Why Pay for a Professional Photographer?
We live in a time where just about everyone has access to a camera almost constantly. From vacations to weddings to family reunions, everyone feels as if they can instantly become a photographer on the fly. So why should you consider hiring a professional photographer when it seems as easy as grabbing your phone out of your pocket and snapping away? Let’s look at five reasons why hiring a professional photographer for your engagement, maternity, newborn, family and senior portrait needs is a smart decision.
Expertise
This is the most obvious reason. Just because you can easily take pictures it doesn’t mean you are an expert. Your everyday point and shoot photographer usually doesn’t understand the finer nuances of photography such as proper use of lighting and composition. When it comes to milestone events, you want a skilled craftsperson who can capture the moment perfectly. Also, the number of years someone has been a professional photographer is important. Any photographer worth their salt is learning all the time and gaining skills. There are many photographers in the Tampa area, so we would recommend looking for a photographer that has a minimum of 5 years experience as a professional photographer and the more years they have under their belt the better. Think of it this way, you pay a professional to style your hair every 4 to 6 weeks because you want to look your best. Why wouldn’t you want the same level of professionalism for something as important as a family portrait?
Equipment
Not only are you hiring an expert, you are hiring an expert who has access to professional-grade equipment. Your smartphone may take nice photos, but it can’t compare to a top of the line DSLR camera paired with high-quality lenses. When you couple expertise with great equipment you get amazing images.
Photography is Art
When capturing major life events such as your engagement, proposal, newborn, child's senior portrait; you want more than just a picture, you want art. A piece of art that fully expresses the emotion of a wedding, graduation or family portrait. Remember, you will showcase these memories for decades to come, and they may even be passed down from generation to generation. A professional can help create conversation-sparking images that you will proudly display in your home throughout the years.
Professional Editing
Beyond just taking the initial photos a professional photographer will also edit the images to make them look remarkable. For example, if you want your dog included in your family portrait you may need to utilize a leash. With the magic of editing the leash can be removed from the final photo. Proper editing can truly make or break a picture.
Saves Time, Reduces Stress
Fussing over your own photography can be time consuming and stress inducing. Whether it’s trying to find the right pose, picking out the right outfit or even creating a great look with makeup, there’s more to capturing great images than just pointing and clicking. A professional can guide you through the entire process so that your pictures will express the right emotion or memory. Not to mention, if you are your family's photographer you'll usually behind the camera and not in the photos. Invest in a professional to take the wheel, so you can be in the photos and enjoy yourself in the process.
How Do I Find the Best Photographer
Do your research. You should easily be able to view hundreds of any professional photographer's photos. You should see a consistency in their style - the way they light a subject, compose a photo and the emotion they are able to bring out in their clients. You should easily be able to read hundreds of reviews on a variety of quality review sites such as Google, Facebook, Yelp, Angie's List, and Wedding Wire. Make sure these clients write about how they enjoyed their session, loved their photos and appreciated the high level of customer service. All 3 things should be mentioned if the photographer is of high caliber. Most importantly, after considering the aforementioned items, hire the best photographer you can afford. Portraits are an investment that will pay off for many years, and even generations, to come.
No matter the occasion or event, if you want beautiful photography you will treasure forever, Moments that Last a Lifetime, consider hiring a professional. So put away your smartphone, relax and leave it to the pros.