When you first meet with photographers, here are a few questions that you might want to bring up with them when they are showing you their portfolio:
- Why did you choose these different locations for the photos that you're showing me and what did they have to do with the couple? (this will show their interest for the couples as opposed to the art)
- How many different locations do you allow us to shoot at and how open are you for some brainstorming before we go out and start shooting? (this will show their willingness to be flexible so that you can learn each other's style)
- How do you normally find your clients? Are they referred? (this will tell you how satisfied their clients have been -- more referrals = more satisfaction
- How many of your engagement photo clients end up asking you to shoot their wedding as well? (more engagements that turn into wedding shoots means more happy clients)
- Can I speak to one of your recent satisfied clients? (it's always good to check a reference or two)
Also, I've found that it's also good to meet the photographer in a restaurant for dinner or coffee shop for a drink so that you can really get a good feel for who they are and what type of photographer they are. This might seem like a lot of work for just getting engagement photos, but if you're spending the money and taking the time to get them, then you should do it right the first time.