Key Questions to Ask a Professional Photographer Before Hiring Them

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There are around 121,000 professional photographers in the United States. This number has been slowly but steadily rising over the last few years.

People use photographers for many reasons. A few of the most popular photo sessions are weddings, engagements, maternity, new babies, and family portraits. So if you’re looking for the perfect person to help with your next picture-perfect moment, you’re far from alone.

With so many photographers currently in the industry, finding the perfect one can be difficult. Thankfully, you can use a few questions to help find the best ones in your area. Continue reading to learn these key questions now.

How Long Have You Been in Business?

When hiring a photographer, one of the first questions you want to ask is how long they’ve been in business. Only an excellent photographer will stay in business for years. Those who don’t do a good job or aren’t customer-oriented won’t last because negative reviews will ruin their reputation.

Do You Have Formal Training?

Many in the photography industry are self-taught, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, those with formal training tend to have a greater repertoire of tricks up their sleeves. Formal training may include college, certification courses, trade school, or internships with masters of the trade.

Can I See Your Portfolio?

Every photographer should have a portfolio of their best images to show you. Consider it a red flag if someone either doesn’t have a portfolio or doesn’t want to show you theirs. This could mean they have no experience or aren’t truly a photographer but instead someone with a camera looking to make a buck.

What Are Your Ideas for My Photo Session?

The best photographer will want you to learn more about your photo session, so it comes out perfect. They should have ideas about what will work best for poses, locations, wardrobe, makeup, and props. However, they should balance their ideas with your hopes for the photo session and not simply ignore your desires.

What Are My Locations Options?

There’s no right or wrong answer to this question. Instead, it helps you decide which local photographer is best for you.

Some photographers only do photo sessions in a studio, while others travel to any location you want them to. Still others have a few particular outdoor locations they’ll travel to for your session. Keep in mind there may be additional costs for photo sessions outside of a photographer’s immediate geographical area.

More Questions on Hiring a Professional Photographer?

With so many photographers to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to find the right one. Thankfully, the key questions above can help you find the perfect professional photographer for your next photo session.

Do you have more questions about hiring a professional photographer?

Check out our other blogs. You’ll find articles on photography, business, and related topics to help you learn more on the matter.

About Author

LaDonna Dennis

LaDonna Dennis is the founder and creator of Mom Blog Society. She wears many hats. She is a Homemaker*Blogger*Crafter*Reader*Pinner*Friend*Animal Lover* Former writer of Frost Illustrated and, Cancer...SURVIVOR! LaDonna is happily married to the love of her life, the mother of 3 grown children and "Grams" to 3 grandchildren. She adores animals and has four furbabies: Makia ( a German Shepherd, whose mission in life is to be her attached to her hip) and Hachie, (an OCD Alaskan Malamute, and Akia (An Alaskan Malamute) who is just sweet as can be. And Sassy, a four-month-old German Shepherd who has quickly stolen her heart and become the most precious fur baby of all times. Aside from the humans in her life, LaDonna's fur babies are her world.

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Albina
Albina
2 years ago

If Photographer dont give portfolio
This could mean they have no experience or aren’t truly
https://www.photographytalk.com/10-nude-photography-tips

Last edited 2 years ago by Albina
July
July
2 years ago

This is good advice, but more suitable for those who shoot portraits. I have recently enjoyed many street photography jobs which are always very interesting. I was wondering how to hire such a photographer and what to look for