How to Find a Photographer Who Gets You

Ever Had a Photoshoot That Left You Feeling… Meh?

You book a photographer, show up, follow their directions, smile on cue—and then…

You get the photos back. And something’s off.

Technically, they’re good. The lighting is nice, the angles are flattering. But they don’t feel like you. They feel stiff. Posed. Like someone else’s version of you.

I know that feeling because I’ve been there. I thought maybe I just wasn’t photogenic. That I didn’t translate on camera.

I was wrong.

The real problem? I hadn’t found a photographer who saw me the way I saw myself.

The Real Problem: Not Every Photographer Will Get You

⸻

A good photographer does more than take a pretty picture. They make you feel something. They make you feel like yourself.

The right photographer will:

✔️ Make you feel at ease—like you’re with a friend, not a stranger with a camera.

✔️ Guide you naturally, so nothing feels forced or awkward.

✔️ Capture who you are, not just what you look like.

But how do you find them?

⸻

How to Spot a Photographer Who’s Right for You

1. You Feel Comfortable Around Them Right Away

If you feel awkward just talking to them, that’s a red flag.

A great photographer makes you relax before you even step in front of the camera. They ask about you—what you love, what you’re nervous about, what kind of vibe you want.

That first conversation should feel easy. If it does, you’re on the right track.

2. Their Portfolio Feels Like a Reflection of You

Look at their work. Does it make you feel something?

Do their clients look like themselves—relaxed, natural, alive? Or do they all look the same—stiff, overly posed, overly edited?

See a friend’s photos that feel natural and effortless? Ask who took them.

If you can’t see yourself in their work, they’re not the right photographer for you.

3. They Guide You Without Over-Directing

The best photographers don’t just say, “Pose like this.”

They create moments. Maybe they ask you to take a deep breath, shake out your shoulders, think of something that makes you laugh. They know how to bring out something real, not just manufacture a pose.

That’s how you get photos that actually feel like you.

⸻

Where to Look: Finding Your Photographer

1. Ask People Who Have Photos You Love

Personal recommendations are gold because you get the real story—what the experience was like, not just how the final images turned out.

2. Search Instagram & Google (But Go Beyond the Highlights)

A photographer’s Instagram is their highlight reel—but don’t stop there.

Check their website. Look at full galleries. Read client reviews. You want consistency, not just a few lucky shots.

3. Join Local Groups & Ask for Recommendations

Facebook groups, community forums, and even local business directories are great places to find photographers with strong reputations.

⸻

Before You Book: Ask These Key Questions

Before committing, ask your photographer:

✔️ Have you worked with people like me before? (Age, style, confidence level, etc.)

✔️ How do you help people feel comfortable? (If they just say, “I tell them to relax,” that’s not enough.)

✔️ Can I see full galleries, not just your best shots? (You need to see consistency.)

✔️ What’s your process before, during, and after the shoot? (A great photographer makes you feel taken care of.)

⸻

Red Flags to Watch Out For

🚩 They don’t ask about you. If they don’t care about your vision, they won’t capture it.

🚩 Their style is inconsistent. If their portfolio is all over the place, your photos will be too.

🚩 You feel like just another client. Your photos should feel personal, not generic.

🚩 They rush communication. If they’re not engaged now, they won’t be later.

⸻

Once You’ve Found The One—How to Prepare for Your Shoot

You’ve booked your photographer. Now what?

✔️ Have a pre-shoot chat. Share what you love, what you don’t, and what makes you feel like you.

✔️ Wear something that feels like you. If you’re uncomfortable in your outfit, it’ll show.

✔️ Trust the process. The best photos happen when you stop overthinking and just enjoy the moment.

⸻

Final Thought: The Right Photographer Changes Everything

A great photoshoot isn’t just about the pictures. It’s about how you feel.

The right photographer will leave you feeling confident, comfortable, and seen.

So don’t settle. Take your time. Find the one who truly gets you.

And when you do? The results will be something you’ll treasure forever.

⸻

Am I the right photographer for you? Maybe. Maybe not.

If you want stiff, posed, “smile on cue” photos, we probably won’t click.

But if you want images that feel like you—the real you, with stories in your eyes and laughter lines that hold memories—then we might just be onto something.

Take a look. See if my work stirs something in you. If it does, let’s talk. If not, I hope you find the photographer who gets you—because you deserve that.

Want more stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes moments? Subscribe to my blog—I share more than just photos.

dascillephotography.com

Article by David Scille

⸻