In this post I help you choose the portrait photographer that willv fit your vision in 3 steps.

While I love photographing many subjects, documenting my travels with my camera. Most and foremost I call myself a portrait photographer. Photographing people makes my heart skip a beat. Is it photographing someone? Learning about their personal story? Making them look amazing? Setting the perfect lighting or all of these things? 

I can tell you it’s everything! Since moving to Marseille I had a lot of opportunities to photograph beautiful beaches and landscapes. But how boy I crave photographing people. So I have started getting in touch with some models on Instagram. After a crazy time at work, I hope to devote more time to portrait photography. I think portrait photographers are so underrated these days. This blog post is about celebrating portrait photographers. Helping you find the perfect one for you to celebrate YOU.

Choosing a portrait photographer is more than just finding someone who takes nice photos. It’s about entrusting someone to capture You and celebrate your individuality. It’s about creating timeless portraits you’ll treasure forever. Whether you’re looking to honour yourself, capture a milestone, or create a family legacy, the right photographer can make all the difference. Here’s how to ensure you find the one who’s perfect for you.

Step 1: Dive Deep into Research

A portrait photographer’s work is as unique as their signature. No two photographers are the same, so it’s worth taking the time to thoroughly explore their portfolios and understand their approaches. Start with these questions:

• Who do they photograph? Are they specialists—focusing on women, families, or professionals—or do they take a more generalist approach? Specialists often bring a level of expertise and nuance to their work that can make a big difference.
• Do they show diversity? Look at their subjects—are they inclusive of different ages, body types, ethnicities, and personalities? Seeing yourself represented in their work is key to feeling confident in your choice.
• What’s their style? Is it light and airy, bold and dramatic, or somewhere in between? Make sure their aesthetic resonates with you and feels like something you’d proudly display on your walls in your home.
• Do they coach their clients? A good photographer knows how to help you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. Do they mention posing guidance or offer styling advice?
• Do their portraits connect emotionally? Great photography isn’t just about looking good—it’s about telling a story and capturing a genuine connection. Do their photos evoke emotion?

Practical considerations matter too:

• Are they transparent about pricing? Look for photographers who are upfront about their rates and package options so you know exactly what to expect.
• What products do they offer? Whether you’re looking for wall art, fine prints, or albums, make sure their offerings align with what you envision for your portraits.

Once you’ve identified a photographer you love, reach out! A conversation can help you better understand their process. It will also help uncover their personality and understand if their approach aligns with your needs. Ask about styling, session locations, their editing process, and what to expect at every stage. Clear communication will give you the confidence to move forward.

Step 2: Build a Relationship and Connection

Portrait photography isn’t just a transaction; it’s a collaboration. To truly capture your personality you need to feel a sense of trust and connection with your portrait photographer. The idea of sitting in front of the camera can be quite daunting at first, even for the most experienced model, though they had to start somewhere. It is therefore essential that you trust your photographer, knowing that you are in great hands, following their directions will help put your mind off, from being in front of the camera. Let the photographer take care of everything, guiding you to make you look at your best and feel like a star for the day; you will have images for you and your family to treasure as a result.

A skilled photographer knows how to create a comfortable environment where you can relax and be yourself. Even if you’re nervous or feel camera-shy, they’ll guide you through the process with patience and expertise.

Here’s why trust is essential:

• It helps you relax: When you trust your photographer, you can let go of self-consciousness and focus on enjoying the experience.
• It strengthens the images: A genuine connection between you and the photographer translates into portraits that feel authentic and emotive.
• It enhances the overall experience: The photoshoot should feel empowering and fun, leaving you with memories to cherish alongside your portraits.

Let them take the lead during the session. They’ll know how to pose you, adjust the lighting, and capture your best angles. Your job? To simply enjoy the moment and trust their expertise.

Step 3: Trust Their Artistic Craft

Photography is an art form, and the best portrait photographers are masters of light, composition, and storytelling. They’ve spent years refining their craft, and it shows in the final result. A great portrait photographer will know how to make the best use of lighting in portraits, to let your beauty shine through and how to coach and guide you in front of camera.

Light is a fantastic tool; don’t think that it only works for 17 years old model. Knowing how to use light is such a beautiful skill that I can’t stop learning about it, it is like a painter playing with a brush, you can decide to add a touch of light to shape a face or with shadows and make it look more defined. I can’t get enough of playing around with lighting and challenging myself. 

Whatever the source of the lighting, natural light or studio light, your chosen portrait photographer will know exactly how to lit your portrait to create a signature portrait and trust me you will be mesmerised by the results. .

Here’s what to look for in their craft:

• Creative lighting techniques: Whether soft and subtle or bold and dramatic, their use of light should enhance the mood and feel of the portrait.
• Attention to detail: From the way they pose you to how they frame the shot, every element should feel intentional and polished.
• An artistic vision: A great photographer doesn’t just take pictures—they create art. Your portraits should feel unique, timeless, and personal.

Trusting their craft means allowing them to guide you and letting go of the pressure to know how to “perform” for the camera. They’ll handle the technical details and artistic direction to create portraits that feel effortless and natural.

Why This Matters

A portrait session is more than just a photoshoot—it’s an experience. It’s a chance to celebrate who you are, capture a moment in time, and create something beautiful for yourself and your loved ones. When you choose the right photographer for you, the entire journey—from the initial consultation to receiving your final images—becomes a memory to cherish.

Get in touch if you have questions about portrait photoshoot