So far this week we have learned that professional photograhers provide technical knowledge and skills, unique artistry and personal vision, and reliability and peace of mind.

The fourth thing that a professional photographer provides is their experience.

 

By it’s very nature, experience is no something that can aqcuired overnight.  It is a library that is slowly built up over time.

Just as important as a photographer’s unique artistic eye is their ability to recognize and anticipate key moments while photographing your family or wedding  The look of pure joy on your child’s face as they run full tilt through a  field, the look on your groom’s face the moment he first sees you on your wedding day, a moment of surprise perfectly preserved, and the happy tears in your father’s eyes as you dance together are all fleeting moments – here and then gone in an instant.  Having a professional who can anticiapte these moments can be the difference between getting the shot and just wishing you had.

The second area where experience really pays off is in a professional’s ability to put you at ease during your photo shoot.  Not many of us like having our photos taken.  Being in front of the camera can be a stressful experience if you do not have a professional to guide you a put you at ease.  How do I stand?  Does this outfit look okay?  What do I do with my hands?  A professional has the experience  and information to provide you before your shoot so you can arrive prepared and knows how to put you at ease during your shoot.

When you are uncomfortable, it will show in your finished photos.  A professional’s ability to put you at ease will make your photos look natural and relaxed.

A professional can  use their experience to forsee and avoid common pitfalls before they become problems.  This could be anything from knowing what colors and fabric look best on film to being able to ensure the safety of your family and children.

An experienced wedding photographer knows to lead the couple and immediate family members away from the guests before attempting to take the family photographs, avoiding a crowd of onlookers with cellphones yelling directions to the couple from the sidelines.

Perhaps your photographer did not think to (or know to) warn you that small, high contrast patterns like checks can show in photographs as a moire effect?  Your lovely 30×40 wall portrait over the fireplace is now marred by a ripple effect in the fabric that is unable to be fixed in post processing.

You may have seen those adorable newborn photos of baby posing in a sling, resting it’s head on it’s little hands, or perched on the back of a bike.  An inexperienced photographer may not realize that these images are actually composites of several photos where the baby was constantly supported and safe.  Attempting many of these “trick” shots without knowing the proper safety procedures could put your baby at risk of serious injury!

The problem with an inexperienced photographer is that they don’t know what they don’t know.  Hiring a professional ensures that you receive a high quality, safe experience without having to ride someone else’s learning curve.