Family portraits - consultation?

[game blouses]

If you had professional non-wedding portraits done (family, newborn, etc), did you have an in-person consultation with the photographer? Or did you settle on a date and sign a contract after viewing their portfolio online, and meet the photographer for the first time at the event?

[tcu2003]

I met our newborn photographer for the first time at the photo session. We did consult with her by phone and email before booking our session, though.

[mrsjuleshs]

For portraiture sessions the only in person consultations I have ever done are for boudoir photos because I want to make sure that the women meet me and feel comfortable around me. Otherwise, it's usually just by email or a phone call and I meet them in person for the first time on the day of the session.