When To Go Pro! How To Know When Hiring a Photographer Might Be Worth It!

Professional photography is an investment. For the average individual its is often a considerable one. It therefore deserves consideration. What does a professional provide that is different from aunt-what’s-her-face or your best friend doing point and shoot photo duties? Yes, auto-settings on modern devices can churn out pretty decently exposed pictures but is that enough to justify the savings?


Three Situations in which a Pro will Pay-off

1. When the occasion is significant! Don’t depend on the goodwill of friends or well-meaning family members to ensure an event of importance is captured. If the occasion is of significance it may be worth ensuring you get quality images afterwards. No flecks on the lens that show up in every photo, no ‘oops’ grandpa’s head is cut off, ect.

2. When individuals involved want to enjoy themselves.

Hiring a professional allows the people in the photos to do their thing and be present rather than flip between relaxing and making sure they aren’t missing it from a picture standpoint. A professional at an event or a scheduled shoot frees participants up to prepare and savor the experience regardless of what it is commemorating.

3. When the outcome matters.

If you desire or are depending on versatile photographs you can use or enjoy then a professional may prove to be the right choice. Whether its memories or marketing material you require, leaving it to chance is risky. There is nothing like gathering everyone’s photos on to a shared drive after an event only to realize that despite hundreds of pics, they all kinda suck.

Significant Milestones often Commemorated

  • Physical movement achievements (Yoga & Sport)

  • Pregnancy & Birth

  • Engagement & Commitment Ceremonies

  • Growing Families & Family Celebrations

  • Health & Healing Victories

  • Body Transformations (Weight Loss, Reconstructive Surgery and More)

  • Milestone Birthdays & Anniversaries

  • Brand Cultivation & Business Marketing (inc. Social Media)


What’s different with a Professional?

If you haven’t experienced a professional photo shoot then its worth saying that it can’t really be compared with point and shoot pictures done with friends or your partner. It is a different animal all together. A more fitting comparison could be the difference between a skilled quality therapist appointment versus a b*tch session with your friends. Both might be good things but there is a better time for each. This is due in part to two key components; results and process.

  • Process – Hiring a Professional Photographer is undoubtedly an expense. The monetary part of the investment tends to naturally spur personal investment on the part of yourself as well as other individuals involved. Involving a professional allows for priorities to be clearly expressed, taken seriously, and catered to. Attention to detail smooths the process for women (this includes hair, makeup, outfits... and for men this includes thought out facial hair and appearance.) The process begins when you book, builds as you prepare, peaks during your one-on-one hour or event, and concludes when you secure edited images.

  • Results – Quality results and remarkable images are the outcome of a prepared for shoot with a professional photographer whose work and work style appeals to you. A range of usable images which delight you is a totally fair expectation.


Don’t forget the power of editing!

Editing can move mountains, literally. To be honest, an image which won’t improve with a little bit of work is rare, very rare. A skilled professional has expertise in editing. From removing a photo-bomber to shifting focus through lighting change, editing options abound. Many individuals take pleasure in enjoying a little digital nip-n-tuck or cosmetic enhancements. The most commonly requested one I get is just a touch of teeth whitening.

Other common editing request include:

  • Lighting

  • Simplified background i.e. removal of distracting objects

  • Unwanted details (think tags, pet hair, stray strands of hair, straps, and the like)

  • Body Modification (mole or blemish removal, whiter teeth, tattoo ‘removal’)

  • Cosmetic Adjustments (smoothed skin texture, lifted jowl/neck/upper arm, thinning)


Splurging! When is it Worthwhile?

Yes, taking your wallet out and paying a professional photo shoot might feel like an indulgence but splurging on a pro pays-off when the image quality matters, process matters, and usable images matter. Moments transformed into memories last fo-ever-ever. Capturing ‘the’ shot, commemorating an occasion, or even simply reveling in the ‘you’ that is right now is valuable in its own right. When it matters; its likely worth shelling out on the splurge.


Exploring the value of professional photography? Read more on the Wild Thing Photography Blog.

  • Professional Photos: Why are they So expensive?

  • How to get the most from your scheduled shoot with a Professional

Specializing In Small Business Marketing, Personal Branding And Yoga Photography

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Photography Credit: Wild Thing Photography

Arielena Reed