How to Find a Portrait Photographer

If you are having difficulty locating a great portrait photographer, you may be surprised by how easy it can be given the right circumstances and resources. The key is to find one in your budget who is preferably local and who has the experience to give you and your family wonderful photographs to treasure.

• Put an advertisement in your local magazine or newspaper stating that you are looking for a portrait photographer with experience and excellent references. Research each photographer who contacts you. Request to see a portfolio, and search for the name on the Better Business Bureau.


• Search community listings of portrait photographers in your area in the newspaper, magazine or Internet advertisements. The photographer may be local, or you might find one that is not in your town but willing to travel for an additional fee.


• Inquire about portrait photographers through photography organizations or directories that have listings of all available photographers for certain types of photography, such as portraits. Many of these directories allow you to search by location, price or type of photography. Websites such as Photographersindex.com and Photographypros.com provide an extensive list of photographers separated by categories with the option to search by location.


• Ask friends and family for personal experiences with professional portrait photographers in your area.


• Look in the back of magazines dedicated to photography or arts in general such as Popular Photography and Digital Photography. Many magazines have directories of portrait photographers who are successful and well known. You may be paying a higher fee for this portrait photographer, but you will probably have a wonderful experience working with a highly talented photographer.