Why hire a professional photographer?
When you are looking to book your family photography session, it’s likely crossed your mind to hire a photographer that offers sessions at a discounted price, works at your home or out of their home in a spare bedroom or converted garage. It could be a family friend, a cousin or a new photographer building their portfolio.
Always remember, whether it’s a family session or a wedding, you can’t get these moments back once they’ve passed! This is the time to invest in a professional who can provide you with quality images. These are precious times for your family. You want to save these memories with incredible images. Saving money for lots of other things are important, but you should never skimp on capturing this time with your newborn or other loved ones.
Here are just a few reasons why you should hire a professional newborn photographer!
Education and Experience
Those who are serious about being a photographer will treat it like a business. While they may have a passion for art, they know the value of education and experience. The photographer will educate him or herself on the proper use of the camera as well as the right exposure and other technical aspects of photography. Professional photographers continue to invest in their education too. They will constantly take classes or learn new techniques. They’re hungry to provide their clients with the best images. They value their clients and don’t skimp on providing artistic, solid images. While all photographers start their business at some point with a few clients, true professionals have already spent years honing their skills. If you have a specialized need for your photographs, you’ll want someone with years of experience.
Techniques for Lighting, Props and Backgrounds
Nobody wants to look back on their photographs in 10 years and be sorry they chose an amateur photographer. Consider all those images you’ve seen from the 1980s filled with weird poses and bizarre backdrops. You want your images to be timeless and beautiful. The only way to get timeless, classic images is with a professional who understands the best way to use lighting. The professional knows intuitively and through experience what props will work. That professional has a closet full of lovely props because they are invested in their business. This is especially true for those who specialize in newborn or baby sessions. The props and backgrounds should never overshadow the little one. A pro knows how to enhance and accentuate the baby without overwhelming the image.
Level of Professionalism
This is a point that shouldn’t be ignored. While your friend or second cousin will not charge you as much as a professional photographer, she’s not going to give you the same quality and level of professionalism. A professional is working hard for your trust and satisfaction. They know that the success of their business relies on great images and word of mouth from satisfied clients. The professional will never give you images that are only slightly good. The photographer will work hard to provide stunning images. Find a photographer that invests in their profession. One that has a stand alone studio and doesn’t make you come to their house to shoot your session in a spare room or converted garage. Or, makes you move furniture around your home so they can set up a traveling studio. Hire a true professional, not one that is a want-to-be professional photographer!
Software and Technical Skill
The professional will have spent hours and hours learning software like Lightroom or Photoshop. These image editing programs are essential for the finishing touches on great photos. Instead of average images, editing elevates images to properly stunning. You’ll proudly display them all around your home. You don’t want an amateur trying to touch up a photograph and turning it into a Photoshop fail. It should only need the lightest of editing, but it can make all the difference in the image. It’s easy to be tempted by low rates or the generosity of friends and family. For truly beautiful images that you’ll proudly show off for years, you really want to hire a professional photographer. These images will be passed down for generations too. They should be the best quality, not the cheapest.
