Personality
Just as every person is influenced by their personal and professional life experiences, so are you when you are looking for a professional food photography agency. Failing to discuss the project in depth with the photographer before the project begins is a mistake no matter how good the artist. When hiring a professional food photography agency the more you think about the project the more you will understand, and the more you understand, the more you'll ask, and the more questions you'll ask. Remember, as an artist, you were not born to make a life of toil and pain, and you aren't evolving in an effort to make the effort in your photos, either. All of the experiences you need to ask are talents you already possess and keep working on. The more you enjoy painting, reading, writing, speaking, and others, the more you'll enjoy the work. And that's all part of the beauty of meeting and working with individuals who are inspiring. Most people, however, have had their share of experience and then are not able to "chip in" with their experience to provide real world advice, and are more than happy to learn. My only advice - when looking for a professional food photography agency choose those whose personality and experiences can support your art. Which brings us to the portfolio.
When hiring a professional food photography agency the photographer's portfolio is the tangible proof of the portfolio that accompanies a work he has created. We all know that many photographers ask "what do you want the picture to be" on an application, and in the end you can see a portfolio with a few smiley faces, etc. If you are looking for wedding photography, you are probably not looking for real candid shots that reveal a man and a woman, or even a love affair or family. A portfolio of work that caters to specific needs is a great way to judge the artistry of a particular photographer. For example if someone wants images of food then a professional food photography agency's portfolio will be the best for the client. Each of my clients knows what type of pictures to expect to see from their photographer - and their level of understanding is high.
As a final note, I cannot stress enough the importance of looking for a professional food photography agency that fits your specific needs, now that an image has been taken. You want to make sure that you are working with the right photographer to begin with. If you are shooting a corporate portrait for a matter-of-fact advertising campaign, then working with an artist for whom you're comfortable dealing on a face-to-face basis is not going to be necessary. However, if that works, that is not the best fit and vice versa. If we are matching each other, it's a good idea to spend some time viewing each other's portfolios, and meeting with each other in person to better evaluate the other person's personality, excitement, perspective, and technical sense. Then you will be able to make the final decision on whether or not to work with each other.
Some questions to ask:
Find out from others what it is like to work with this particular photographer.
Become a fan of the photographer, rather than his fan (if he is already one). This is a good sign.
Talk with the photographer about your shoot, and your expectations.
Find out how this photographer works with people, and what they enjoy doing.
Portfolio
The absolute most important aspect in looking for a professional food photography agency is the photographer's portfolio & the information and pictures you can see and read. If a photographer is a busy photographer, do not rush him.
Look at a portfolio before hiring for a professional food photography agency. If there are negative accounts of photo stitching in the portfolio, or anything other than pure beauty and delight, cut it out. Terminated Users and dependent family members will make a bigger fuss, because if they didn't get a reason for their firing then they are entitled to have a shift for half a day or so.
When looking for a professional food photography agency you also need to find out how the photographer wants to work. If he has a studio he may have guidelines that need to be followed, but if he doesn't, he will never welcome nervous clients. His location and his style will dictate his preferences. His studio will also influence his choices. One needs a photographer that likes to travel around and meet with clients in their homes, or wherever would be conducive.