How to Choose the right Photographer ?
If I wasn't a photographer and had to choose someone to take my own photos whether for a wedding, a maternity session, or newborn portraits I think the very first question I’d ask is this:
Do I actually like their photos?
It sounds simple, but it’s the most obvious place to start. And I don’t just mean the handful of curated images on their Instagram or homepage. Try to see a full gallery. The entire shoot. Because most photographers only show you a small handful of their best shots maybe 10 to 15 out of a shoot that might have 40 or more, or if it’s a wedding, hundreds.
You want to know what you’re really going to get not just the highlights.
Liking Their Photos Isn’t Everything
Yes, you should love how their images look. The style, the way they’re edited, the tones, the colours—that’s all really important. But it’s not the only thing. Because you can absolutely love a photographer’s work and still realise... they’re not the right person for you.
Photography, especially for big or emotional moments like a wedding or bringing a baby into the world is about trust. It’s personal. It’s emotional. And that leads me to one of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of choosing a photographer...
The Vibes Have to Be Right
I can’t stress this enough: do you vibe with the photographer?
Is this someone you want to spend an hour with, or a whole day with? Would you feel comfortable having them in your home, capturing intimate family moments, or sharing your wedding morning nerves with them?
Whether it’s through email, a phone call, or meeting in person get a feel for who they are. Their energy matters. This person will be with you at a very special moment in your life, one you’ll look back on forever. So they should be someone you feel good around.
That’s why it’s important to reach out not just for a quote, but to genuinely get a sense of the person. How do they communicate? Do they feel approachable? Professional? Human?
Me :)
Most People Have Never Chosen a Photographer Before
And that’s the thing it’s new for a lot of people. You might have had your photo taken before, but it was probably in a school or graduation setting where you didn’t really get a choice. You were assigned a photographer, stood in front of a backdrop, smiled, and moved on.
But this is different. Now you’re choosing someone to photograph you. For your family, your memories, your moment.
Ask About Their Process and Style
When you’re checking out a photographer’s work, don’t stop at “do I like the photos?”
Ask:
What’s their process?
What’s their style?
How do they approach a shoot?
For example, I shoot entirely on 35mm film. That means the colours in my images come from the film stock I use not a Lightroom preset or a filter. I’ll ask you what kinds of tones or moods you like, and I’ll choose the film based on that. But once the photos are taken, I’m not doing huge colour edits. I’m not Photoshopping or removing blemishes. I’m not removing people in the background. I’ll do some light corrections, but my style is very natural, very honest, and very film-based.
If someone asked me to shoot digitally or do a studio shoot with a backdrop, that’s not my thing. I’d say no. But I’d also happily refer them to another photographer who does offer that.
And that’s something really important to understand when choosing a photographer: when someone tells you “no,” it’s actually a great sign. It means they care about doing right by you. They know their strengths, and they know when to refer you to someone better suited. You want a photographer who’s self-aware and honest because that leads to better photos and a better experience.
Candid, Natural, and a Little Bit Prompted
My style is very candid. I do minimal posing. A lot of the time, I’ll say something like, “Just interact as you normally would. I’ll be over here, taking photos.” I’m not going to tell you to do stiff poses or big dramatic moves. I might give a little instruction “put your hand here,” or “stand this way” but I’m not manufacturing moments. I’m observing them.
But that doesn’t mean I never guide the process. Sometimes I ask real questions to recreate moments from your life. Like one couple who told me that during their pregnancy, the husband would hug his partner from behind while she did the dishes. So we recreated that. It was simple, real, and when they look back on that photo, they’ll remember, “yeah, that’s what we used to do.”
Another couple had a dog who loved licking peanut butter off her belly so we did that, too! A weirdly beautiful little memory, captured forever.
It’s guided, gentle recreation of things you already do, already feel, already live. Just this time I’m there to capture it
That’s what I love to capture. The real stuff. The small stuff.
Recreating the moments
Candid, fun and relaxed
Knowing What You Want (and What They Offer)
Choosing a photographer isn’t just about loving their photos. It’s about knowing what they actually offer.
Do they work in a studio or only on-location?
Do they do heavy retouching or keep it natural?
Do they shoot a ton, or just capture select moments?
For me, because I shoot film, I don’t take hundreds and hundreds of photos. I have to be more intentional. I can’t just rapid-fire and sort it out later. So sometimes I’ll have a photo lined up, but if the moment doesn’t feel right, I won’t take it. That’s part of my process and it’s something I always explain to clients up front.
I also love mirrors random, but true. I always try to get a photo that involves reflection. Whether it’s literal (you looking in a mirror) or symbolic (capturing a new season in your life), it’s something I naturally gravitate toward. Little creative choices like that give you a sense of the photographer’s personality and point of view.
And if you’re someone who has references or inspiration, I’ll always ask if you want me to incorporate that too. I’m open to trying new things—as long as it still feels authentic to my style.
I love mirrors!
Final Thoughts: Ask the Questions
If you’re considering booking a photographer, here are the big things to ask:
Do I like their full galleries, not just their Instagram?
Do I understand their pricing, and is it within my budget?
Do I vibe with them? Could I see myself spending time with them comfortably?
Do they shoot in the style I want—posed, candid, studio, film, digital?
Are they honest about what they offer (and what they don’t)?
Are they willing to refer me to someone else if we’re not a match?
If the answer to all of these is “yes,” then you’re probably in good hands.
Thanks for reading this. I know choosing a photographer can feel big and even a bit intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. But ask questions. Trust your gut. And remember, it’s about more than just photos it’s about the person behind the camera, too.
If my style sounds like a good fit for what you're looking for, feel free to check out my work or get in touch. And if it doesn’t, that’s totally okay I’ll always do my best to point you toward someone who’s the right match for you.
Because everyone deserves to feel seen, comfortable, and cared for in their photos.
