Why you should hire a professional photographer for your family portraits

Family photography is more accessible than ever. Affordable digital SLRs, high-quality smartphone cameras, and print-on-demand services mean you can easily capture magical moments from vacations and family days out. 

So, if you’re able to take great photos in those situations, you may be wondering whether hiring a professional photographer for your family portrait is still relevant in 2022? The short answer is absolutely. A friendly, experienced, and skilled Denver family photographer is still the best option for important photo shoots in your life. Here’s why it’s always worth the investment:

Hiring a Professional Photographer Makes Family Events Feel Even More Special

Studies show that the average parent now adds over 250 photos to their albums every single month. While digital photography and social media have been great for documenting daily life, it makes it hard to tell which photos should be cherished most. Photos taken by a professional will stand out from the crowd due to their superior quality. Likewise, visiting a photography studio or having a Denver family photographer complete an on-site shoot will make the day itself feel extra special.

Whether celebrating a new addition to the family, a special anniversary or simply wanting a family portrait that can take pride in the lounge doesn’t matter. The professional route is always the best path to take, not least because it allows you to focus on enjoying the day.

A Professional Photographer Can Actually Save You Money

Perceived costs are the biggest reason for resisting the urge to hire a professional photographer for your family portrait. Corporate headshots can be claimed back as an expense, which explains why businesses are still keen to use experts. However, families are understandably less likely to spend money unless they know that they’re getting value for money. In reality, professional family photography can save you money in the long run because your photographer can provide everything needed during the shoot.

You may have a great digital SLR. The best results will also require a range of lenses, different flashguns, and lighting accessories, and tripods along with backdrops and products to be used within the shoot. The DIY approach would cost a fortune.

An Experienced Photographer Knows How to Correctly Use Their Camera

Even if you (or a friend) has a digital SLR camera, the results you achieve will be a little limited if you simply switch it to ‘auto’ mode. Over half of all professional photographers have a Bachelor's degree in the field in addition to the experience of completing hundreds of family shoots. By shooting in manual mode, they can adjust the aperture, shutter speed, and focus to capture magical photos that you’ll want to show off time and time again. Trying to do this yourself is likely to yield some very stressful moments indeed.

In addition to technical skills, photographers boast the artistic eye to make the most of your surroundings, backdrops, and props. The composition and framing will be followed by quality printing techniques for truly phenomenal family photography.

A Family Photographer Will Capture Your Family With Stunning Results

Great family portraits aren’t just about the technical aspects of the images. Emotion and personality are the key factors that only a professional will achieve. Your Denver family photographer won’t simply instruct you to “say cheese”. They’ll look to celebrate your unity and closeness as a family while simultaneously capturing a moment in time. This can be done through photographing you enjoying activities or through posing. When combined with their ability to put children at ease in front of the camera, the results are amazing. 

Conversely, when trying to complete a family photoshoot yourself, it’s almost impossible to get everyone in a natural and aesthetically pleasing shot - especially if you have to resort to using a timer before rushing back into frame. The stress of this will show in the images.

Family Photography also Relies Heavily on Editing

When hiring a local family photographer, you don’t just pay for their time and experience during the shoot. You also pay for their editing skills, which gives you even greater value for money. Whether they use Adobe Lightroom or another package, their editing can truly make your photos pop. Aside from adjusting lighting and colors, they can also combine multiple photos with seamless results. So, if you’re blinking in one shot and your child is blinking in the next, editing can turn those two shots into one perfect image.

Studies show that 71% of people edit their selfies, so you know how important it is even for amateur shots. The value it can bring to your family portrait is incredible - not least because professional editing includes far more than simply clicking a Snapchat filter.

A Family Photoshoot is Thought Out

We love the fact that you can point and shoot family photographs on our iPhones or digital SLRs. However, special occasions like family portraits deserve special results. As well as their expertise during and after a shoot, your family photographer will deliver help during the planning phases. This can range from finding the perfect location to deciding the theme and choosing the right outfits. When photographing children, they can even help you consider outfit changes to gain a comprehensive approach without overwhelming your child.

The family photography industry has remained steady despite increased accessibility for amateur shoots. This is because the results are better - increased organizational skills play a key role time and time again. Whether it’s a household shoot or one with extended families. 

The Final Word

While taking photos to record your daily lives has never been easier, the contrast between professional and amateur shots remains high. From technical elements and compositions to capturing the emotion of your family, a professional photographer will always be the best answer. Whether you want printed shots, photos for social media or images that will become home decor products, hiring an expert will give you value for money.

Best of all, it’s an experience that your family will look back on fondly for many years to come.