Why Hire a Photographer? (Maybe you need to, maybe not...)
I know, I know. Photography often seems too expensive for a service that seems too easy to provide, especially when we're all walking around with a camera in our pocket. But here's some food for thought:
In inexperienced hands, even the most cutting-edge camera & lens will yield poor results.
An experienced photographer can maximize gear's results, but cannot change its limitations.
So whether it's you or someone else behind the camera, it's vital to get the right combination of user & gear.
"Why should I pay so much for the photographer to click a button? It's easy- anybody can do it!"
A good photographer has put in the time to learn how to choose & use gear (camera & lens) & light to create a variety of “looks”.
A good photographer knows how to choose flattering locations, and to combine the subject and environment to create an amazing photograph.
A good photographer realizes that their talents are valuable, so requests fair compensation for their expertise, & time during preparation, capturing the images, and editing (there's more to it than just slapping on an Instagram filter).
"My phone takes great pics. I don't need a photographer!" Cellphones are amazing, but they do have their limits. If a cellphone is giving the looks you love, use it! If your “phonetography” isn’t getting the results you want, consider consulting an expert.
“If my cellphone isn’t cutting it, I’ll just buy a camera and do it myself.” Nobody’s going to be more available for all occasions than you are, so if you’re willing to put in the work to learn how to get good results, go for it! But even so, sometimes you’ll likely want to get in front of the camera to be part of the moment, so keep a professional option in your back pocket.
Whether you hire someone or capture the images yourself, getting good results is a combination of factors.
The gear should be able to create the desired look. If that’s a cellphone or entry-level camera, great! But there are many times when more specialized gear is needed.
The photographer must be knowledgeable. That means knowing how to choose appropriate gear, maximizing the gear’s abilities, making the most of light, choosing or creating appropriate environments, and helping the subject look good.
The subject must be cooperative. Even the best photographer cannot force a miserable child to smile, an untrained puppy to “stay”, or a wilting flower to rebloom.
Of course photographers want your business- we love getting paid for our passion. But if you don’t need us yet that’s fine. Know that we’ll be here at the click of a button when you’re ready.
Happy clicking!
