Amateur Photo Professional Photo

Photos: Left: Amateur photo, please notice the lack of focus and contrast, it's hard to see the emotion of the subject. Right: Professional photo, improved use of lighting, and tack sharp focus. Much easier to see the emotion of the moment.

In the age of Smart Phones, many of which have strong quality image output and more powerful Point and Shoot cameras, it's hard to go anywhere in which there is not someone in the group who is taking pictures throughout the day... and honestly, some of them are pretty darn good photos when all is said and done.

So, why spend the money to hire a Professional Photographer when you have so many people around that are happy to share the photos they have taken - for FREE? Here are some things that you really need to take into consideration when you feel you are going to want to capture an event, family setting, portrait, etc...

EXPERIENCE

A professional photographer brings all of their experience to every situation. They have lived through challenges and learned to account for them - from poor lighting situations, to uncooperative subject, to handling tight deadlines - the professional has built their business by adding to their knowledge base and applying new strategies and techniques to provide high quality results and happy customers.  The part-time, inexperienced photo taker present a gamble that may cost you that perfect shot. Professional photographers are very familiar with adjusting for artistic creativity, posing challenges and awkward angles that various settings can present.

LENSES & EQUIPMENT

Professional photographers have an arsenal of quality lenses, lighting and cameras for which they have a strong knowledge for which is best for any given scenario. They have knowledge of advanced lens focusing techniques to achieve artistic effects that an amateur would not be aware of. A professional photography will most likely be using a full-frame in conjunction with their high quality lenses that will provide tack-sharp results that even the most advanced smart phone and point and shoot camera cannot provide. In addition, high quality lenses provide artistic effects that truly make a difference in the final photo.

LIGHTING & POSING

I know we have all seen the photos that are truly washed out from strong sunlight, the bright lighting that literally removes details from the photo and of course, the dark photos that are hard to make out unless you really look hard. Lighting is one of the most critical aspects to a successful, high quality photo, and it is one of the most difficult aspects of photography to master. It can take years for a photographer to fully understand lighting both in the studio and in outdoor settings. Professional photographers have an intimate knowledge of the way their cameras handle lighting as well as how different types of lighting will affect their photo subject. Another key is that the professional photographer can actually use dramatic lighting techniques to create impact such as strong shadows, silohouettes, and lighting lines.

Posing is also a piece that professional photographers practice for years to understand to provide the most dramatic results. It's a simple technique that most amateur photo takers don't take the time to setup or perfect. Professional photographers take charge of the situation and position people, objects, etc. to provide high quality photo art.

EDITING SOFTWARE

Many photos come out just fine from the camera.  A professional photographer will have a variety of lens filters that will have to bring out the sky, portrait details, etc, however post processing with digital photos is a great way to be able to enhance photos to really provide dramatic effect. From improving contrast, pulling our sharp details, and even correcting errors and blemishes on otherwise great photos, professional photographers have a great deal of skill and experience enhancing already beautiful photos to make them even better. I currently use several tools, such as Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, Canon Photo Raw, and Portrait Professional to provide truly optimal quality and effect.

FOCUSED ON YOU

One of the most important things to keep in mind when recruiting someone to capture your event, portraits, etc. is that a professional photographer is fully invested in you. You are the boss - it's your moment - it's your memories. Unlike a friend or family member, a professional photographer is there to take pictures, they are not there to partake in the festivities. I've seen it many times with amateur photo takers, friends, family, etc. who lose focus and at some point actually stop taking pictures. Moments are missed, expressions are not captured correctly - the entire emotion of the event is lost. A professional photographer will move around, catching moments and expressions that others will miss. Professional photographers will take hundreds of photos of an event and be able to pull out the best of the best for you to share, exhibit and save - your memories will be preserved for a lifetime.

CREATIVITY & VISION

Another key aspect that a professional photographer will bring is artistic appeal. We have all seen the photos that look nice, but don't really draw us in. Amateur photo takers take quick snaps and move on. A professional photographer has grown their business through developing their own style of photos and use learned techniques to draw the viewers eyes to the subject and really capture the emotion of a photograph. Most professional photographers have a style the prefer to shoot in, whether it's high contrast, pastel, Black & White, or even a good mixture to cater to the moment. Get to know your photographer and find out what they do best to determine if their style and techniques are what you are really looking for.

EDUCATION

Unlike the amateur photo taker, a professional photographer will not only have years of experience, but will also have an educational background that will include photography. Even many amateurs understand the "Rule of Thirds" and "Leading Lines", but these are only a small portion of what a professional photographer will learn. Professionals will learn how to operate equipment, pose, etc. but will also learn about properly running their business and most importantly, how to work with clients and provide a truly amazing customer experience.

PHOTO PRODUCTS

Finally, in addition to their time and photography skills, a professional photographer will be able to provide you with a variety of photo products to showcase your photos. Many have E-commerce setups through their website which will allow you to purchase electronic prints, photo prints, and even various photo products.

It is important to really understand what you are wanting from your session or event. If you are only looking to have fun and not ultimately concerned about what memories you are capturing, then a friend or family member is not a bad option to enlist to at least capture something. However if you are really wanting to have memories captured and would like something you can showcase, you owe it to yourself to research and invest in a professional who will focus on you and capture memories that will bring joy for generations.

Please watch these videos to hear more about the value of a Professional Photographer for your next photo need.