I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, finding the right photographer is SO IMPORTANT!! You’ll want to make sure the photographer you choose makes you feel comfortable, is knowledgeable about what they’re doing, and their editing style matches what you’re looking for. Here are 5 questions you need to ask your next photographer, whether they’re a wedding photographer or a family photographer.

Question 1: How long have they been a professional photographer?

This is one of the most important questions you’ll need to ask your photographer, because you want to hire a photographer who is knowledgeable and has been in business for a while. If you hire a photographer who’s new to the professional photography scene, you’ll want to make sure you look at their work first before hiring them.

You’ll also want to make sure they have a contract you can review and sign. Contracts are important because they protect you and the photographer from any legal issues that may arise. If the new photographer you hire is serious about their business, they’ll also have a business bank account. You’ll want to make sure you can pay them properly and have some sort of receipt to show for it.

Question 2: What type of photography do they specialize in?

You’ll definitely want to make sure the photographer you’re looking at hiring specializes in the right area of photography you’re looking for. You don’t want to hire a photographer and find out they don’t specialize in newborn sessions. Some photographers who don’t make it very obvious of what area of photography they specialize in. So next time you’re looking for a photographer, make sure they specialize in what you’re looking for!

Question 3: Where can you find them online?

When you’re choosing a photographer, it’s important to look at their portfolio. Be sure to look at their website rather than their Instagram or Facebook. This is the best way to determine whether they’re a hobbyist or a professional. By looking at a photographer’s website, you’ll be able to decide whether their editing style fits you or not.

If the photographer does have some social media presence and they’re posting consistently, make sure it’s been within the last 6 months. If you find a photographer who takes stunning photos and their website is beautiful, but they haven’t posted new content within the last year, or they haven’t updated their website since early 2020, there’s a good chance they’re probably not in business anymore.

Question 4: How do you obtain the images they took of you, and how long will it be until you can expect to receive them?

Does the photographer deliver the images through an online gallery? Do you have to meet with them in their office and pick out the images you want? Do you get all of the images in the gallery or just a certain amount? These are super important questions you need to ask! Be sure to ask your photographer how long it’ll be before you can expect to receive your images back, but don’t overdo it.

Photographers understand how excited you are to see your photos, but depending on the session type and how busy the photographer is, it might take the photographer between 2 weeks, 1 month, or sometimes even 6 months to get the final images to you. Be patient and trust your photographer. If it feels like it’s taking them longer than normal, it’s okay to check in with them, but don’t be rude. Photographers are people with feelings too!

Other great questions to ask your photographer:

• • All clothing tips or ideas. Think of your photographer as your personal fashionista. You’ll not only look fabulous in your photos, but your photographer will thank you for asking them for help!

  • Location Ideas. Every photographer has a long list of super-secret locations for photo shoots. If you ask your photographer where they love to do photo sessions at, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

  • The best time of day to have your portraits done.

If you have any other questions that weren’t answered in this post, I’d be happy to answer them for you! You can send me an email or fill out my contact form on my website!