Why Hiring A Professional Photographer Is Important

With the modern technology and advanced cameras on cellphones in today’s world, is a photographer really needed? Absolutely! Here are several reasons why hiring a professional to do the job is much needed:

They have the skills:

So, you know someone with a nice camera, but do they know how to use it properly? Having an expensive camera is not enough to take high-quality photographs. Most folks do not realize what it takes to adjust settings based on exposures, lighting, and other technical aspects of their equipment. A camera won’t automatically take good shots for you. It is a talent learned through experience and training. It’s also about lighting, posing, composition, location, clothing, props, and style. Professional photographers have lots of experience with this and have studied it and can bring it all together for amazing images for you to enjoy. When I first started doing photography, I had just bought a nice camera and some friends asked me to do their vow renewal ceremony.  I had it on auto the entire time and barely knew what I was doing.  It took years of training, courses, classes, workshops, and experience to build up my skill level. 

Professional equipment:

This is always a given bonus. It’s more than just owning a camera. Photography gear in itself is downright expensive. Sure, the camera starts at typically $1,500 (on the low side). But like all other technology, photographers usually upgrade every other year to keep up with the latest in photography gear. Next up is a lens with a starting price of $900, and that’s on the cheap end!  As you get into higher end lenses you can get some that are more expensive than the camera body itself.  A camera needs a flash, and those are easily $300 for on camera external flashes all the way up to $1,000 for strobes and studio lighting. Most photographers have more than just one. Then the essentials: backdrops, tripods, Lightroom, computer software, memory cards, lights, a studio, and so forth. The list can go on and cost thousands. Chances are if you hire a professional, they aren’t going to show up with their iPhone and ask what you need. Most professionals come ready with a DSLR camera and high-quality lenses.

Higher Quality Images:

With better equipment comes higher quality images. An entry level DSLR cameras has at least a 24 MP resolution. While smart phones are capable of capturing an image at 72dpi (resolution needed for web) there are still so many limitations with settings. A professional knows how to use their camera. They can look at the environment they are shooting in and from there determine where to set their settings on their camera to ensure an almost perfect shot.  A photographer has been trained on knowing settings for exposure, bokeh, composition, etc.  This will make for images that are more pleasing to the eye rather than an iPhone photo which can often look grainy.

They know how to edit properly:

You want a ‘wow’ factor with your final images. Professional photographers own different systems to edit and retouch photos properly. When you hire a photographer, you are not just paying for them to come out and take photos, you are also paying for the time it takes to edit those photos. Being a good editor can make or break a photographer. The last thing you want is for your pictures to appear cheesy. We are artists and have the skills to retouch uneven skin tones, brighten smiles and eyes, place overlays, exposures, contrast, softening, and removing distractions. 

They know how to pose:

Especially large crowds. It is easier said than done, but most people’s attention span and patience is usually small. You will find yourself exhausted and frustrated with a lack of posing ideas.  Professionals perform these in a timely manner and always offer suggestions for new poses. Professional photographers have a creative eye that others may not have. Professional Photographers have the ability to see different angles that the average person may not think of when taking a photo.

It is their job:

A professional family photographer will have hundreds of hours of experience of photographing families, children, and babies. This means they know how to get the best from children, and work with them to capture those gorgeous, natural expressions that you’re after. Having a professional photography session isn’t just about spending an hour or two with a photographer and having your photograph taken. It’s about the whole experience – from planning the session, to viewing, choosing, and deciding what to do with your photographs, all with a professional on hand.

Professional photographers can be underrated. It’s not for the faint of heart and requires dedication, late nights, and passion. Of course, there are plenty of ways to save money in life, but don’t skimp out on a skilled expert. Invest and be satisfied with high-quality results! Most people can snap a good picture now and then, but when life’s most important occasions are unfolding, it is best to call a professional photographer and see the difference it can make.