How to Choose the Right Portrait Photographer for your needs

Choosing a portrait photographer is less about finding the “best” photographer and more about finding the right fit for what you want the images to be. Different photographers specialize in different approaches, and understanding those differences can help you choose someone aligned with your needs, personality, and goals.

This guide was written by Conor Jensen, a professional portrait photographer based near Park City, Utah, to help individuals and families understand the different styles of portrait photography and how to choose the photographer that’s right for them.

Here are a few things to consider when deciding who to work with.

Start with the purpose of the images

Before looking at portfolios, ask yourself why you want the photos.

Some common goals include:

Professional or commercial use
Highly styled or fashion-inspired portraits
Traditional family portraits
Natural, candid, or documentary-style images
Legacy or memoir-focused storytelling

A photographer who excels at one of these may not be the best fit for another. Being honest about your goal helps narrow the field quickly.

Understand different portrait styles

Portrait photography isn’t one-size-fits-all. Most photographers lean toward one or more of the following approaches.

Posed or editorial portraits
These sessions are more directed and structured. The photographer actively controls posture, expression, and lighting to create a polished or dramatic result. This style is often used for branding, modeling portfolios, or commercial work.

Lifestyle or lightly guided portraits
This approach blends guidance with movement and interaction. There may be prompts rather than strict poses, allowing expressions to emerge more naturally while still maintaining structure.

Documentary or memoir-style portraits
These sessions focus on presence, environment, and real moments. Posing is minimal, and the photographer observes more than directs. This style is often chosen for personal, family, or legacy-driven work.

None of these styles is better than the others. The best choice depends on what feels right for you.

Look at how people appear in the images

When reviewing a photographer’s work, pay attention to the subjects rather than the editing.

Ask yourself:

Do people look comfortable or tense?
Do expressions feel intentional or spontaneous?
Is there consistency across different types of people?

A strong portfolio should show the photographer’s ability to work with a wide range of personalities, not just one type of client.

Ask about the experience, not just the images

Two photographers with similar portfolios can offer very different experiences.

Some sessions are fast-paced and highly structured. Others are slower and more conversational. Neither is wrong, but one may suit you better than the other.

Helpful questions to ask:

How much direction will there be during the session?
Is there time to settle in, or is the session tightly scheduled?
What happens if someone feels uncomfortable in front of the camera?

The experience shapes the final images more than most people realize.

Consider how the images will be used long-term

Think about where the photos will live after the session.

Some people want images primarily for online use. Others want printed work, albums, or framed pieces that will be kept and shared over time.

A photographer should be able to guide you on:

Image resolution and print quality
Albums or archival options
How images are delivered and stored

This is especially important for family or legacy portraits.

Trust communication and comfort

Technical skill matters, but communication matters more.

You should feel comfortable asking questions and confident that the photographer understands what you’re hoping to create. If the conversation feels rushed or overly sales-focused, that often shows up in the final result.

The right photographer helps you feel at ease before the camera ever comes out.

Finding the right fit

There are many talented portrait photographers, and each brings a different approach to their work. Taking time to understand styles, pacing, and experience helps ensure you choose someone aligned with your expectations.

At Conor Jensen Photography, sessions are guided by conversation, patience, and an emphasis on authenticity. This approach tends to resonate with people who value subtle expression and images that feel personal rather than performative.

If you’re unsure which style fits your needs, a brief conversation can often bring clarity.

Book a consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a portrait photographer?
Choosing a portrait photographer starts with understanding your goal for the images, then finding someone whose style, experience, and working approach align with that goal.

What should I look for in a professional portrait photographer?
Look for consistency in their portfolio, clarity in how they guide sessions, and an experience that matches your comfort level, whether that’s structured posing or a more natural approach.

Is posed photography better than candid photography?
Neither approach is better. Posed photography works well for polished or commercial images, while candid or documentary-style photography often appeals to people who value natural expression and storytelling.

A woman with dreadlocks tied up in a bun, wearing a patterned headscarf, earrings, and a sleeveless lace top, smiling outdoors in black and white.

Young woman wearing a white shirt dress and sunglasses, standing outdoors with ruins and a partly cloudy sky in the background.

Family of four sitting in a grassy field during autumn, smiling at the camera. The family includes a mother, father, daughter, and son, surrounded by tall, dry grass and trees in the background.

A man with dark hair, wearing glasses, a white dress shirt, and a dark blazer, standing indoors with sunlight streaming in from the windows behind him.