How to choose a dating profile photographer in Austin

So you've decided your selfies aren't cutting it. Good call, mate. Now you're scrolling through photographers in Austin and they all kind of look the same, right?

Here's what I'd look for if I was in your shoes. And yeah, I'm a dating profile photographer in Austin, so take it with a grain of salt. But I'd rather you pick the right person than the wrong one.

Do they actually shoot dating profiles?

Heaps of photographers will say yes to a dating shoot. Wedding photographers, headshot studios, family photographers. Nothing wrong with any of them, but a dating profile is its own thing.

A headshot is built for LinkedIn. A dating photo needs to show you out doing stuff, looking relaxed, looking like someone worth a first date. So look at their portfolio. Does it look like real life, or does it look like a corporate lobby? (More on that in dating profile photos vs headshots.)

Do the photos look candid or staged?

This is the big one. People can smell a photoshoot from a mile away.

The best dating photos look like a mate just happened to catch you at the perfect moment. If every shot in their portfolio is someone standing still, facing the camera, in front of a blurry wall... that's what you're getting too.

Will they coach you?

Most people freeze the second a camera comes out. Totally normal. A good dating photographer talks you through it: where to look, what to do with your hands, how to ditch the forced smile.

I do facial coaching in every session because honestly, that's where the magic happens. Camera shy? Read this one. You'll be fine.

How many outfits and locations do you get?

One outfit in one park gives you one vibe. Your profile needs a few.

Ask how many outfit changes you get and whether you'll actually move around. My sessions include up to seven outfit changes across multiple locations, plus an updated LinkedIn headshot, so your set doesn't look like it was all shot in the same twenty minutes. Not sure what to bring? Here's what to wear.

Do they build the shoot around you?

Austin's got heaps of great spots, from the Domain to the lake out at Lakeway. But the best spot is wherever you'd actually be on a Saturday.

Into climbing? Coffee? Your dog? Let's shoot that. Hot take: people swipe on photos, not personalities, so the photo has to show them who you are.

How fast do you get your photos?

Some photographers take weeks. You want to get back on the apps while you're still motivated, right? My galleries land in three to five days.

Is the price clear?

Look for one clear price and a clear list of what's in it. No surprise fees at the end. Mine's the Together Package, $799, and everything's listed on the page.

Red flags

• Every photo in their portfolio is a headshot. You'll get headshots.
• Heavy editing and filters. Your date should recognise you when you walk in. No catfishing!
• No coaching. If they just point and shoot, you'll get your stiff camera face.
• One outfit, one spot. Six photos of the same shirt is not a profile.

So who should you pick?

Honestly? Pick the person whose photos make you go "yeah, I want to look like that."

If that's me, rad. See what a session looks like or book a call and let's chat.