As a Seattle and Shoreline Family photographer who has been in business since 2014, I have learned several questions to ask my clients but also appreciate when clients ask me questions as well. That way we can find out if we are the best fit for one another. Because most of my clients come from referrals from past clients, there is some built-in trust there. But even if you’ve received a referral of a photographer it is still a good practice to ask some questions!


1. How long have you been a photographer?

The longer a photographer has been in business, the more likely it is that it’s not just a hobby for them.

2. Which types of photography do you specialize in?

It’s uncommon for a photographer to specialize in several different types of photography as they often only specialize in a couple of genres. For example, a photographer who specializes in infant photography might not be the best candidate to shoot wedding photos unless they have the experience in doing so (or vice versa).

3. Do you have many repeat clients?

This is a great litmus test of not only the quality of a photographer’s work but of their customer service too.

4. What is your policy on rescheduling a session?

An experienced photographer will definitely have a policy in place when it comes to a customer cancelling or rescheduling a photography session. A photographer with policies indicates that they have experience with different types of customers and situations and have created policies accordingly.

5. Have you had any experience with (name your specific concern)?

If you have any specific concerns regarding your photo session such as the photographer’s ability to work with a special needs child for example, find out if they have ever handled that type of situation before. Do not dismiss a photographer and their abilities based on their answers to your concerns. If given adequate notice, an experienced photographer should be able to deal with any situation you present them. This is the hallmark of a true pro.