It really is a buyer’s market when it comes to selecting a photographer.  You are lucky! Our area boasts a plethora of talented photographers.  Knowing how to choose one will make your entire photography experience better as well as insure you get great portraits.

Some forms of photography, for example weddings, (which I don’t do by the way, unless you happen to be a very good friend’s niece ;-) ) do need special consideration but I’m going to keep this little blurb more general.

How do you know which one is right for you?  Here are some tips:

1. Price.  Decide on your budget.  It’s pointless selecting a photographer who is out of your price range.  Keep in mind, same as many other things in life, you typically get what you pay for.  More expensive photographers have more experience and have built up a reputation, and that is what you are paying for.  However “cheap and cheerful” photographers may have equal quality but are new to the business.  I would recommend doing your due diligence.  
2. Photography style.  Take a look at as many photos from your potential photographers as you can.  Are those the type of photos you would like?  Do you prefer highly edited, or more natural photos?  Black and white, or perhaps more moody as opposed to bright and colourful?  
3. Personality.  If you can, I recommend meeting with your potential photographer.  If it isn’t possible to meet, at least a phone conversation or e-mail chat is better than nothing.  A good photographer will be able to give you advice during the shoot without being too timid or too bossy.  They should put you at ease and have fun!
4. Ask your friends.  The best advertisement is word of mouth from people you know and trust.  
5. Ask me!  Perhaps you are looking for a photographer who specialises only in newborns, with tons of props and cute outfits.  Or someone who will travel quite far for a session.  I may not be the choice for you, but by all means ask me for a recommendation if you know what you are looking for.  I have spent a lot of time checking out local photographers websites, and I would be only too happy to suggest some for you to consider.  I’m about being transparent and honest.  The important thing is that you get the photos you deserve, whether I take them or someone else does.  

I have a blog - eek!  I haven't written anything since school, which was a lifetime ago!  (Not counting technical reports in my previous life, that was completely different!)  Did you know there are more than 2 million blog posts published each day?  Yet here you are reading mine.  I am honoured!  
Still reading?  Great!  Let's get to know each other.  5 facts about me:
1. I am Canadian born and bred.  I moved to Wokingham in 2007.
2. I am married to a Brit and we have 3 children, all born in Calgary.  I'm the only one with just     one nationality.
3. I have a degree in Chemical Engineering and I used to work in the oil and gas industry.
4. I took an interest in photography when I started having babies, 13 years ago.  I never really     had the time to get into it in a big way until this past year.
5. I'm a coffee addict.
I've been reading about how to write a blog, and several sites recommend things like random facts, lists, and other people's quotes.  I've managed to incorporate the first two, maybe I'll work on the profound inspirational quote for blog post #2.