How To Choose A Chicago Photographer

You may have read our article on the 5 Steps to Choosing a Chicago Family Photographer – a wonderful resource that goes into depth about the qualities you should consider while evaluating photographers. With so many options and not enough information to guide a consumer looking for the answer to “How to choose a Chicago photographer” there existed a true gap between information available and answers.

We have taken it a step further and developed an interactive worksheet for you to use while thinking on that question “How to choose a Chicago photographer”? This tool will help you answer the question in a way that is designed with a weighted questionnaire allowing you to zero in on the qualities that separate a good photographer worth considering from the rest.

I cannot tell you the number of times (easily over a hundred!) where a new client or inquiry asks about the ownership of the work on the Marmalade site and whether or not the images on the site were clients or friends. They go on to mention that they’ve been burned before.

This worksheet is meant to help balance the visual oohs and aahs with real, logic coded information gathering weaved into “gut instinct” and aesthetic preferences rather than just operating on vibes.

How To Choose A Chicago Photographer – The Worksheet

5 Steps to Choosing Your
Chicago Family Photographer

A Worksheet by Marmalade Photography

Use this worksheet for each photographer you are considering. The photographer with the highest score AND all Yes answers in Step 5 is your photographer. Any No in Step 5 means keep looking – regardless of total score.

Photographer Name

Website

Date

Current Score 0 / 29

Step 1 — Define Your Style Preference

No scoring — self-discovery

Complete this section once before researching photographers. Know what you want before you start looking – your answers are your reference guide for Step 2.

Setting

Studio Lifestyle / In-Home Outdoor Mix

Editing Style

Bright & Airy Rich & Moody Natural / True-to-Life No Preference

Color vs B&W

Color Black & White Mix of Both

Formality

Posed & Traditional Candid & Documentary Mix

Wardrobe

Formal & Coordinated Casual & Relaxed Mix

Step 2 — Research Photographers

0 / 5 pts

Portfolio is consistent in quality across multiple sessions – not just a few highlight images +1 pt

Willing to show a full session preview upon request +1 pt

Has been in business 5+ years +1 pt

Shows evidence of continuing education – workshops, industry involvement, ongoing creative development +1 pt

Specializes in what I need – children, families, newborns, seniors, etc. +1 pt

Step 2 Score: 0 / 5

Step 3 — Personality Fit

0 / 8 pts

Responsive and clear in communication – emails answered promptly, questions addressed thoroughly +2 pts

Listens to my vision rather than pushing their own agenda +2 pts

Shows genuine enthusiasm and interest in my family – not just another booking +2 pts

Explains their process clearly – I know what to expect from session to delivery +2 pts

Step 3 Score: 0 / 8

Step 4 — Investment

0 / 4 pts

Took time to understand my family’s specific needs before discussing investment +1 pt

I understand what is included – session, products, digital files, timeline +1 pt

The investment reflects their experience, expertise, and product quality +1 pt

I feel confident in the value – this feels like an investment in artwork, not just a purchase +1 pt

Step 4 Score: 0 / 4

Step 5 — Gut Check

0 / 12 pts

Every answer here must be Yes. A single No means keep looking – regardless of your total score. Your gut knows things your analytical brain might miss.

Their work moves me emotionally – I feel something when I look at their images

Y N

+3 pts

I feel heard and valued in every interaction with them

Y N

+3 pts

I am genuinely excited about working with them – not just fine with it

Y N

+3 pts

I can envision them capturing my family authentically – not performing, just being us

Y N

+3 pts

⚠   One or more No answers in Step 5 — trust that feeling and keep looking.

Step 5 Score: 0 / 12

Total Score 0 / 29 Complete the worksheet above to see your result.

Score Guide

24 – 29 Exceptional fit — trust your gut and book them

17 – 23 Strong contender — ask a few follow-up questions

10 – 16 Some concerns — proceed carefully

0 – 9 Keep looking

Notes

🖶 Print This Worksheet Reset

Marmalade Photography  |  marmaladephotography.com  |  Chicago Family & Children Photography since 2005

This How to choose a Chicago Photographer worksheet by Marmalade Photography is © Marmalade Photography and may not be altered for usage without express permission from Marianne Drenthe/Marmalade Photography.

Looking for more guidance? Visit professionalchildphotographer.com for additional resources.

Marianne Drenthe (Marmalade Photography) is the author of the client education and faq site www.professionalchildphotographer.com which has additional client education and resources.

This resource How to choose a Chicago Photographer : Worksheet is provided as a courtesy and is © Marmalade Photography/Marianne Drenthe. Not to be re-used, re-purposed or altered in any way without expression permission from the copyright holder.