Choosing the right photographer can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available—including individuals who market themselves as photographers simply because they have a camera. (This reminds me of the quote attributed to Reinaldo Arenas, masterfully portrayed by Javier Bardem in the 2000 film Before Night Falls: “There are people who, because they know how to read and write, believe that they know how to read and write.”)
Not all photographers are the same, and not every person has the same needs for a photo shoot. Before you start your research, take a moment to reflect on what’s most important to you. Write those thoughts down. This is a crucial step that most people overlook.
Got your notes? Good. Now let’s get into the meat of this article, a comprehensive guide that will walk you through the criteria to consider when choosing your photographer, so you can make an informed decision. It will also give you some fresh ideas that you might not have considered yet. Without further ado, here’s the breakdown:
Portfolio Quality and Style
An online portfolio is a photographer’s visual résumé. It gives you a clear sense of the quality and style of their work. If you land on a photographer’s website without any prior reference, the online portfolio is one of the most valuable resources at your disposal. Take some time to browse through those galleries. While you do that, keep in mind these questions: Do you see a consistent visual signature in those photos? Does it resonate with you? Does it evoke the emotions you want captured in your photos? Remember: photography is both art and communication. It has a language within itself, and a skilled photographer knows how to use it to create compelling images.
Experience and Expertise
Experienced photographers have encountered a variety of situations and challenges and learned from them. Ask about their background. How long have they been practicing photography? How long have they been in business? Have they covered events or subjects similar to what you need?
Some photographers may use multiple resources to showcase their work. Social media has become very popular among photographers, sometimes to the point that some choose their preferred social media platform—instead of the traditional website—to post their work. Another resource that some photographers use to post content are blogs. The stories behind blog posts can shed additional light on the photographer’s experience and expertise, which may not be that obvious in a photo gallery for casual visitors.
Specialization
Some photographers are like Swiss Army knives—good at capturing everything, from weddings to corporate headshots. This versatility can be an asset, especially in situations where a photo shoot requires techniques used in multiple genres of photography. For example, posed action shots of an athlete or a sports team in an outdoor setting that need to balance artificial and available light will benefit from shooting techniques used in both studio and sports photography.
Specialization matters if you are looking for very specific results and don’t want anything but the crème de la crème. For example, a specialized wedding photographer who has mastered the art of low-light indoor shots will likely outperform a generalist when it comes to nailing those delicate ceremony moments. Keep in mind that hiring a specialist who knows the craft inside out will likely come with a higher price tag.
In either case, the photographer’s portfolio should reflect the necessary skills for a particular niche, ensuring better results and, ultimately, your satisfaction.
Technical Skills and Equipment
Some people believe that only expensive photo equipment can yield great results. While high-end gear alone doesn’t make a great photographer, knowing how to wield it does. A photographer must master the basics of photography and understand how the concepts vary between different cameras and lenses. An expensive camera is a waste of money in the hands of someone who doesn’t know how to make the best of it.
Have you heard of Murphy’s Law? It states that anything that can go wrong probably will. (Okay, it’s not really a law; rather, it’s a pessimistic approach to risk management. You get the idea.) That’s why a photographer who brings backup gear is invaluable. If a camera fails mid-shoot, will they have a contingency plan, or will your shoot be ruined? When interviewing potential photographers, ask them not just what equipment they use but how they prepare for unforeseen problems.
Post-Production Editing Skills
Post-production is where photos become polished masterpieces. Some photographers pride themselves on minimal editing, letting their in-camera skills do most of the work. Others embrace editing to enhance mood and aesthetics. However, beware of photographers who rely too heavily on editing to “fix” poor work. (There’s a point when an overly seasoned steak does not taste like steak anymore. You wouldn’t want to eat it, would you?)
Some photographers will let you preview photos straight from the camera. That’s a good sign—it shows they try to get things right in-camera. But those are not the final photos. In the best way, post-production is about enhancing images through color correction and minor retouching, not about drastic alterations. Ideally, a photographer should strike a balance—aiming to capture great images initially and refining them in post-production for the best possible result.
That being said, the final verdict is yours. Photography is a form of art, and every one of us is an art interpreter. Perhaps your approach is timeless and classic, or maybe your view is more avant-garde, conceptual and abstract. There are photographers for every taste and trend. Go and find yours.
Understanding of Lighting
Photography is, at its core, the art of capturing light. In fact, the word photography translates to “drawing with light.” But a photographer’s job is not just to passively capture what’s in front of them—they must know how to control the light, how to manipulate it to create well-lit, dynamic, and visually appealing images.
Natural, available light can certainly produce great results, but it can be insufficient and unpredictable. To compensate for unreliable natural light, the photographer should be able to use artificial light effectively, whether shooting indoors or outdoors. This includes the use of flash heads and other accessories to modify and shape the light and shadows. If this didn’t matter, a kid with a camera could do the job.
Style and Aesthetic
Photography is deeply personal. Every photographer has a visual signature or fingerprint—a unique style that develops over time. Similarly, each photographer develops an aesthetic language that resonates with certain moods and themes. Some prefer a classic, timeless approach with muted tones and subtle details, while others may lean toward modern, edgy and bold visuals with high contrasts.
As you browse their work, consider the mood and tone of the images. Do you sense warmth? Elegance? Playfulness? Does the style align with what you envision for your photos? The right aesthetic match will elevate your experience from good to unforgettable.
Creativity and Artistic Vision
Some photographers focus purely on documentation, while others aim to capture moments with a creative twist. Consider this: two photographers could shoot the same landscape at the same time using the same equipment, yet their photos could look entirely different based on composition, framing, and vision. That’s because some photographers simply take photos, while others create photos. The truly exceptional photographers are those who can elevate the mundane, turning an everyday moment into something worthy of appreciation—an everlasting memory. When reviewing portfolios, look for signs of creativity. Does their work surprise or move you? That’s usually the mark of someone who thinks beyond the ordinary.
Personality
Good photography requires trust and chemistry between you and the photographer. If possible, get to know the photographer. Take advantage of free consultations, not only to discuss your project, but to see how you “click” with the photographer. Use that opportunity to gauge their personality. Feeling comfortable is essential, especially for portrait sessions. Good portrait photographers know how to make their subjects feel at ease, and this directly impacts the final images. If all the direction and feedback you hear from them is “Say cheese,” chances are that your photos will not be great—unless posing comes naturally to you!
Professionalism
Professionalism is the backbone of any service—and photography is no exception. It has little to do with any credentials that a photographer can show you, such as degrees, diplomas, certificates, etc. Professionalism is about being ethical, reliable, punctual, and respectful. It’s about maintaining a standard in the way that a job gets done and the results delivered. You can often sense professionalism through small details: do they follow up after the initial contact? Do they provide clear contracts and timelines for their services? These are indicators of someone who takes their work seriously and is invested in your satisfaction.
Communication and Responsiveness
Good communication is key in any endeavor. From your initial inquiry to the delivery of the photos, your photographer should be easy to reach and responsive. Miscommunication can result in misunderstandings about timelines and deliverables. Pay attention to how quickly they respond to your initial inquiry. (Remember what we just discussed about professionalism?) If a photographer leaves you waiting days for a response, it could be a sign of future communication challenges.
Good communication is also crucial at the shooting location. A good photographer should explain the process right before the shoot begins, so everyone is aware of what’s happening and why. This does not (necessarily) mean to be verbose; instead, it’s about being clear and concise when communicating with those involved in the photo shoot.
Reviews and Testimonials
Word of mouth has become one of the most significant evaluation standards that people use, but it can sometimes be misleading. Not every glowing review tells the whole story, and some might even be fake. Carefully consider online reviews and testimonials and look beyond star ratings. Read what people say about the photographer and watch out for fake ratings or fraudulent posts. Use your judgment to filter reviews and don’t be afraid to ask the photographer about any concerning ones during a consultation.
Pricing and Value for Money
Photography is an investment, so it’s essential to understand what you’re paying for. A higher price tag doesn’t necessarily mean better photos, but it often reflects the photographer’s experience, equipment, and time commitment. Consider what’s included in the package: hours of coverage, assistants, lighting equipment, post-processing, number of final images, prints, albums, etc. Compare prices, but don’t simply choose the cheapest option. Look for the right balance between value and quality. Some photographers also offer customizable packages if flexibility is important to you.
While doing your research, remember that quality comes at a price. After all, you are evaluating people who are trying to make a living from their photography services. Instead of just focusing on the price, analyze the value, and choose the best return on your investment.
Availability
The best photographers are booked well in advance, especially during peak seasons. The last thing you want is to find the perfect photographer only to discover they’re not available on your desired date. Make sure to secure your booking early to avoid unpleasant surprises. Another aspect of availability is the photographer’s service area. If your ideal photographer resides far away from your location, don’t hesitate to ask if they’re willing to travel, as many are open to doing so for an additional fee.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Sometimes things don’t go as planned—weather changes, schedules shift, or unexpected obstacles arise. A good photographer can adapt to these challenges without missing a beat. A great photographer has a contingency plan that can be shared with you ahead of time. Flexibility also extends to working with schedules or adjusting packages to fit your budget.
Things can get chaotic during a photo shoot—babies cry, teens change their mood for no reason, pets simply won’t stop running around… In those situations, an adaptable photographer uses creativity to ensure the session remains enjoyable and stress-free. (But please, do your part and don’t simply expect the photographer will also wear the parent hat.)
Contract and Legal Considerations
A contract is more than just an agreement: it’s a legal tool to protect both parties. It should outline essential details such as scope of work, expectations, payments, deliverables, terms of service, and usage rights for the images. Make sure the contract also addresses what happens if plans change—like rescheduling due to weather or unforeseen emergencies. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification on any legal terms you don’t understand. A well-drafted contract ensures everyone is on the same page and prevents disputes down the line.