With our vastly growing digital world, it’s becoming more frequent that I encounter people who are debating whether they should hire a professional photographer. Why not simply take them yourself? On the other hand, even better, ask a companion or a friend or relative with a decent camera catch a few pictures? Don’t get us wrong! we love the fact that so many people have access to technology that can help them photograph their day to day lives; but, when it comes to important events, milestones, business head-shots, personal shoots, and your wedding, it is vital that you hire a professional! There is significantly more that goes into expert photography than having great rigging… So today, I am imparting to you the TOP TEN REASONS why you ought to contract an expert photographer.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
WHY HIRE A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR WEDDING
YOU WILL BE IN THE IMAGES!
All too often when taking your own photos there is someone who gets left out of them because they have to be behind the camera. Have you ever looked through some of your past images only to realize that mom or dad tends to be absent from every one of them?!
YOUR SESSION WITH BEING THOUGHT OUT AND STYLED!
When you book a professional portrait session your photographer will help guide you through the entire shoot from beginning to end. They will help you decide on the right location, give you helpful tips on wardrobe, and teach you how to best prepare for the session. All of these minor details can make a huge difference in your final photographs.
QUALITY AND KNOWLEDGE OF EQUIPMENT!
In order to achieve high-quality images, it’s important to have good equipment. Professional photographers are sure to have all the right gear to create some amazing images for you. Cameras and lenses are extremely expensive, so it’s not something that everyone invests in. Yes, it is true that some of my clients do have some great quality gear. However, it’s not just enough to have a good camera if you don’t know how to use it to get the desired photographs you want. Professional photographers have a great depth of knowledge about what types of equipment, and what camera settings you need to produce a certain image. For instance, something that my clients request quite often is images where the subject is clear but the background is very blurry. This is called bokeh ( a bunch of flowers together). And this isn’t something that an auto setting on your camera would naturally do. In order to achieve this look, it requires a specific type of lens and correct camera settings.
POST-PROCESSING…
your photographer will take time to edit your images! Professional photographers have software like Photoshop and Light-room that they use to ensure your images are polished to a professional level. It’s important to make sure your images are properly exposed, color corrected, cropped effectively, and retouched to perfection. Knowing how to use these programs takes a great deal of learning and editing your images after your session can be a lengthy process.
ATTENTION TO DETAIL!
Your photographer will pay attention to the details necessary for creating a great image. When posing subjects, your photographer will be able to direct you down to the smallest movement of your fingertips. With newborn photography, for example, babies are posed right down to the position of their hands. Blankets are smoothed out. Fabrics are ironed. With all sessions, the photographer ensures background clutter is removed. The time of day is carefully planned. Your position in relation to the background and other objects in the photo are thought of. The expressions on your face. Your connection to the camera or to other people is used to tell the right story. Your photographer will focus on all the little things so you can relax and enjoy yourself.
FRESH EYES!
Your photographer will bring a new perspective! Creating a relationship with your photographer allows them to see you in unique ways that perhaps family and friends do not. They will offer suggestions and solutions that you haven’t seen and this will result in images that you may not have thought to capture.
IT’S AN INVESTMENT!
When you spend money on something there is instantly more of an attachment, appreciation, and value in the item you worked for. When you pay for professional photography you are investing money into high-quality images. The goal of the session is to create final photographs that you are going to want to display on your walls throughout your home and share with others. They are going to be images that you don’t want to leave on a flash drive, in a drawer, or lost in a folder on your computer. These are images that should be up on display because they best represent you, your family, or an accomplishment in your life. We spend a great deal of time and money on our living spaces, so it’s only right to finish them off with some incredible artwork!
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS HAVE A LOT OF TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE!
Just like with any profession, it takes years and a lot of hard work to hone photography skills. Photographers spend a lot of time and money on educating themselves. And it’s something they continue to do as technology changes and new and better equipment is created. Photographers are always studying, participating in workshops, and learning new techniques to make your photos the best they can be.
A professional is committed to you!
When you hire a professional photographer to take photographs for you, they are guaranteed to show up! For events such as your wedding, engagement, the birth of your child, pictures of your child at a certain age, family from out of town visiting and so much more, you only get one shot to capture images of this special time. A professional photographer is contractually obligated to be where they need to be, when they need to be there. You can relax knowing that they will show up ready and prepared to create some amazing images for you.
PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT REASON THAT YOU SHOULD HIRE A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER IS THAT YOU SHOULD EXIST IN PHOTOGRAPHS AND HAVE THE EXPERIENCE OF A PROFESSIONAL SHOOT!
Photography is a powerful thing. Because it’s not always just about creating beautiful images, but it’s also about the incredibly beautiful adventure it takes to get them. When you hire a professional photographer your photo session is your time! It’s your time to step away from all the craziness that is life. It’s a moment to renew love with a partner, family, friends, your parents, your children, or even yourself. It’s a time to focus on you, to celebrate, to remember, to be thankful. Let’s be real, life moves quickly. And it only seems to do so faster the older we get. It’s important that we take time out every so often to reflect on all the goodness in our lives. To appreciate the people, places, and things that make us who we are.
