You’re scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest and you see a stunning newborn session, a beautiful maternity shoot, or a family portrait that makes you stop and think: I want that for us. So you decide to hire a photographer.
But then what? What are you actually paying for? What happens next? Do you get to tell them what you want, or do they just do their thing?
If you’ve never hired a photographer before, these questions feel overwhelming. Worse, you might not even know what you don’t know. I’ve watched countless first-time clients come to me feeling confused and stressed because they didn’t ask the right questions upfront. By the time they realized something wasn’t what they expected, it was too late to change course.
The good news: asking the right questions is simple. And the photographers worth hiring want you to ask.
What’s Actually Included in a Session?
This is the single biggest source of confusion.
When photographers talk about a session, they can mean very different things. Some photographers charge a session fee and then everything else is à la carte. You pay to show up, they take photos, and then you choose what to buy – digital files, prints, albums, whatever. Nothing is included beyond the photographer’s time.
Other photographers include a small number of digital images or print credits as part of their session fee. That session fee is usually higher, but you know exactly what you’re walking away with.
Then there are photographers who include a lot with their packages – sometimes 50+ edited digital images! (Heads up: this is often how beginner photographers structure their offerings, which can mean less experience and fewer resources.)
Here’s what matters: you need to know exactly what you’re paying for before you book. Is the session fee just time? Are images included? Do you get prints or just digital files? Is there anything à la carte on top, and if so, what does that cost?
Don’t assume anything. Ask.
What Kind of Support Will You Actually Get?
Not all photographers are created equal, especially when it comes to how much they guide you through the process.
Some photographers send you basic instructions via email or text. Show up at this time, wear this, see you then. That’s it. You’re on your own to figure out posing, styling, what to wear, and what to do with your photos once you get them.
Other photographers go a step further. They might send you a style guide, have a quick phone call to answer questions, or offer some guidance on wardrobe and what works for photos.
Then there are photographers who are with you every step of the way. They meet with you in person. They have thorough phone conversations before the session. They talk through wardrobe choices and help you decide what actually matters. They guide you during the shoot. And after, they help you figure out what to do with your photos.
Think about which version sounds right for you. Are you confident and just need someone to take good photos? Or do you want someone to walk you through the entire process? Both are valid. You just need to know what you’re getting.
Does Their Style Match What You’re Looking For?
Photographers have different approaches, and finding someone whose style aligns with yours makes all the difference.
Some photographers work primarily in a studio. Others shoot outdoors in natural light. Some focus on posed portraits that feel polished and intentional. Others have a more lifestyle approach, capturing candid moments as they happen.
None of these is wrong. But if you’re dreaming of outdoor photos in the golden hour and your photographer only shoots in-studio, you’re going to be disappointed. If you want those in-the-moment candid shots and they hand-pose every image, the result won’t feel like what you imagined.
Ask to see their portfolio. Look at their recent work. How do the photos feel to you? Do they look like the images you’ve been saving? Ask them directly about their approach: Do you do more posing or more candidly captured moments? Do you work in studio, outdoors, or both? What’s your style?
And here’s the important part: do they listen to what you want, or do they just do their own thing? A photographer worth hiring will incorporate your vision, not dismiss it.
What’s the Timeline and Viewing Process?
The timeline can be confusing, and misunderstanding it creates stress.
When should you book a newborn session? Weeks before the baby arrives, or after? When will you actually get your photos back? Days, weeks, months? How does the photographer show you your images? Do you meet with them in person or on a Zoom call to go through everything together? Or do they just send you a watermarked gallery link and you’re on your own?
These details matter more than you might think. If you’re expecting to see your newborn photos two weeks after your session and the photographer’s turnaround is eight weeks, that’s a real mismatch. If you’re hoping to review your photos together and discuss which ones to order, but they just email you a gallery with no consultation, that changes the experience entirely.
Ask about turnaround time. Ask about the viewing process. Ask when you should book relative to your due date or life event. Ask what happens after they deliver your photos.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Anything
Here’s the thing I tell every client: ask your photographer anything. If they seem annoyed by your questions, they’re not the photographer for you.
A good photographer wants you to feel confident in your choice. They’ll answer your questions patiently. They’ll explain their process. They’ll tell you honestly what they can and can’t do. They’ll help you understand what to expect.
If a photographer responds to your questions with irritation or dismissiveness, that’s a red flag. How they treat you now is how they’ll treat you throughout the entire experience.
So ask. Ask about their style, their process, what’s included, how they work, and what happens after. Ask about their experience with sessions like yours. Ask about anything that matters to you.
And if something feels off in the conversation—if you get defensive energy or evasive answers—trust that instinct. There are plenty of photographers out there. Find one who genuinely wants to work with you and help you get the photos you’re envisioning.
That’s the photographer worth booking.
If you are looking for a Chicago photographer to ask all your questions to check out REL Portraits!
