1. Do You Love the Photographer's Style?  
Most photographers have a certain look and style. Rather than finding a cheap photographer and asking her to copy photos you've found online, find a photographer whose work you actually like. Asking a photographer to copy another style would be like hiring a French chef to cook a Mexican feast. He could probably make something decent, but you'd get a better result if you just hired the right chef in the first place. 
2. What are the costs of the services and products?
All photographers have their own lineup of services and their own pricing structure, from all-inclusive (one price covers everything), or a session fee with a la carte ordering. Whatever the structure, your photographer should have these answers ready for you, and should detail the itemized costs before you book, so you can make a fully informed decision. 
3. Does the photographer offer what you want? 
Is retouching included? How much do you plan, and how much does the photographer plan for you? If you want a canvas, can your photographer order that, or do you have to DIY it? If they don't offer printing services, can you get an edited digital file with a print release? Keep in mind, digital files often come at a higher price, since once you have it, the photographer won't make any further income from the image, while you can make unlimited prints. 
4. Is the service agreement fully protected by a contract? 
It's an easy thing to overlook, but don't hire a photographer without the terms of service and payment detailed in writing. The contract should include (at a minumum) the following: payment and costs, image delivery method and timeframe, cancellation and refund policy, included services, excluded services, reasons to void the contract, copyright agreement, and a model release. 
5. What is the photographer's experience?
A quick peek at a photographer's website and social media will show you what they specialize in, and the extent of their experience. You're taking a risk if you hire a wedding photographer for your newborn, or if you hire a food photographer for your senior portraits. Hire the photographer whose portfolio best represents the type of images you need.  If they aren't showing photos like what you want, that's probably intentional. 
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