When Is a Professional Photographer a Must?
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If you need photos taken for a project or event, you might be wondering, “Can I take these myself, or should I hire a pro?” Sometimes, DIY photography is just fine; for example, you probably don’t need a professional to take pictures at your birthday party — although you could if you really wanted a keepsake. However, for some things, phone selfies and amateur photos just aren’t going to cut it. Here’s a guide to help you figure out when a pro is best.
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When You Want to Make a Sale
The best reason to hire a professional photographer is that you want photos that will land you a sale; for instance, when it comes to real estate, the right photos can make or break a listing. Getting your home professionally staged and photographed is one of the single most effective ways to catch buyers’ eyes, get them in for a viewing, and make a fast, competitive sale.
The same principle applies to advertising photography. If you’re trying to sell a product, or convince travelers that you have the best resort, it can easily all come down to the photographs. Unless you already have someone there in person, that’s your one and only chance to capture their attention. Make sure it’s doing the work you need it to.
When You Have a Specific Vision
If you’re trying to get photos that look a specific way, professional photographers are your best bet. Specifically, you should explore several photographers’ portfolios to find one whose style best matches what you’re looking for. Remember, photographers are artists, not automatons — you get the specific style they bring to the table.
That said, it’s important to highlight what you’re looking for within that style. If you have a specific vision, bring along a set of images that convey the sort of thing you’re looking for. It’s best to also include a few examples from the photographer’s portfolio as well, so they can understand what aspects of their style you hope will shine through in the final product.
When the Right Shot Might Be Tricky
If you’re looking for a challenging photo, you need someone who has the skills to make it happen. Take nature photography as an example. Anybody can go out and take a picture of a cliff face, but photographers trained in this style of photography have the gear and the skills to get those awe-inspiring, death-defying shots that leave an impression.
The same principle is true for photos involving wild animals, action shots, and other challenging styles of photography. Not only do you want a pro for these, but you also want a pro who has proven experience taking those kinds of photos and making them look great. Otherwise, you stand to wind up with a final product that just doesn’t hit the mark.
When You’d Like to Show Off
Many photographers will say you should never host a major event such as a wedding without a professional photographer. Let’s add a caveat - going without a pro is fine, so long as you don’t intend to show off the photos. If you just want to have some pictures to reminisce over, then having your cousin take pictures or putting a disposable camera at every table is probably fine.
If you plan to blow the photos up to poster size and frame them in your living room, however, that’s a whole different story. Most people really do want those photos to be worth showing off, and that’s perfectly fine, but it does mean you need to hire a professional to take them. It takes years of practice to learn how to judge the light, find the angle, and take the right shot — not to mention the hours upon hours of work that goes into editing photos after the fact.
Ultimately, when it comes to photography, you get what you pay for. Great photos don’t just happen; they’re not down to luck, or the camera; they come down to the artist behind the lens. Invest in an artist whose skills match your vision, and you’ll be happy you did.