Today, I’ll share the 3rd key factor in selecting the right photographer for your child’s bar/bat mitzvah:
#3 – Service
The quality of client service both before and after your mitzvah event is critical to ensuring a great experience working with a photographer. A service-oriented mitzvah photographer understands the importance and meaning of the day. He or she will work hard to make the entire experience fun and keep your stress level low. You want a photographer who will listen to what you want, happily respond to questions, deliver what was promised, on time and always and be flexible in creating your album and prints. In short, a service-oriented photographer will delight you at every turn, with the experience of working together as much as with the photographs.
Ask friends and neighbors who have worked with a photographer you are considering. If you haven’t gotten a personal recommendation, ask the photographer for a list of local clients whom you can call or email. Ask questions. Try to get a sense of their approach to client service on the big day and afterwards as well.
Once you have a sense of a photographer’s style and vision, personality and the quality of service you can expect from them, you’ll know whether they are right for you and your family. Of course, budget considerations play a role for most families, but costs can be shaved on other less significant elements of your mitzvah weekend. Don’t be tempted to sacrifice heirloom quality photographs – they’re all you’ll have left when the lights come up.