Start with the photographs, not the price list
Look through enough work to understand the photographer's style. Do the images feel posed or spontaneous? Bright and clean or warm and atmospheric? A photographer can be excellent and still not be the right visual fit for you.
Look for complete stories
A few strong hero images do not show how consistently someone photographs an entire session. Where possible, look at galleries, blog posts or sets of images from the same shoot. Consistency matters more than one spectacular frame.
Pay attention to communication
The experience begins before the camera comes out. Clear information about timing, location, pricing, deposits, delivery and what happens if weather changes is a good sign that the photographer has thought through the client experience.
Make sure the approach suits your family
If you have young children and want relaxed photographs, a very formal posing style may create unnecessary pressure. If you want highly directed editorial portraits, a documentary-only photographer may not be the right fit. Ask how the photographer works during the session.
Compare what is actually included
Session length alone does not tell you the full value. Look at the number of edited images, delivery method, travel, usage rights where relevant, turnaround time and whether there are additional required purchases after the session.