Questions To Ask A Photographer Before Hiring

It may seem like common sense: choosing a professional photographer should never be about finding the cheapest option. These images will capture memories:the time, the place, the people, and the relationships. Those things can only be captured once.

All too often, the cheapest option is the photographer with the least experience and know-how. When you’re investing time, money, and energy in choosing a photographer: selecting outfits, picking a location, scheduling the session, and deciding which images will hang prominently in your home, you’re investing in the creation of family memories.

“Cheaper” will always end up being expensive in all the wrong ways.

We here at PCP have created a series of questions for you, the client, to ask your potential photographer. Our goal is to help you find the RIGHT photographer for your family…not just the most “affordable” one.

If you’d like a printable of these questions without all the pesky details please scroll down below to save for printing this easy to use questionnaire

Questions To Ask A Photographer Before Hiring:

1. “How long have you been in business?“

Time working as a photographer. This is a solid indicator of experience. Photographers who have managed to run a professional photography business for years are far less likely to be hobbyists experimenting with their new-ish camera on your family and your memories. Yes. Longevity matters: it shows this photographer has figured out how to sustain a business, serve clients well, and deliver consistent results.

2. “Do you specialize in any particular type of photography?“

Professional photographers often specialize in one genre over another. A specialist who focuses on newborn photography certainly can create some stunningly lit images of a single subject in a fairly controlled environment however their style will likely not translate during a large extended family session with 10, 15 or 20 people unless they have specific experience in dealing with larger groups.

Takeaway: ask what they specialize in and whether your session type is in their wheelhouse.

3. “Do you have many repeat clients?“

This is a great litmus test for both photography quality AND customer service. If a photographer’s clients keep coming back, you can be sure that the photographer is doing something right. If they don’t? That’s worth noting. It doesn’t mean you should cancel them right away but it is something worth weighing in your decision making process.

4. “What are your policies for rescheduling a session?“

A photographer with experience has encountered many a client scenario and rescheduling sessions (especially for outdoor based photographers) is a biggie. The experienced photographer will already have policies in place for rescheduling as it is one of the most common issues photographers encounter in general.

If you don’t see policies? It may be a red flag. Policies for various scenarios are a pretty good indicator for of professionalism in business ownership. A photographer with clear policies has been through enough sessions to anticipate potential issues and plan accordingly.

5. “Have you had experience with [insert your specific concern]?”

If you’re having a photography session with a child with special needs, sensory sensitivities, or any other specific concern: be sure to ask if your photographer has any experience in this area. We here at PCP suggest not automatically ruling out a photographer who says no – many experienced pros can adapt to new situations with adequate notice. But it’s worth asking so you know what to expect and you could run a scenario by the photographer during your evaluation convo about how they would handle xyz situation with your child. Judge the photographer more by that answer than the lack of experience.

6. Does your personality mesh with mine?

Not really a question to ask them, it’s really about checking your own gut.

A photographer’s main job is to capture genuine connection and emotion. If during the conversation the vibe with your photographer feels “off” or if their personality simply doesn’t click with yours, chances are very high that the perceived initial disconnect will show up during the session. And ultimately that disconnect will show in your images.

Trust your instincts. Even if a photographer is published, has won awards and is dirt cheap: no amount of savings is worth a disappointing photography experience. You only get ONE chance to capture THIS moment.

What You Should Tell Your Photographer When Booking Your Session

Help your photographer give you the best experience possible by sharing these details upfront:

1. If anyone has a disability or need that could affect interaction with the photographer or camera

Let your photographer know in advance if there are any issues with anyone being photographed. Something as simple as “Suzy doesn’t make easy eye contact.” “Jimmy is a bit hyper.” These sort of insights can prove golden to how the photographer strategizes session flow. This allows the photographer time to research, prepare for any needed accommodations, and allows time for conversation with you about how to make the session comfortable and successful for everyone involved.

DURING BOOKING

2. Ages of subjects being photographed (especially if under 18)

A good professional photographer will ask you this themselves, but if they don’t then we at PCP highly suggest volunteering it. Ages of subjects often will affect session length, timing, and approach.

3. Names of subjects

Again, a solid pro photographer will ask you this first as they too are interviewing you. But having names ready helps your photographer personalize the experience and connect with your family from the start.

4. Times when little ones get cranky (naps, hunger, meltdowns)

“The witching hour” – all parents know it a little too well. Truly it is in everyone’s best interest to avoid scheduling during nap times or before a meal. Share your kids’ schedules so your photographer can work around peak crankiness windows.

5. Ask “Can I bring snacks?“

Ask your photographer if snacks are okay during the session. Littles can be bribed and cajoled with the prospect of a fruit snack or other (relatively) stain free snacky option. Sometimes photography sessions may be located in a spot away from your home and travel + unfamiliar settings + the comfort of something familiar (a known treat for example) can be the difference between melt-down-city and beautiful emotive photographic opportunities.

If snacks are a go, then yes PLEASE make sure they’re NOT sticky, gooey, messy, melt-prone, or likely to stain skin or clothes.

Think: Cheerios, pretzels, tortilla chips, baby carrots, cucumbers, etc.
NOT: melty chocolate, Doritos – really anything that requires wet wipes when you may not have them

6. Any scheduling conflicts or time constraints

If dad has to be back at work by noon, if someone needs to leave early, if there’s a hard stop time—tell your photographer upfront. They can plan the session flow accordingly and prioritize the most important shots first.

RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR

If your photographer:

• Hesitates and/or avoids answering these questions
• Seems defensive or dismissive
• Has a personality that feels “off” or doesn’t mesh with yours
• Doesn’t ask YOU any questions in return

…those are red flags. Trust your gut. A bad photography experience isn’t just disappointing. It can be a financial mistake and more importantly a stress filled experience for a missed opportunity to capture irreplaceable memories.

Choose the photographer who feels RIGHT, not just the one who costs the least.

#1 LINK: And as promised – a printable Q&A form of this article that will allow you to, literally, fill in the blanks: DOWNLOAD QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER

If you need more help evaluating photographers:
#2 LINK: We’ve created a comprehensive 19-Point Professional Photographer Evaluation Checklist that covers portfolio quality, business professionalism, communication skills, and technical expertise. Use it alongside these interview questions to make the most informed decision possible.