Find someone with work that you connect with. Could you see yourself in their portfolio? Or does their portfolio not have anyone who looks like you in it?
Being able to see yourself in their portfolio is important, because if there isn’t anyone but models in their portfolio – that may show that they don’t have much experience posing all body types.
Find someone with good communication – Do they take days upon days to respond to you? Are they professional when they speak with you? Did anything come off as “creepy”?
Find someone who edits to your preferences.
Are you looking for someone who photoshops their images? ex: changing your waist line, removing skin, etc.
Are you looking for someone who “elevates” your beauty? ex: removing someone that can be removed in 5 minutes (blemishes, tags, etc.)
Find someone who doesn’t pressure you into anything.
Selling you on something is much different than pressuring you into something. If they are being super pushy on the phone, not listening to your questions or needs, run – FAST.
If you feel that they are pushing you too far out of your comfort zone, or too far away from what you’re wanting the outcome of your session to be (ex: you want more modest and they’re pushing for revealing, etc.), listen to your gut instinct.
Find someone with reviews that aren’t negative
Reviews matter, but it isn’t unheard of that one person is just a negative nelly. We all know one person that always has something negative to say – even if they won the lottery.. they will find something to complain about.
If a photographer has 1 review that is negative, take it to heart. If it’s iffy, ask them about it! There is no harm in asking about reviews specifically.
If a photographer has 1 negative review out of 100s, take it with a grain of salt (but also, do read it – if it gives off ‘bad vibes’ – listen to your gut!).