How to find the right photographer for you
I don’t just mean someone with a fancy camera. I’m referring to someone who gets you, makes you feel at ease and captures moments that actually look and feel like you. Someone to call your “photo soulmate” :-)
Here's how to make sure you pick someone who gets your vibe and doesn’t make you say “cheese” unless you're talking about snacks.
Friends
Figure out your vibe first
Beyond “nice photos”, what do you actually want? Knowing your style will help you find someone who shoots that way naturally, not just someone who can “probably do it.” Simply put, knowing your style will help you find the photographer who can create the images that you want in the style that you want.
Ask yourself:
Do I want candid, documentary-style images? Natural moments or more posed and polished shots?
Do I want someone who’ll direct every pose, or someone who lets me be wild and weird?
Check out their work
Check out their recent work on their website or their social media pages. Not only does their work show you what their capable of doing, it also shows you their style. Some BTS clips would give you a great idea of how they interact with the client.
Ask yourself: Do I see myself in these photos? Would I hang these on my wall?
If their captions or blogs make you smile. You’re on the right track.
Read the reviews
Reviews are the modern word of mouth as they give you a good idea of the amount of customer satisfaction. Look for more than just “they were great!”—dig into comments about their vibe, how they handled chaos and whether clients felt relaxed & happy.
Repeated comments about lateness, weird vibes or poor communication are obvious red flags.
Have a chat before you commit
A quick phone call or in-person meet up can do wonders. You’ll get a feel for their personality—are they laid back, detail-oriented, respectful, fun, calm, etc.
If the call/meet-up was a pleasant and did not leave you concerned in any way, you’re on the right track.
Ask:
What's your approach during shoots?
How do you help people feel comfortable on camera?
Can I see a full gallery—not just your highlight reel?
Good things are not cheap
Good photography is an investment. You're paying for time, editing, expertise, and often some emotional therapy along the way. So, match your expectations with your budget. Let them know what your budget is.
Ask what’s included in their offering. Some photographers offer digital images, others charge separately for prints or albums.
The cheapest option seldom delivers what you really want, but the most expensive isn’t always the best fit either. Determine what works for you.
Summary
✅ Check their style
✅ Read the reviews
✅ Talk to them
✅ Don’t expect a Ferrari with a Toyota budget
The right photographer won’t just take your picture—they’ll help you feel comfortable enough to be you. Trust the vibe. If it’s off, keep looking.
I hope this helps. Bless.
