How to choose a portrait photographer for your needs

Finding the Right Photographer for Your Portraits

I know your anxiety right now. “I hate getting my picture taken.”, or “The last person we hired, was superrrrr awkward”, or my personal favorite “How am I going to get my kids to smile”

Listen. Been there, done all that. I’m here to show you how to find the perfect portrait photographer for your portrait needs. Finding the right photographer for your portraits is so important because: this isn’t something you’re going to be doing all the time and it can be a big investment for you. Depending on your portrait photographer, you might spend anywhere from $500 to $15,000 - so you better choose properly!

Define Your Style and Vision

First things first, what do you even want with these photos. And please don’t just say to “post on my social media”. The first mark of a great portrait photographer, is that they will conduct a thorough in-home consultation with you BEFORE the photoshoot.

The photographer will be a pro with wall art design, wardrobe styling, and have at least a basic understanding of interior styling to help match your personal style with that of the photoshoot.

For instance, do you have a taste for the modern aesthetic, or farmhouse look? These will each give some influence to your wardrobe and your final wall art. Consider the following tips for common portrait design styles:

1. Modern Minimalist

• Wardrobe Suggestions: Soft neutrals like beige, white, gray, and black. Add subtle textures like knits or linen for depth without overpowering simplicity.
• Wall Art Match: Choose crisp, clean photos with light backgrounds and soft poses that enhance the minimalistic vibe.

2. Rustic/Farmhouse

• Wardrobe Suggestions: Earthy tones like olive green, burnt orange, cream, and denim. Opt for casual, relaxed outfits like flannels, maxi dresses, or boots.
• Wall Art Match: Lifestyle photos with warm lighting, outdoor settings, or candid poses that complement the natural, homey aesthetic.

3. Bohemian (Boho)

• Wardrobe Suggestions: Flowy fabrics, rich jewel tones, and soft florals. Incorporate accessories like hats, scarves, or statement jewelry for extra flair.
• Wall Art Match: Vibrant, colorful portraits with layered backdrops or outdoor settings, emphasizing personality and creativity.

4. Coastal Chic

• Wardrobe Suggestions: Pastel tones like soft blues, light grays, and sandy beiges. Consider linen fabrics, nautical stripes, or barefoot casual looks.
• Wall Art Match: Airy, beach-inspired portraits with soft light and relaxed, natural compositions.

Bonus: Read What to Wear for Your Portrait Session: Tips for Every Style for more inspiration.

A photoshoot tailored to you

Once you’ve defined your style and vision, the next step is finding a portrait photographer who can bring that to life.

A while ago, I was doing a personal brand photoshoot, and my client came in a bit frantic because she had got her hair and makeup done right before - but the hair appointment took forever and so she was running late. Thus, already was on edge.

After that, I said no more. Now, ALL of our portrait sessions include hair and makeup on location by a professional hair and makeup artist.

Ask the photographer you’re considering if hair and makeup is included, or at least available for a fee. If they already have a team they work with, they’ll be vetted for quality and professionalism - and most importantly they can get it done in a timely manner so you LOOK great and FEEL great right as we start the photoshoot!

A great portrait photographer will have discussed your vision during your in-home consultation and help determine if an in-studio session or on-location is better for you - or both!

It’s not uncommon for me to start in-studio with a client to control all the lighting, have a relaxed area for hair/makeup, get great shots in with a solid paper backdrop, then do a quick makeup touchup, and head to an outdoor location for an additional look.

Remember, you’re probably doing this maybe once a year or less, so you’ll want to make the most of the time you’ve set aside!

Seamless Selection Process

Stop me if this has happened to you before: You get an email two weeks later from your portrait photographer that your “gallery” is ready to review.

It contains 962 images.

You have to select it down to 30.

You panic. You love them all. How can you decide?

I know this feeling, because I’ve been there both as a client and the photographer doing this (disservice) to my clients. 🫣

Personally, I no longer do this. Since I’ve already gone to your home once for a consultation, I mine as well come again for your gallery reveal and select them with you! I’ll hook up my laptop to your TV (Don’t worry, I’m a pro at that) and you’ll get to see the photos in magnificent detail and display. By the way, it won’t be 962. It will be more like 30-50 of the best images.You should be hiring a photographer you trust that will know you so well to show you just the best images. From there, you can choose the ones that fit your ordering package and budget.

Plus, doing this in your home makes the whole thing so much more relaxed. You don’t have to worry about getting the kids back home to bed, or out to dinner. If they need a “break time” they’re in their comfort zone already.

Seriously, do not skip this. I’d probably call this a deal breaker if they don’t offer.

A wide variety of products

You know, there was a time before digital cameras that you never even asked for the “digitals” - but, alas, I KNOW that’s what you’re coming here for. Here’s the deal though:

You’ve spent all this money hiring someone. Maybe you bought a new outfit. You took time out of your day to attend the shoot. You worked up (some) nerves. You’re going to do all that to get a bunch of images downloaded to your phone which in one month will get buried with all your new selfies?

Meh.

Trust me—those digital files will likely stay on your phone, unprinted. Life happens, and those cherished moments deserve more than a scroll through your camera roll.

Find a portrait photographer that offers a full print assortment. You’ll want to have options ranging from matted desktop prints, to custom fine art albums, and luxury wall art. And make sure they offer top notch retouching for that wall art. You don’t want to see stray hairs out of place with a 30”x40” giant frame hanging up.

A nice bonus is a portrait photographer who can install that wall art for you. Because 👏 let’s 👏 be 👏 honest. Dad is not going to hang up that frame for at least 6 months.

If you can find a portrait photographer that offers wall art installation - hire them - like now.

For what it’s worth - I offer everything I just explained to you above. 😉 If you choose me as your portrait photographer, you’ll get an in-home design and style consultation, professional hair and makeup on-site, choice of studio and/or on-location photos, an in-home gallery review and ordering appointment, and complimentary wall art installation if you buy any wall art - and oh, the wall art is guaranteed FOR LIFE.

Here are some other things to look for when choosing a portrait photographer though:

What to Look for in a Photographer’s Portfolio

• Style Consistency: Does their portfolio align with the style you’re envisioning—bright and airy, dramatic, candid, or classic?
• Diverse Experience: Are there examples of the type of session you want (e.g., family portraits, headshots, boudoir)?
• Attention to Detail: Look for clean edits, flattering compositions, and thoughtful use of light.
• Storytelling: Does their work evoke emotion and capture authentic moments that resonate with you?

Questions to Ask Before You Book

• Process: What does their workflow look like from consultation to final delivery?
• Customization: Do they tailor sessions to your preferences, style, or vision?
• Deliverables: What’s included in their packages—digital images, prints, albums, wall art?
• Experience: How do they handle posing, kids, or camera-shy clients?
• Turnaround Time: When can you expect to see your photos or products?
• Backup Plans: What’s their policy for rescheduling or handling unforeseen circumstances?

Choosing the right portrait photographer is a personal decision that should align with your style, comfort level, and goals. Take their time, explore options, and trust your instincts.

Ready to book a portrait photographer who captures your unique story? Let’s chat about creating the perfect session for you.