Why You Should Hire a Photographer

I know what you are wondering. Why should I hire a photographer when I can take pretty decent photos on my phone? Well I completely understand this question. It is a valid one. A regular point and shoot camera or even your phone camera can give you pretty good quality photos! Plus, if you are a DIYer, like myself, you might want to save the money and just do it yourself. And maybe that is the right path for you! However, I’m here to open your eyes and see the value in hiring a photographer. Here are a few reasons I think it is important to hire a photographer.

Reason 1: Photographers have a trained eye for editing

The truth is, the auto setting on your camera doesn’t always get skin tones correct. For example, in backlit situations, chances are your camera will see all that golden light and automatically make an adjustment for it, creating blue or cooler skin tones that are inaccurate. When you are first starting out it is really hard to train your eyes to see correct skin tones and color casts. This is something that takes time. And a good photographer will have labored many many hours to hone that skill. Also, artistic style when editing can really make a photo stand out. I, for one, have created my own presets so that I get a consistent color and black and white photo every time. Many photographers edit in different styles ranging to a more cinematic, bright and airy, or clean look. So picking a photographer whose style you enjoy is important, and is a great reason to invest in their business.

Reason 2: Technical Ability

When you first start out it is really easy to mess up the white balance, or the exposure. I know it was something I really had to work on! Hiring a photographer will ensure that the photos delivered won’t be under or over exposed, and they look their best. Photographers also have worked hard to know how to position someone in good light. Composition also plays a very important role for the photographer. A great way to elevate your photography is through good composition. This might not be something you’re thinking about when you grab your phone, or try to do things on your own. But I can assure you a good photographer is always looking for a great composition that will enhance the storytelling aspects.

Reason 3: Decision Making

Let’s say it is your wedding day. Do you really want to add to the stress of the day by not hiring a photographer? By hiring a photographer you can make your wedding day go so much more smoothly. They are there to be your friend and guide for the day. They make the hard decisions like where to take your portraits, and how to document and tell the story of your day in the most flattering and artistic way. They are there to help you and serve you on your most important day. Not to mention it’s a day where you really need to be present! If you spend the whole day worrying about the timeline, family, and if your friend was able to really capture that moment, then you are not really enjoying the most important day of your life. A photographer can put your mind at ease. They handle the timing, the posing, the family, the lighting, all why being your encourager and friend! This can make a huge difference on such a big day. I also believe it’s important to hire a photographer to capture your family or high school senior. While yes, it is some work on your part to pick out the outfits and make decisions on what you really want. A photographer can assist and guide you in those big decisions. They have also put in the time and effort into things like picking the best photo lab, calibrating their computer monitors to ensure the best printing outcomes, and making sure you have the best client experience. They also can guide you in clothing decisions. They make sure the most important moments and people are captured in a flattering way. Hiring a photographer can really put your mind at ease.

In summary, hiring a photographer can really help you to enjoy the moment that you are in. How often do we take time to just stop and enjoy the present? I know that I am always thinking and working for the future. I imagine you spend a large amount of time doing that as well. It’s hard to be intentional and stop to enjoy the moment. Milestones like being a high school senior, or getting married are (usually) once in a lifetime events! It’s important to stop and recognize these moments. Hiring a photographer means they have put in the effort and time to make sure you are documenting those moments in the best way possible. They have worked hard on the technical aspects of photography that maybe you haven’t been able to focus on. So maybe, just maybe, hiring a photographer is worth it.

Thanks for reading!

Why are Family Photos Important?

I know what you are thinking. “Why should I even consider hiring a photographer? I have this phone right here in my hand that does a pretty darn good job of documenting my family’s lives.” And you’d be kind of right! I love using my phone to capture all those little moments with my own family, it is just so darn convenient.  But you know what, my phone doesn’t take great pictures.  My phone doesn’t consider the rules of design or take into consideration skin tones and light.  My phone doesn’t include me in the pictures at all, unless I flip the camera and get that awkward selfie.  My phone doesn’t allow me to be fully present with my loved ones.  I am the one working and filming and trying to get my kid’s attention and focusing more on the light than on the time with others.  Hiring a photographer does put you at complete ease.  Finding a photographer you trust can help you to relax and enjoy the experience with your family and actually be included in the photos! Your children will want to remember you too.  Not just see themselves in pictures. 

Maybe you’re thinking “Uh, why are family photos even important?” Well, if you have children you know how quickly time goes by!  It’s like you blink and those babies who were just born are already smashing a cake for their first birthday.  Then they get into school and extra curricular activities and time speeds up even quicker!  Photography will help you to slow down and savor the moment. Photography also gives you something to look back on in later years so you can reflect on those precious moments with your family. Photography can also make you cringe later, so find a good photographer that will give you those timeless photos. And these are things worth investing in! Photography is art, but it is also personally special to each person and family member who love and adore those people in the images.

Maybe your thinking “I don’t have the time for family photos!”  Well, I know from experience that if you plan it, it will happen! Just commit! Think of all the things you make time for that you plan in your own life.  Doctor appointments, getting your hair and nails done, vacations, church meetings, meals, there are countless things you plan in your day to day life!  Photography is just another one of those.  Christmas comes every year, and you will know you need photos for those Christmas cards.  Big life events, like getting married or having a baby, all require documentation! Make it easy by booking a photographer ahead of time.     

In summary, the photos and videos and memories that you want to hand down aren’t going to be the blurry crazy millions of digital and phone photos.  They are going to be the ones you value enough to print.  The ones that capture your family in an artful and beautiful way.  They are the ones that you will want to look back on and remember and show your children.   

Thanks for reading!

5 Must Have Photos for Fall

Fall is by far my favorite season! The chill in the air, the leaves changing colors, that smell of wood fires and coffee, not to mention boots and flannel! Oh, and I’m also obsessed with fall fashion colors.  Like the teal and mustard and deep raspberry colors. You know, kind of like the bold set of Crayola Markers.  I am in love with these colors.  They are my favorite, and they always seem to come out in the fall. You can tell by my family photo seen here:

Which brings me to my first must have photo for fall.

1. The Family Portrait:

Fall is the perfect time for family photos and here is why.  The temperature is cooler so you’re not sweating to death during your photo session.  Plus, layering clothing can create visual interest that just isn’t reasonable in the summertime. The fall foliage provides a beautiful backdrop, which lets all admit here, that sometimes a beautiful backdrop is hard to come by in the Midwest.  We don’t have gorgeous mountain backdrops or cloudy sunset skies at the beach. I love the Midwest and I do think it’s beautiful!  It’s just sometimes tougher to stay inspired (especially during those brown parts of winter).  But fall provides that gorgeous color that compliments any picture.  You know what comes right after fall- Christmas! You need that beautiful family portrait to show off to all your friends and family on those Christmas cards! I try to document our family at least once a year.  I think getting in front of the camera is important. I am way more comfortable behind the camera, but I still feel it is essential for my children and family that I try to get in the picture with them.

2. The Fall Colors:

This is the time of year where everything bursts into color, and it is usually for such a short time. Consider the colors of the leaves in relation to your subjects clothing.  Blue pairs beautifully with orange autumn leaves.  Think fall colors, mustard, warm neutrals, and maroons.

3. Halloween Costumes:

Cute, fun, or scary, Halloween costumes are something you must document.  Especially if you have children!  Consider the scenery their costumes belong in. Get that front door trick or treat scene. Add mystery to your photos by using elements to make your viewer uncomfortable. Such as slightly tilting the frame, underexposing to enhance shadows, and blocking the eyes.  For more ideas visit this article here.     

4. Fall Detail:

Think of what makes it fall for you.  Is it the change of weather? Perhaps you can capture the raindrops on the windows.  Is it the foggy mornings? Get up early and capture the sunlight lifting the fog.  Is it cozy blankets and warm drinks and soups?  Capture your loved ones wrapped up in soft blankets and enjoying that first sip of morning coffee. Is it the changing leaves? Think of ways to capture the leaves on the trees maybe with light behind them or covered in cobwebs. Pumpkins, tall dying grass, black cats, clear blue skies and dried corn.  There are so many fall details that need to be captured and documented!

5. Fall Traditions:

This would include but is not limited to, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Pumpkin carving, Trick or treating, sorting candy, decorating, cooking, family get togethers, raking leaves, hay rides, corn mazes, apple picking, and the list goes on and on! Capture and document all of these iconic traditions!

Fall is the perfect time of year to get pictures professionally taken or at least capture some on your own! Thanks for reading!