You open Instagram. You search for “photographer Barcelona.” Dozens of profiles pop up with beautiful photos, portfolios that look the same, and prices ranging from 50 to 500 euros with no clear explanation. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed.
Choosing a photographer for your maternity, newborn, or family session shouldn’t be a headache. But without clear criteria, it’s easy to get lost among options or choose based on price alone. And then regret it.
In this guide, I share the criteria that really matter when looking for sessions with a professional photographer in Barcelona. No fluff, with specific questions you can ask, and red flags you should know about.
Style Matters More Than Equipment
The first thing you should look at is not the camera they use, but how they see the world. Two photographers with the same equipment can create completely different images.
Some photographers prefer very directed poses: “put your hand here, look there, smile.” Others, like myself, work with a more lifestyle approach, where the focus is on capturing real moments while you relax and forget about the camera.
How to Identify Style in a Portfolio
When looking at photos, look for consistency. Not just “nice photos,” but a common thread: the lighting, the colors, the way expressions are captured. Ask yourself: can I see myself in these photos? Do I identify with this style?
A key question to ask: “Is your style more lifestyle or posed? How much do you retouch the photos?” If all the photos look like they came out of a magazine with porcelain skin, that level of retouching might not be what you’re looking for.
“If you like their style and you connect with them, the session will flow. You’ll feel comfortable, confident, yourself. And that shows so much in the photos.” — Tami (Wonderstory)
Experience with Your Type of Session
Photographing a wedding is not the same as photographing a ten-day-old newborn. Nor is a maternity session the same as a family with three young children. Specific experience makes the difference.
Ask directly: “How many maternity (or newborn, or family) sessions have you done?” A photographer who “does everything” may not have the specialization you need.
Red Flags
- Less than two years of experience with your type of session
- Portfolio that mixes weddings, products, corporate portraits, and babies without consistency
- Only has Instagram, no professional website
“There are no ugly people, only photographers with clumsy hands.” — Tami (Wonderstory)
Experience working with children is especially important. Babies cry, kids don’t cooperate, pregnant women have insecurities. An experienced photographer knows how to navigate all of this.
The Process: Before, During, and After
A good photographer doesn’t start working on the day of the session. The pre-session process says a lot about their professionalism.
Signs of Professionalism
- Pre-session consultation to get to know you and understand your expectations
- Preparation guide with wardrobe tips
- Smooth communication and quick responses
- Advice on the best timing for your situation
If the answer is “just come and we’ll take the photos,” or they take a week to respond to a message, those are warning signs.
Ideally, you should feel that someone creates a comfortable atmosphere during the session from the very first contact.
The Portfolio: How to Really Analyze It
Seeing nice photos on Instagram is not enough. You need to know what to look for beyond the featured images.
Questions You Should Ask
“Can I see a complete session, not just the best moments?” This shows you the real consistency. It’s easy to have five great photos; the hard part is maintaining quality throughout the entire session.
Look for variety in clients: different body types, different ages, real situations (not just professional models). A portfolio updated within the last year is also important.
If the photographer doesn’t have a website and only shows work on social media, it could be a sign they’re just starting out or don’t take their business seriously.
Reviews: Where to Find Them and What to Read
Stars aren’t everything. What matters is in the text of the reviews.
What to Look for in Reviews
- Mentions of comfort during the session
- Comments about how they treat children or babies
- References to their ability to adapt
- Repeat clients
As Luciana Q. shares in her Google review:
“We met her 4 years ago and to this day she continues to give us lasting memories, memories that are for our family’s lifetime. From the first moment we met her, she was incredibly kind and professional. Always with a smile and making us feel super comfortable, which shows in the final result.”
Reviews on Google Maps are more reliable than testimonials on their own website. Be wary of profiles with zero reviews or only five-star ratings without comments.
Personal Connection: The Invisible Factor
You can find the most technically skilled photographer, but if you don’t feel comfortable with that person, the photos will reflect it.
Why It Matters So Much
A photo session is an intimate experience. You’re going to show your pregnant body, or be with your newborn baby, or try to get your young children to cooperate. You need to feel at ease.
As Ariana Montecino Álvarez shares in her Google review:
“It was our first photo session and we had many doubts about how it would go (because of our shyness) and also some nerves. Tami is a super kind person and during the session, she made us feel super comfortable, calm, and above all enjoying every moment. She knew how to perfectly capture our essence and absolutely all the photos convey feeling and emotions.”
Pay attention to how you feel in the initial conversation. If the photographer doesn’t listen to your ideas, pressures you, or imposes their vision without considering you, the session will probably be uncomfortable.
Technical Details You Should Clarify
Before booking, there are practical questions that many forget to ask and later cause frustration.
Key Questions
- How many edited photos does the session include?
- In what format do you deliver them? High resolution?
- What is the delivery time?
- What happens if I need to cancel or change the date?
A reasonable delivery time is usually two to three weeks. If they say two months, there may be organization problems. And the number of photos delivered should be proportional to the session time.
Price vs. Value: The Conversation Nobody Has
Comparing prices alone is a mistake. An 80 € session and a 300 € session may look the same on paper, but the experience and the result will be very different.
What the Price Includes (and What It Doesn’t)
- Actual session time
- Number of edited photos
- Level of editing
- Pre-session consultation
- Wardrobe or props included
- Online gallery to choose from
Always ask: “What exactly does this price include?” And compare apples to apples.
“In the end, what you’ll remember is how you felt, not whether you saved 50 euros.” — Tami (Wonderstory)
The tips for choosing a photographer that experts give all agree: investing in a quality professional shows in the final result and in the experience.
Timing: When to Book Based on Your Situation
The ideal timing depends on the type of session you’re looking for.
For Maternity Sessions
The ideal time is usually between weeks 29 and 33, when the bump is clearly visible but you still feel comfortable. However, this is just a guide: what matters is that you feel good. If you want a maternity photo session you’ll love, book in advance because schedules fill up.
For Newborn Sessions
Ideally in the first two or three weeks of life, when the baby still sleeps a lot and curls up naturally. But there’s flexibility: what matters most is that you’re ready. If you’re looking for a newborn photo session, contact during pregnancy to have a date reserved.
For Family Sessions
Any time is good, but book in advance, especially during peak seasons like Christmas or spring.
Quick Checklist: 8 Criteria to Evaluate
Before deciding, go through this list:
- Experience: Do they have more than two years with your type of session?
- Style: Do you identify with their aesthetic? Natural editing?
- Process: Is there a pre-session consultation? Do they respond quickly?
- Portfolio: Updated? Can you see complete sessions?
- Reviews: Do they have real reviews on Google with details?
- Connection: Do you feel comfortable talking to them?
- Technical: Are the number of photos, format, and delivery time clear?
- Price: Do you know exactly what’s included?
The Value of Choosing Well
Choosing a photographer means choosing who you trust with your most important memories. It’s not just hiring a service: it’s finding someone who understands what this moment means to you.
“A good photographer is not just someone who clicks. It’s someone who cares, accompanies, understands. And that’s worth gold.” — Tami (Wonderstory)
With these clear criteria, the decision becomes simpler. You know what to ask, what to look for, and what to avoid. Now you can choose with confidence.
If you’re looking for a natural and personal approach for your session in Barcelona, with someone who guides you without pressure, Tami from Wonderstory has been helping families create authentic memories for years. Explore the options and find the one that suits you best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the best time to have the photo session?
It depends on the type of session. For maternity, between weeks 29-33 is ideal. For newborns, the first two or three weeks of life. For families, any time works, but book in advance during peak seasons.
How do I review a photographer’s portfolio before hiring them?
Look for style consistency, not just nice individual photos. Ask to see complete sessions to assess consistency. Check if they show a variety of real clients and if the portfolio has been updated in the last year.
What does a session with a professional photographer include?
It varies by photographer, but generally includes: session time, a set number of edited photos, online gallery to choose from, and pre-session consultation. Always ask what’s included and what costs extra.
Can my partner and family participate in the session?
Yes, most photographers include the partner at no additional cost. For other family members or larger groups, ask if there’s a price difference. Including your partner enriches the photos and creates shared memories.
Is it better to have the session in a studio or outdoors?
It depends on your preferences. The studio offers full control of lighting, constant temperature, and privacy. Outdoors gives a more natural atmosphere but depends on the weather. Many photographers offer both options.