is how long they have been in business. Photographers should have several years of experience. They should also have all of the equipment needed to produce the quality portraits you would expect from a professional, including flashes, lighting, corrective airbrush technology, clothing, make-up and hair stylists, and props. They should have everything you need to create memorable portraits that can be treasured by generations to come. Some people expect more than just lights and posing from the photography studio; they want a professional make-up artist and hair stylist to glamorize and enhance their appearance. A studio that can provide make-up and hair styles, and clothing like dresses and costumes, can create extraordinary portraits that truly stand out from the rest.

You should inquire with the studio about the different photo packages they have available and how much they cost. This will allow you to compare packages and prices from different studios so you can get exactly what you are looking for at a price that fits your budget. If you want individual shots taken in addition to family or couple portraits, you should be sure and ask the studio if the portrait photographer will be able to do all of the shots at one appointment. It might be necessary for an additional appointment to be scheduled for the individual portraits.

You may be in need of location or outdoor portraits and it is important to discuss that with the studio because some of them only do in-studio work. Some portrait photographers are specialized and focus mainly on particular types of portraits, such as wedding or children photographs, while others may concentrate on family portrait photography. Various portrait photographers are willing to hold sessions in the comfort of your home or nearby locations that reflect your personality and lifestyle, while others are not able to do in-home sessions because they lack transportable equipment. No matter what you needs or budget is, if you check around with different studios, you will be able to find a portrait photographer who can capture stunning, unforgettable images that you and your family can all enjoy and be proud of.