finding a photographer is easier than ever but choosing the right photographer can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re planning an elopement, booking an engagement session, scheduling family photos, or documenting a milestone, the photographer you hire will shape how your memories are captured.
Different shooting styles, personalities, editing approaches, price points, and levels of experience make each photographer completely unique. With so many options available, many people end up choosing based on price alone or on the first pretty photo they see without understanding what actually matters in the decision-making process.
This guide is here to help you navigate that process with confidence. Below are the five most important things to consider when choosing the right photographer for you, so you can feel excited about your decision and thrilled with your final gallery.
1. Personality: The Foundation of a Great Experience
Photography is personal. Your photographer is with you during intimate, emotional, or special moments—sometimes for hours at a time. Because of that, personality is a major part of the experience.
Why Personality Matters
Your photographer will influence:
- the energy of your shoot
- how comfortable you feel
- how natural your expressions are
- how relaxed and confident you look in photos
A mismatch in personality can lead to stiff poses or a less enjoyable experience. A great personality match, on the other hand, makes you feel at ease, helps laughter come naturally, and builds trust.
How to Get a Sense of a Photographer’s Personality
You don’t need to commit to a consultation call immediately. Start by exploring:
- their website’s About Me section
- their Instagram Stories or Reels
- how they write on social media and in captions
- any behind-the-scenes content they share
Once you’re interested, schedule a quick call. Talking face-to-face (or voice-to-voice) reveals so much about their energy, communication style, and approach.
2. Shooting Style: How Your Story Will Be Captured
Every photographer has a way of capturing moments. Some gravitate toward editorial and posed. Others love documentary storytelling. Some focus on candid interactions, movement, or emotion. This “shooting style” is how your photographer interprets your story.
Common Shooting Styles Include:
- Lifestyle: relaxed, candid, movement-focused
- Documentary: almost no posing, real moments as they happen
- Editorial: dramatic, stylized, fashion-inspired
- Classic/Traditional: structured posing, timeless compositions
A photographer may combine a few styles, but most lean strongly in one direction.
What to Look for in Their Portfolio
As you browse their work, ask yourself:
- Do the images feel natural or more posed?
- Are subjects moving and interacting, or are they standing still and looking at the camera?
- Are the backgrounds sharp or softly blurred?
- Do you see laughter, motion, emotion, or more formal portraiture?
3. Editing Style: The Look and Feel of Your Final Images
Editing style is one of the most important yet most misunderstood parts of choosing a photographer. Two people can shoot the same moment with the same camera, but their editing can produce completely different results.
Common Editing Styles Include:
- True to Color: natural tones, realistic skin tones
- Light and Airy: bright, soft, pastel backgrounds
- Dark and Moody: deep shadows, rich tones
- Film-Inspired: warm hues, grain, nostalgic tones
Most photographers specialize in one consistent style. Their editing is part of their artistic identity—it is not something they switch from client to client.
Why It Matters
If you choose a photographer whose editing style doesn’t match your taste, you may feel disappointed with the final gallery—even if the photos are technically beautiful.
Consistency is key. A great photographer’s portfolio should feel cohesive from one gallery to the next. That shows you exactly what you can expect for your own session.
4. Budget: Understanding Pricing and Value
Budget is an important and practical part of your decision. Photography pricing varies greatly depending on:
- experience
- location
- equipment
- business expenses
- demand
- type of session
- time spent shooting and editing
Before you begin searching, set a realistic budget so you know what range to look in.
5. Experience: Skills, Problem-Solving, and Preparedness
Experience is more than just “years in business.” It’s about how a photographer performs in real conditions, with real people, and real challenges—not just perfect situations.
Consider the Type of Photography You Need
Different sessions require different skill sets. Ask yourself:
For Families:
- Do they work well with kids?
- Can they handle tantrums or camera-shy little ones?
- Do they keep the session fun and fast-paced?
For Weddings or Elopements:
- Have they photographed weddings before?
- Do they help with timelines or planning?
- Are they comfortable in unpredictable weather?
- Do they know how to pose groups and manage family dynamics?
- How do they back up and protect your images?
For Surprise Proposals:
- Do they know the location and help plan logistics?
- Are they discreet and experienced with timing?
- Do they have backup ideas for weather or crowds?
Why Experience Matters
Experienced photographers know how to:
- work under pressure
- adapt to unexpected situations
- guide poses naturally
- handle tricky lighting
- keep their cool (and help you keep yours)
- deliver consistent results in any environment
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, choosing the right photographer is about more than pretty photos. It’s about:
✨ a personality you feel comfortable with
✨ a shooting style that matches your vision
✨ an editing style you truly love
✨ a budget that feels right for you
✨ experience that matches your needs
A photographer isn’t just someone who takes pictures—they’re someone who documents the moments that matter most. They want you to love your gallery just as much as you do. By considering these key factors, you’ll feel confident knowing you made the right choice for your story, your memories, and your experience.