Do you know why I started my business? Not because I love photography (which I do), but because we had a one-time shot at a family photo with everyone in it and the photographer blew it. My son was home before a long deployment and some of our kids are starting to get older and move out of the house. We knew it was the one chance we would have to get a good family portrait done, something we could proudly display on the wall. I bought the clothes, got everyone ready, and then this person gave me photos that were subpar at best. It broke my heart and I decided I couldn't let anyone else go through that.
So all of that to say, not all photographers are created equal. And many people will tell you to ask if they shoot in Manual or if they shoot Raw or how long they have been in business. But don't let that fool you. I have seen photographers who have supposedly been in business for years who take subpar photos. And I have seen newby photogs who take amazing pictures. I have seen people who say they shoot in manual get the settings completely wrong and screw up a whole shoot. And I have seen others who shoot in S or I or Automatic and nail it. Don't be a photog snob.
But DO look at their portfolio. Do make sure their aesthetic matches what you are looking for. If you want something dark and moody, don't choose a light and airy photographer and vice versa. Do ask them to see an entire gallery. Many people just post their best in their portfolio, so make sure you see the entirety of a photo shoot so you can see what they deliver to customers. And yes, do ask them how long they have been doing it (but don't base your decision off that solely). In other words, do your research, don't just trust someone based off a picture in an ad. It may not even be theirs!
