Thanks to major technological advancements over the years, snapping and editing photos has never been easier. Everyone you know has some type of portable device with photo capabilities, if not an actual camera.

Because of this, friends and family members are ever so willing to photograph your portrait, wedding, reunion, or other family event, feeling it’s the camera that does the job.

Read on for advice in deciding between hiring a professional photographer or using a family friend.

Experience

Experience is one of, if not the most important factor a reputable photographer will provide for your photo session.

• A pro will know which subtle posing, lighting, and location changes will produce a portrait instead of a snapshot. If they have been in business for a number of years, they know what works and what doesn’t.
• A talented pro knows what to watch for and when to snap the shutter. It’s called “the instinct of anticipation” allowing them to capture raw emotions expressed during photography sessions.
• A pro knows how to politely handle difficult situations such as unruly children, cranky adults, and special needs family members. They are also assertive enough to kindly request excited friends and family (often referred to as Uncle Bob or Aunt Vicky among photographers), snapping cellphone pictures to “please move out of the way” without ruffling feathers.
• Professionals know how to keep a session moving smoothly, which shots to get, and how to best use the time allotted. Pros are hard at work while at the same time helping you feel at ease during the session.

Education

Just how much does a professional know about photography versus a family member or friend who has offered to take your pictures?

Are they able to adjust equipment settings quickly? A pro can do so instinctively, making for a seamless session. They can shoot on the fly, changing settings at the drop of a hat, because they understand how to work with different conditions from light and weather to locations and personalities.

Professionals never stop learning. They continually research new equipment and software, styles and methods. Since this is their livelihood and not just a hobby, perfecting their craft is ongoing.

Equipment

End result is much more than having a nice camera.

A professional will have multiple cameras, lenses, lights, grips, memory cards, batteries, reflectors, filters, tripods, color checkers, light meters, storage devices, posing stools, ladders…..plus multiple software applications and backup equipment to process, protect, and store images.

Pros heavily invest in their craft and know how to use all their equipment with ease.

Commitment

A reputable professional photographer:

• Is committed to you and your session. They are guaranteed to show up and carry out the duties you hired them to do. In other words, they won’t flake out and change their minds a few months, weeks, or days before your event.
• Researches the location beforehand. They also work with you to determine the best time of day for that date and location, working with weather, lighting, and foot traffic in the area.
• Will communicate with you before, during, and after the session so you are comfortable throughout, not only through the service provided but the experience as well. They can advise you on a wide range of considerations.
• Knows their reputation is on the line—every time. An amazing result that you will love and excellent customer service is their focus.

Value or Cost

What it all boils down to is value or cost. Which one is your driving factor in selecting someone to capture those special moments?

Hiring a professional photographer is considered a luxury but when the end result is your priority, hiring a pro should be a no-brainer. Images provided by friends, often less than stellar and many times embarrassing, can create strain in your relationship.

So when budget constraints or family politics factor into your decision as to whether to choose “free vs. fee”, please remember the images are what you will have left after the event to help you relive the emotions of the day for many years to come. Keep your friends and hire a pro.