Portrait photography businesses abound since they are easy to set up as a small business in a home or affordable rental space. A portrait photographer may specialize in school portraits, animal photography or family photos. They can also specialize in glamour shots, old time photos or any other special themed shoots where the client is costumed and posed instead of caught in a natural moment.

Find a portrait photographer for your special project, event, or family moment based on the style of photography you prefer. As you search for an event or portrait photographer, consider the following:

1. Know the type of event photography you require so you can focus on finding a photographer with the applicable background.

2. When scheduling a photographer, know whether it is a one-shot opportunity, or if you have the flexibility to change the date based on weather or possible illness. An event may be impossible to reschedule, so decide if you want professional photography regardless of the weather.

3. Photographers who specialize in a specific type of event or type of portrait photography may be more expensive than a photographer who is open to any project.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search through professional lists of portrait and event photographers

Finding information on portrait photographers is not a problem, since they advertise in the local paper, yellow pages, through word of mouth, or through the Web. Many attend art shows or have their work on display within the community. The challenge will be narrowing down your options. Professional photographer placement agencies can assist you in your search but contract rates may be higher than finding a photographer on your own.

I recommend: You can search by state for professional portrait and event photographers at Photography Pros. Corporate event photographers can be found through local and national listings at PartyPop. Wicker by Design lists national portrait photography trade associations to aid in finding a photographer fitting your requirements.

Use professional associations to find an event or portrait photographer

Highly experienced professional portrait and event photographers will have a sizable portfolio, come highly recommended, and will be attached to a fee ranging from hundreds of dollars to thousands, depending on your needs. A well-known portrait photographer who specializes in an area, such as pets, will charge more than the local general photographer.

I recommend: Search the Society of Sport & Event Photographers directory by keyword, state, or specialty for a professional portrait or event photographer. Use the free search tool through the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) site to find an acceptable professional in the portrait photography business.

Gather portrait photographer information on freelancers

Freelance portrait photographers can be found through word of mouth, local venues, and through freelance job boards. Use all avenues to find potential candidates. Make sure to look through portfolios to see if the images are similar to what you are seeking to capture for your own project.

I recommend: Post your project requirements on iFreelance and receive bids from portrait photographers who would like your business. You can locate an event photographer through FreelanceDesigners. The International Freelance Photographers Association maintains a list of freelance photographers searchable by specialty, region, state and city.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Find information on commercial photographers in magazines you enjoy reading. Just look at the photo credits and perform a Web search or contact the magazine's editorial staff for the photographer's contact information.
• •  Follow up with a photographer if you find their work on display at an art show or on display in an office or other small venue. If the contact information is not on the photo, it will be with someone nearby.