5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Portrait Photographer

Choosing a portrait photographer is not something most people do often. Maybe a few times in a lifetime. So it can be tough to know what to look for, or what the warning signs are before the session day arrives.

1. A Photography Style You Love

First things first: if you don’t like the portrait photographer’s style, there’s no reason to continue. It’s no different than deciding on French cuisine for dinner and then looking at a list of steakhouses. As artists, working on our styles, signature looks, and favorite poses takes a lot of time to develop, and it should be apparent in our portfolios. Our styles may change over time as we explore our craft, but you should see a clear skill level and a clear vision on our sites. Do you like studio setups or prefer the outdoors with candid photos?

2. “Natural Light Only” and Other Phrases to Question

These kinds of phrases are red flags. Would you hire a chef who only knows how to use a stove top when an oven is the better choice for the situation? Would you hire a contractor who only uses a hammer when a screwdriver is needed? Dedicated, professional photographers use all the tools available to create the photo they see in their heads. Most experts in their fields have gone through all the training of a generalist before narrowing down their specialties, not the other way around.

There is nothing wrong with natural light for photos when it’s appropriate to the concept. The issue is that people who typically use phrases like this really mean “I haven’t trained enough to know how to shoot more than one situation.” I’ve been there, and I was upfront with clients about what stage of my career I was at. That honesty was rewarded and helped build my career. It can be great when someone becomes a true specialist and really does it well, but more often than not, “natural light only” simply means the photographer does not want to learn. Photography is about controlled light, regardless of the source, and a professional uses the right tools for the job.

Lastly, even chefs dress their plates for presentation. I believe all photographers should edit their work for that final touch and personal style. And even “candid” photographers should know how to guide clients into natural positions that also happen to be flattering. When photographers brag about doing neither, take note.

3. Personalized Photo Sessions

Though we create images for many people, I believe photographers should make sure this session is genuinely about you and tells your story. Take the time to discuss ideas upfront before reserving. I offer no-obligation consultations beforehand to make sure I understand your family’s personalities, style, and what would make this meaningful, and to develop preliminary ideas, all before you commit to anything. You shouldn’t be ignored or pushed into a scene or clothing that doesn’t work for you, and certainly not photographed without any real conversation ahead of time. That would make you just a prop. When you’re investing in custom artwork for your home, don’t you want to make sure it actually feels like you? The best luxury services are personal, and these photos should help you remember what made the day yours.

4. Digital Files Alone Are an Unfinished Product

I know this gets some photographers defensive. I started out this way too, trying to navigate the business early on, and I understand the appeal. But digital-only delivery is incomplete service. It’s also sometimes a sign of a push-you-in-and-out operation more focused on volume than on what your family actually walks away with. You’re hiring a professional artist to create something for your home, and the skill in choosing the final viewing medium is just as important as setting up the photo itself. Even in a “digital age,” viewing longevity for digital files is actually declining. The art lives in the print.

My wall art inquiries have done nothing but grow over the years, and it’s not limited to older families. Younger families are realizing it too. Seriously, how can you not smile when you walk through the door and your family smiles back at you from the wall? And why go 99% of the way with a professional, only to hand it to a drugstore or big-box printer that knows nothing about proper color management for artwork? You’re being handed the ingredients and told to bake it yourself. If you want a deeper take on why this matters, I wrote about it here: Why I Believe in Printed Photos.

5. If Your Personalities Click

This adds to the personalization piece above. If you’re going to spend real time with your photographer, the person who will draw out your best expressions and get your kids to cooperate with a stranger, shouldn’t you actually like them? If you don’t trust or click with the person, it’ll be harder to follow their direction and take their advice. Even worse, if they haven’t taken the time to get comfortable with your kids before the session, it opens a can of worms. I meet with families beforehand specifically to remove any stranger-danger feelings and gauge everyone’s personalities, so by the time the session comes, we’re basically friends. Or at minimum, your children will at least want to work with me.

In the end, this is a special occasion for you and should feel like one. Otherwise, you would just do it yourself. Any time you invest in something important in your life, it’s worth taking the time to make sure you’ll have no regrets. I know I do.

If you’d like to find out if we’re a good fit, the best place to start is a conversation. Reserve a no-obligation consultation here.