Every day memories happen. We all love to capture and share that special moment and the ability to look back and remember through photographs. Photography is a part of humanity that has been around since the 1800’s and thanks to our technological advances has no signs of going away anytime soon. Almost anyone can afford a camera these days, even if the camera isn’t the best quality. Prices can vary from $50 toy cameras for children to as much as a small mortgage with brands such as Hasselblad manufacturing their CF-39 MS camera retailing for around $42,000! The issue is whether or not an individual should purchase a high quality camera, use the one they currently own or hire a professional. 

True professional photographers make over 50% of their income if not all of it from their photography. They work long hours researching and practicing perfection of their skills. They put a lot of thought into pleasing their clients and how their final product will be perceived. Professional photographers also spend a lot of money on better lenses, lighting, software and equipment that enable them to improve their skills to serve clients better. Some rely on natural light only while others utilize the best in modern lightning equipment. When looking for a professional photographer to hire, there are many things to consider. First, you need to set a budget. Decide on an amount that you can afford to pay someone for your photography session and also for what prints and products you may choose to purchase. After you have narrowed down to a few select photographers and checked references and portfolios, it is also a good idea to consider their equipment and editing skills. You want to ensure that regardless of what equipment the photographer has that they know how to use it properly and professionally. If you know that you will want large canvas prints or products then make sure they use a camera with enough resolution to handle your request. It’s the same thing for lighting and editing and locations. Be specific regarding what you expect on everything from the session to the final edited images so that you and your photographer are sharing the same vision of your special memories. The amount of difference in editing skills from one photographer to another can make a difference as well. Some prefer the natural look with nothing but minor editing. Other photographers, with basic skills in Adobe Photoshop and other programs, are able to remove blemishes, reduce age, change hair or eye color and some can even reduce weight. Those with advanced Photoshop skills can design custom products and templates and some can actually create digital manipulations from an image for instance turning a photo of a little girl at a lake into a fairy skating in a winter wonderland!

When hiring a photographer, many have session fees that are charged up front, while some allow clients to pay the session fee on the date. Choosing to charge in advance helps cover the lost profit from turning away other clients on the same date if the first client eventually cancels. Session fees also cover the photographer’s time and skills, wear and tear on equipment and vehicles, gas to arrive at the session (although some charge mileage) and many include full editing of your images in the session fee. Also, don’t be surprised if you are asked to sign a model release form before your session. This protects both the photographer and you. These forms protect your image and allow you to choose where your images can be used by the photographer such as for marketing purposes or on Facebook pages to help promote their business. Over the years model release forms have evolved protecting the photographer and model’s rights documenting proof of consent to photograph and details about the session and agreements reached regarding that session’s services and fees. If a photographer doesn’t use model release forms, it is in your best interest to convince them to do so. Otherwise you never know where your image may end up! Many photographers also prefer some sort of branding such as a watermark or logo to be placed on their images. The purpose is to help prevent people from scanning and reproducing copies instead of purchasing from the photographer. Another purpose is to assist future clients in finding the photographer if they liked their work.

When choosing a photographer you need to check their references or reviews and view their portfolio. Almost all photographers have either a website or portable portfolio allowing you to see some of their best work. Seeing prints samples in person is a great way to ensure that the paper is the professional quality you expect. It is important that you and the photographer communicate your expectations and what style you enjoy. If you want a nostalgic vintage look for your wedding and everything in the photographer’s portfolio is colorful and bright, this may not be what you are looking for. What you need to determine is whether or not they have the skills and desire to go the extra distance to completely please the client even if it’s outside their normal skills or preference. If the portfolio is the ‘only’ style they are willing to do rather than work with you or learn something new for you, then you may as well look elsewhere. Also, don’t be hung up on how much experience one photographer has over another. Everyone must start somewhere. Look at the dedication and skills within the current portfolio regardless of size. Take price into consideration also. If a relatively new photographer is charging as much or more than those that have been around locally for years, that can be a sign of issues down the road. Good quality photography and service will have you coming back and is much more important than a ‘one time’ sale.

The last important thing to consider is what products and services are offered and how much. Some photographers post edited sessions online for proofing either 24/7 or for a limited time. Others require that you view proof version of your prints in person and place your order using them. Different photographers also use different labs so shipping times can vary. If you need a session returned to you quickly, you need to discuss this with your photographer. They will be able to give you an estimate on how long it will take to edit your images and when you can expect your final product. One huge reason to choose a professional photographer over home photography is also because of the products. Professional photographers use professional photo labs with only the highest quality archival paper. The color and quality is much improved over the quality you receive from chain store photo labs. Professional photographers also have access to unique products and items that you can’t get anywhere else!

Occasionally a photographer will exclusively offer copyright release CDs contain all the images from a client’s session rather than to choose to sell prints or products.  It can be convenient to be able to print when and where you want, but there are several issues where this isn’t the best idea long term. What the photographer sees on their professional equipment/calibrated computers is different than what you will see using the disk for prints. When a client prints photos themselves, they are generally much lower quality than the professional prints. This can be a bad reference for the photographer’s skills when the work is shown to friends and family. Disks also can lose data over time resulting in a loss or degradation of your images. Professional photographers want your images to look the best for their client and their business!

The issue whether or not to hire a professional photographer and how should now be better understood. Although anyone could just do it themselves, the benefits and improved quality of using a professional far outweighs the reasons to save the money and do it yourself. Meet a few of our many talented local photographers and they can tell you and show you many more reasons why it is in your best interest to choose a professional photographer! Everyone can take a photo…whether it’s the mom photographing their child’s birthday party or teenagers using their camera phone to upload their latest adventure to Facebook. Some families have invested in a nice DSLR, but there is a lot more to taking a good photo than what camera you have. It is not the camera that makes the photographer, but the photographer that makes the camera. Better equipment is similar to better quality brushes for an artist. You have to be willing to read your manual and learn ways to improve your skills. If you don’t know how to use those ‘brushes’ you might as well just use your camera phone and save your money for something else…or leave it to the professionals!

About the author: Amber Flowers is a photographer, digital artist and writer most known for her infrared photography and the ‘fine art’ feel to her work. She is a member of The League of Creative Infrared Photographers and Founder of Southern Kentucky Photographer’s Club. Amber resides in Glasgow KY with her husband, two children and several pets. You can learn more about her on her website: www.soulgazephotography.com