According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 151,200 photographers in the country in 2024*. The government expects employment of photographers to grow about 2% between now and 2034, “slower than the average for all occupations,” according to the bureau’s website.

If you run your own photography business, you are technically employed. And, you already know that part of the job is, well, finding jobs. We asked people who book photographers in their lines of work—including media professionals, fundraisers, realtors, and event planners—what they look for when making a hiring decision. Their comments have been edited for length and clarity. Perhaps their insights can help you prepare for your next assignment.

“We always look for photographers who provide high-quality work, but beyond that, they truly become an extension of our business. Because of this, it’s important that they are professional and comfortable working directly with our clients. Our best partnerships are with photographers who are reliable, consistent, and take pride in what they do. The ones who fit best with our team present themselves as part of our organization while also representing their own business with the same level of care and professionalism.”— Christy Gallagher, publisher of Stroll Lido Isle and Greet Corona del Mar, Corona del Mar, California

“We hire a professional photographer for every listing we have. Last year we had 37 listings. This year we will have more than that, but professional photographs for our listings are a must. We have tried a few listing photography companies, and we landed on one company that we love and are loyal to. We requested that only certain photographers from their whole team do our listings, because they know what we want without us asking. [We look for] responsiveness, flexibility, great customer service to us and our clients, proven work we can look at, and consistent quality of work.”— Alison Simon, realtor in Philadelphia and its suburbs

“Having imagery is vitally important to fundraising and to everything we do: [including] marketing images, social media, event footage, etc. I’ve watched the world change when it comes to hiring photographers and videographers. … For the past eight years, we used to hire a photographer for everything. Now we want someone who does both. Nonprofit budgets are tight, and sending two people [a photographer and a videographer] is not always possible. Expanding your skills to shooting video is not that big of a stretch. Photographers already have the eye and the technical know-how. It’s getting video clips that are long enough to use that really adds to their benefit. Doing both is nearly impossible. … I tend to lean on videos more and pull stills.”— Kate Crosby, senior producer of marketing at the Atlanta-based international nonprofit CARE

“I tend to hire photographers for client events where I need a quick turnaround. Often, we need to distribute photos to media the same day, so I have the conversation about turnaround time when I’m considering a hire. I also need a photographer who understands the type of photo that a newspaper, for example, would use. Of course, being on time (early) is a key factor. Price is sometimes an issue, as our smaller nonprofit clients don’t usually have big budgets.

“Sometimes we have clients who call with a photographer need on short notice, so I have a list of good photographers I can go to when that happens. In these situations, a quick response to my phone call, email, or text is important.”—Mitch Leff, public relations professional, Atlanta

“I only hire a photographer once a year for Poetic People Power events so I’m working with a small event budget. I look for someone who can capture people in action because of the performance aspects of the poetry presentations. And someone will rise to the top of my list because of minor things like responding to an inquiry in a timely manner, keeping me up to date on their arrival time if they’ll be five minutes late, taking the time to listen to the types of shots and look I need, and turning the photos in to me within two days (I don’t require editing).”—Tara Bracco, event planner for Poetic People Power, New York City

“I usually check out their Instagram to get a sense of their style and what types of things they like to shoot. I love it when a photographer can showcase their creativity with their candid photos. Usually I start out by telling them what I am able to offer them, then I show them the magazine and see if it’s a fit. I’ve learned when they are an immediate ‘yes’ to partner, they are a good fit. I think their overall style of their Instagram and/or website helps them stand out. I’m looking for an aesthetic that matches my magazine.”— Andrea Rominger, publisher of Stroll Crestline, Birmingham, Alabama

“I hire photographers five to six times a year all around the country. This means I frequently have to research and identify a new potential photographer in a market I’m not familiar with. The purpose for the photos ranges from headshots to client events to keynotes to brand photos. When I look for photographers, I look for someone who has had specific experience in working with companies, brands, and individuals to tell a story. Experience matters less to me than potential and alignment with my values and goals.

“I want to see how a photographer brings out the unique essence of each individual they photograph. I’m curious how the photographers tell their own stories of what motivates them, what they enjoy doing most, and what their values or priorities are. A great photographer has to remain calm to help support the high energy of a shoot and the many people involved—and even when things don’t go as planned. I look for someone who can absorb what’s happening around them and create clarity in their work.” — Shanna A. Hocking, author, leadership consultant, philanthropic advisor, keynote speaker, Greater Philadelphia

*The last year data was available.

Melanie Lasoff Levs is director of publications.