Are you asking yourself: “How to evaluate a photographer?”
…then you really are in the right place!!
Not sure what ‘eye focus sharpness’ or ‘post-processing skill’ actually means? We’ve got you covered. Our comprehensive evaluation guide breaks down each of these 19 criteria in plain English. Read our full guide discussing the 19 points in detail
Please note: This evaluation is private and for your use only and not saved. It’s designed to help you assess a photographer’s professional practice before making a hiring decision.
🔍 Photographer Evaluation Recommendations
| Score Range | Photographer Level |
|---|---|
| 15-19 | Exceptional Professional Photographer |
| 12-14 | Strong Professional Photographer |
| 8-11 | Developing Professional Photographer |
| 0-7 | Not Recommended |
What The Score Means:
19 Points: Exceptional
CONGRATS!! You’ve found a unicorn! This photographer likely possesses the perfect combination of professional and artist! Your experience hiring this professional is sure to be seamless and you will be highly likely to fall in love your images…over & over & over again.
Next steps:
–> Read through our article on QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER
–> Consider printing out our handy Q&A form on that page (in PDF form) to ask the photographer(s) you interview or CLICK HERE to get the printable Q&A PDF
13-18 Points: Strong Professional
You’ve found a photographer who is running a real business and that possesses solid fundamentals. Worth checking out for sure.
Next steps:
–> Review our article: NOT ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS to prep yourself for the next steps
–> Read through our article on QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER
–> Consider printing out our handy Q&A form on that page (in PDF form) to ask the photographer(s) you interview or CLICK HERE to get the printable Q&A PDF
8-12 Points: Developing Professional
You’ve found a photographer that has a little potential. They have some of the pieces in place for professionalism but may still have significant gaps in their practice. LOOK FOR THE RED FLAGS in the NOT ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS article.
Next steps:
–> Consider reading through our thorough article on WHAT IS CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHY
–> Read through our article on QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER
0-7 Points: Do Not Recommend
You’re dealing with someone who is absolutely missing critical business fundamentals. Honestly this is likely a hard pass – but they’re your dice to roll.
Next Steps:
Review our articles:
• Not All Photographers Are Professional Photographers
• Questions to Ask Your Photographer [there is a pdf download for you print up at this link]
• Why Supporting Small Business Photography Matters
• Why Choose Custom Photography?
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Please credit any excerpts you use on your site or blog by copying and pasting the following on your site or social media page (with appropriate links enabled):
“This article was written by Marianne Drenthe of Marmalade Photography www.marmaladephotography.com and can be found at the Professional Child Photography site at www.professionalchildphotographer.com“
Usage Terms for Tools & Calculators:
This tool is free for personal business use. You may NOT copy, replicate, modify, or redistribute this tool for profit. Share the link, don’t copy the file. Credit the source. Be professional.