How to Choose the Right Photographer: Key Questions to Ask and What to Look For

Choosing the right photographer is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the final images you receive. With so many photographers available, finding the one who matches your vision and style can be challenging.

This guide will help you navigate what to look for, the right questions to ask, and considerations for ensuring your photo session reflects your unique style.

Remember, no two photo shoots will look exactly alike—and that’s the beauty of photography!

1. Identify Your Preferred Style

The first step in choosing a photographer is understanding your preferred style. Look at the photographer’s portfolio to see if their editing style resonates with you. Are the images warm-toned, with golden hues and cozy vibes? Or are they cool-toned, with a crisp, moody look? Maybe the photographer leans towards true-to-color editing, where the images look exactly as the eye sees them.

The way a photographer edits plays a huge role in the final outcome of your photos. Choose someone whose editing style you love because it’s a consistent aspect of their work. However, remember that while editing is a significant factor, other elements also influence how your final photos will look.

2. Understand That Every Photo Shoot is Different

It’s easy to be drawn to a particular photo on a photographer’s website or social media page and imagine your shoot will look exactly like that. However, it’s important to recognize that each photo shoot is unique, and there are several factors that contribute to the final result. Here are some things to keep in mind:

    •    Makeup or No Makeup? The choice to wear makeup or go au naturel can significantly impact the final look of your photos. Makeup can help define features, control shine, and enhance certain aspects of your face, giving a polished or glam appearance. On the other hand, a bare-faced look brings out a more natural and raw vibe, often resulting in a softer, more authentic feel. Whichever you choose, it’s important to match it to the style and mood you want to convey in your photos. 

•    Lighting: The time of day you choose for your shoot affects the lighting. For example, the “golden hour” (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) produces a warm, soft light, while midday light is harsher but can create a dramatic effect. Artificial lighting or indoor settings will also influence the mood. 

• Location and Background: Whether you’re shooting in a park, urban setting, or a cozy indoor space, the background will significantly contribute to the overall aesthetic. Different locations offer different vibes, and they add an important layer of personality to your shoot.

• Wardrobe: What you wear can impact not only the mood but also the colors in your photos. Bold patterns, soft neutrals, bright colors, or dark tones can evoke different emotions and looks. Make sure your outfit complements the style you’re aiming for.

When you put all these elements together, they create a one-of-a-kind photo session that reflects your personal preferences and circumstances. Your photo shoot should feel unique to you and won’t look exactly like someone else’s, and that’s a good thing! The individuality of each session is what makes photography special.

3. Ask About the Photographer’s Approach to Sessions

Before booking, talk to the photographer about how they approach their photo sessions. Some useful questions include:

    •    “How do you prepare for a session?” A good photographer will have a process for getting to know their clients, including discussing style preferences, location ideas, and any special requirements. 

  •    “Can you help with location and wardrobe suggestions?” Experienced photographers can guide you in choosing the best locations and outfits to complement your desired look.   

•    “How do you handle lighting during outdoor sessions?” This question will help you understand how comfortable the photographer is with different lighting conditions and the techniques they use to ensure quality results. 

  •    “How many photos can I expect, and what is your turnaround time?” It’s important to know how many edited images you’ll receive and how long it will take to get your final gallery.   

•    “Do you offer any guidance during the shoot?” For those who aren’t natural in front of the camera, having a photographer who offers posing guidance and direction can make the experience more comfortable.

4. Client Vision: Define Your Expectations

When browsing photographers, notice whether their images are more posed and still, or if they showcase a lot of movement and candid moments. This can greatly impact the style of your session:

    •    Still and Posed Photos: These images are often carefully arranged, with subjects looking directly at the camera or holding specific poses. They’re great for classic portraits and create a refined, intentional look. 

  •    Movable, Candid, and In-Motion Photos: These types of images capture natural moments, often when subjects are interacting, moving, or laughing. They bring a sense of energy and authenticity to the photos. Some candid shots may be slightly out of focus to enhance the feeling of motion, while others can be captured with a crisp focus to freeze a specific moment in time.   

•    A Mix of Both: Many photographers offer a blend of posed and candid shots, giving you a variety of images to choose from. If you’re unsure what you want, opting for a mix is a great way to get the best of both worlds.

Before booking, have a clear idea of what you’re looking for in your photos. Ask yourself the following:

    •    Do you want a mix of posed and candid shots, or do you prefer one over the other?    •    Are you aiming for sharp, focused images, or do you like the feeling of motion that comes with slightly blurred shots?   

•    Do you want a polished look with makeup, or a more natural appearance?

Discuss these preferences with your photographer. Knowing what you want will help them tailor the shoot to your expectations and create an experience that feels true to your vision.

5. Budget Considerations

Photography is an investment, and prices can vary significantly based on a photographer’s experience, style, and package offerings. When setting your budget, think about what aspects are most important to you: If you want a longer session, more photos, or multiple outfit changes, a higher budget may be required. Alternatively, if you only need a few high-quality images, a shorter session might be more budget-friendly. Understanding these priorities will help you choose a package that offers the best value for what you’re looking for.

6. Your Photo Shoot Should Be Uniquely Yours

It’s important to remember that no two photo shoots will look exactly alike. The final result is a combination of the photographer’s style, your makeup choices, the lighting, location, wardrobe, and even the weather. These elements come together to create a personalized experience that reflects who you are.

The photos you see on a photographer’s website or social media are examples of other people’s unique sessions; yours will be different because it will be tailored specifically to you.

Embrace the uniqueness and trust that your photographer will help capture your story in a way that is authentic and beautiful. By choosing a photographer whose style you love and being clear about your preferences, you can feel confident that your session will result in photos that perfectly capture the moments and memories you want to preserve.

Remember, the magic happens when all these elements come together, creating photos that are truly yours, distinct from any others. So take your time, explore your options, and choose a photographer who can bring your vision to life.