How to Find the Right Photographer for You

With so many talented photographers out there, choosing one can feel overwhelming. Skill alone isn’t the deciding factor — the real difference lies in how a photographer works, what they value, and whether their approach aligns with what you’re looking for.

Rather than searching for the “best” photographer, it’s often more helpful to look for the right fit. Here are a few things worth paying attention to.

1. Start with the work itself

A portfolio tells you far more than a list of services ever could.

Look closely at how photographs feel over time, not just at first glance. Notice the consistency of the editing, the way moments are framed, and how people are shown. Ask yourself whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere of the images — not just individual shots, but the body of work as a whole. If you can imagine yourself in those photographs without wishing they were different, that’s a good sign.

2. Pay attention to the photographer’s approach

Beyond aesthetics, how a photographer talks about their work matters.

Do they describe their sessions as collaborative or directive? Do they emphasise presence and process, or outcomes and guarantees? There’s no right or wrong — only what suits you.

Understanding how someone works helps set expectations and avoids disappointment later on.

3. Read experiences, not praise

Client reviews can be helpful, but focus less on superlatives and more on patterns.

Look for comments about how people felt during the session, how communication was handled, and whether expectations were clear. These details often say more about the experience than generic praise.

4. Trust and responsibility go both ways

Photography isn’t something that’s “done” to you. It’s a shared process.

A good fit means trusting the photographer’s way of seeing — and being willing to show up, engage, and participate in the experience. The strongest images usually come from this mutual understanding, not from control or performance.

5. The experience matters as much as the result

Photographs last, but the experience of making them stays with you too.

When the process feels aligned — paced, respectful, and clear — the images tend to reflect that. Choosing someone whose approach matches how you want to experience the session often matters more than chasing a particular look.

Finding the right photographer isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about recognising when a way of working feels compatible with you and your family — and trusting that alignment to guide the rest.