Is a Professional Photographer Still Needed in 2023?

As I continue my 25th year as a professional photographer, I always get asked this question. I agree that cell phone cameras are improving, especially in the resolution and capturing images in low light with less noise.

My well-being relies on being employed, so I might appear slightly biased on why professional photography is still essential in 2023.

Here are my Top Five Reasons why a Professional Photographer is Still Needed:

1. One of the essential elements of photography is light. Photography is "painting with light." It allows the photographer to convey emotion and tell a story. Light can be modified, added, subtracted, and manipulated to create the mood of an image. Photographers train to study the different aspects of indoor and outdoor natural light to create the perfect exposure and story. 

2. Photographers make sure that all family members are included in a family photograph. I know many busy moms who take family photos, but they do not include themselves. I recommend that a family be photographed at least once a year, especially if the kids are little. How can one's most cherished relationships be captured if one of the most important family members is missing?

3. Posing people is definitely an art, not to be taken lightly. Photographers learn how to pose women differently than men and pose people to look thinner and more attractive. Chin out, chin down is a common phrase many photographers use when photographing women. This technique gives more emphasis to the eyes and less on the chin. 

4. I recommend a headshot done by a professional photographer. I see many selfies on Linked In and other social media which are distorted. Cell phone cameras use a wide focal length lens. Whatever is closest to the lens will appear the largest, usually the nose or the forehead. When part of an image is out of proportion, it is known as distortion. Photographers are familiar with the range of acceptable focal lengths which will provide the most attractive facial features. 

5. Lastly, I could not end my blog without discussing the importance of prints. I built my career on printing photographs for my clients, and I continue to stress their importance to my customers. We are living in a quickly moving technological world. We don't know how long images will last in today's media. Floppy discs were not that long ago, but now a thing of the past. Unfortunately, many photographers do not provide prints anymore. Please, make this a priority when you choose a professional photographer. I guarantee you will not regret it.

Thanks and have a great 2023. If you are interested in a professional headshot or family portrait, don't hesitate to get in touch with me.