Okay, real talk for a second: hiring a Milwaukee photographer isn’t just about who has the best camera or the lowest price. It’s about finding someone whose style makes your heart skip a beat. Someone whose photos you feel—not just scroll past.
I always say, hiring a photographer is a lot like picking where to eat. If you’re craving wood-fired pizza, you don’t go to a cupcake bakery and hope they’ve got dough rising in the back. You find a place that does pizza really well—because that’s their thing. Same goes for photography.
Photographers create their best work when they’re doing what they love, in a style they’ve poured hours and heart into. So how do you find that perfect match? Let’s break it down.
1. Look at the Posing Style
Do you love photos where everyone’s perfectly posed and smiling? Or do you swoon over the ones where mama’s hair is blowing in the wind and her toddler is belly laughing into her chest? There’s no wrong answer—but there is a right fit for you.
Some Milwaukee photographers are all about posed, polished portraits. Others lean into storytelling—those candid, emotional, real-life frames. And some (like me!) do a mix. When you scroll through a portfolio, pay attention to how people are interacting. Are they stiff and posed? Playful and natural? That’s your first clue.
2. Notice the Light
Light is a photographer’s love language. Some of us chase golden hour sun flares and soft shadows. Others prefer controlled studio light for that clean, consistent glow. I personally don’t stray too far from that golden light for outdoor sessions– and the sun drenched photos are my favorite.
You might see images that feel moody and dramatic, or ones that glow like a sun-drenched fairytale. Ask yourself: how do I want to feel when I look back at these photos? Cozy and calm? Vibrant and joyful? Pick the light that speaks to that feeling.
3. Check the Editing Style
This one’s big. Do you love a clean, true-to-life edit? A light and airy glow? Or something with a little more contrast and pop?
Editing style is consistent—so what you see is what you’ll get. If you’re loving a Milwaukee photographer’s Instagram feed, make sure their website galleries have that same vibe. And if you don’t love their edits? Keep scrolling. Because that’s not something that changes from client to client.
4. For Newborns: Know What You Want
Do you want your baby perfectly swaddled and posed with delicate props? Or do you want relaxed, lifestyle images of your family snuggled on your couch at home?
Newborn photography is a specific art form. Some Milwaukee photographers specialize in posed studio work with wraps and props. Others focus on in-home storytelling. I personally blend these two into my own style- with lifestyle family images in studio, and posed images of your little one. There’s no wrong choice—just make sure what you want is already in their portfolio. (check out my newborn portfolio here)
A Quick Personal Note from Me…
When I first started photography, I tried to do it all. But I’ve worked for years to perfect and hone in on my own style. I personally love a combination of posed- what I call “Christmas Card” images, and a good variety of posed, more relaxed images that truly tell your family’s story.
Those are the moments I love to capture. The ones that make me pause while I’m editing because my whole heart feels it. That’s the kind of work I pour myself into—and it’s where I know I serve families best.
Don’t Chase Trends. Choose What Matters.
Pinterest trends come and go. Styles shift. But your family’s love—that’s forever. Choose a photographer whose work captures truth, not just what’s popular this year.
You’re not just booking a session—you’re preserving a season of your life that you’ll never get back. These photos should still take your breath away ten years from now.
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Tara Fay is a newborn, maternity and family photographer with a full service studio in Cedarburg, WI. She’s been in business for 4 years, and specializes in bold, colorful imagery and a seamless client experience.
