3 Tips for what to look for when choosing a photographer

A headshot is often the first impression people have of you or your business. Whether it’s for LinkedIn, your website, or personal branding, choosing the right headshot photographer matters more than you might think. Beyond a nice photo, you want an experience that feels easy, professional, and results in images that truly represent you.

Here’s what to look for when choosing a headshot photographer and how to know you’ve found the right one.

1. A consistent, professional style

Before anything else, spend time reviewing a photographer’s website and social media. A professional headshot photographer should show consistency across their work that aligns with their style. If the quality of their work is consistent, you’ll know what to expect when you hire them.

Look for multiple examples of the same subject, not just one or two standout images. This will demonstrate that they can produce more than one or two good images per session. On the other hand, you want to ensure their website showcases more than one or two clients, so you know they have experience. You want confidence that the photographer can consistently produce results.

Red flags:

• The photographer only displays one image per client. This is especially important if you value variety or are doing a branding session.
• They don’t have enough images on their website or social media for you to be able to tell if they are consistently producing work you like.

2. Proper lighting, focus, and natural skin tones

Strong technical skills are essential for great headshots. Images should be sharp, well-lit, and properly exposed. Skin tones should appear natural, neither overly orange, gray, or washed out. You don’t want images that don’t look like you!

Red Flags:

• Blurry/out-of-focus images on the photographer’s website and social media.
• Images that are too dark or too light with blown whites and highlights, and lack details in the whites and blacks.

3. A clear process and professional communication

From the first inquiry to final image delivery, the experience should feel organized and transparent. A professional headshot photographer will clearly explain pricing, what’s included, how to prepare, and what to expect at every step.

They should respond to emails in a reasonable timeframe and be happy to answer questions before the session.

Red Flags:

• The photographer doesn’t seem to have a clear process.
• They only send you pricing without explaining what’s included or what to expect.
• They ghost you.

If you’re interested in my opinion of why you shouldn’t use an AI headshot, click here!