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HOW TO CHOOSE A PHOTOGRAPHER:
5 QUESTIONS TO ASK FROM YOURSELF BEFORE YOU BOOK
Maybe it’s time for a calm family photo, a favourite picture with your partner, a LinkedIn headshot that finally feels like you, or a fresh set for your website. If your last photos are three–six years old, they probably don’t tell your story anymore. With so many options (and a few scary tales), it’s easy to postpone.
I put together a short five-point checklist. Read through it and you’ll quickly narrow the field to photographers who are truly your people—so the process feels calm, and the result is something you’ll be happy to publish anywhere.
NO.1 / STYLE FIT (START HERE)
Photography is subjective; every photographer has a signature look.
Spend five minutes on a portfolio or Instagram and picture yourself in those frames—light, colour, posing, mood. If you can see you in that world, you’re halfway there
WOULD YOU PUBLISH ONE OF HER/HIS RECENT PHOTOS ON YOUR LINKEDIN/WEBSITE TODAY?
NO.2 / SPECIALTY
Many photographers—me included—work across genres, and that can help. Still, if your goal is a business/brand session, be cautious with portfolios that are only events or only product with very few people. The closer your needs are to the photographer everyday work, the smoother the session.
DOES SHE/HE SHOW RECENT, PEOPLE-FOCUSED BRAND WORK (NOT JUST EVENTS OR PRODUCT)?
NO.3 / PERSON & CHEMISTRY
Look the photographer in the eyes —watch a short video where she or he speaks, or check Stories/Reels. Do you like the tone?
Do you feel seen by how the photographer talks about clients and process? If the energy feels kind and grounded, you’ll relax on set—and it shows.
AFTER A 30-SEC VIDEO, COULD YOU SPEND AN HOUR WITH HER/HIM WITHOUT FEELING AWKWARD?
NO.4 / REFERENCES & PROOF
Scan recent galleries and testimonials. You want consistency: different clients, same level of care. Reviews from people like you—expats and freelancers in Budapest, women entrepreneurs in Budapest or Vienna—say more than a pile of anonymous stars.
CAN YOU FIND TWO RECENT CLIENT VOICES LIKE YOURS (EXPATS, FREELANCERS, WOMEN FOUNDERS IN BUDAPEST/VIENNA)?
NO.5 / PROCESS, LOCATIONS & BUDGET
Prices vary widely. Look past numbers: count the invisible costs —your time, prep, hair, studio renting. If you only book every few years, choose the photographer whose work truly resonates, not just a price. Peace of mind on the day—and images you’ll use for years—beat small savings.
And yes, a higher fee isn’t a guarantee of “the best,” make the style as a first filter the photographer.
I hope this was helpful and gave you a few gentle starting points. If it resonates, I’d be happy to help bring the photos you’re dreaming of to life.
I’m available in Beijing now, and from 2026. autumn in Budapest and Vienna. If you know someone facing the same questions, feel free to share this blog, and don’t forget, to subscribe for more useful tips.
Thanks for reading.
Mónika