Family pictures are an amazing way to document life. As a mom, I try my best to take as many pictures as I can. My plan is to capture as much as I can so later I can look back and relive the memories we made as a family. This is a really great plan in theory. My reality never quite matches up.
We go weeks, sometimes months, with almost no pictures taken. When I do take photos they are just OK. What I end up with is a huge folder full of candid snapshots that are blurry or someone isn’t looking or I’m just not happy with what I got. Every once and a while I will get lucky and knock one out of the park.
Since I’ve had kids, I am a big believer in the need to hire a photographer. Believe me, we have tried family photos with a camera using a timer. We’ve asked others around us to take a picture. We’ve even used a selfie stick. While they all capture the moment, there is nothing like the family pictures we have gotten from our photographer.
Recently, I was talking with Heather Schmader (Heather Schmader Photography) about this exact topic. It just so happens she is a photographer (and my cousin). She had some really great tips about why people should hire a photographer when taking family pictures. So I thought I would share those (and some of her amazing photos).
7 Reasons You Need To Hire A Photographer For Family Pictures
1. Entire Family In The Photo
How often do you go through your photos only to realize that you have nothing that includes the entire family! Someone always needs to be behind the camera. It usually ends up being Mom. At least once a year (or once every two years) it’s nice to have an updated photo with everyone in it. Through the years it’s fun to look back and see how the kids have grown.
2. Amazing Shots
I don’t know about you, but I simply cannot get cute shots of my kids. They are always moving. The pictures turn out blurry. The backgrounds are harsh. No matter what I do, nothing compares to a photo someone else took of my kid. How much fun is it to show these off? The equipment they use is far better than anything I have. It is so worth it.
3. Capture Their Personality
I love how a photographer can capture someone’s personality. Just looking at the picture you can see the relationships and love. You get so much more than just a snapshot where everyone says, “Cheese!” My favorite family pictures always end up being the shots they took when we didn’t realize we were being photographed. In between moments. They are so sweet.
4. Knowledge
A photographer brings so much knowledge to the session! They have always scoped out the best places. They have great props that can be used. They know how to work with the light. Plus, they have so much experience styling family pictures so you always end up with something you love.
5. Invest In You
If you are like me, you spend a lot of money decorating your home. Family pictures are always the focal point of the decor. Investing in a photographer for those pictures ensures you have high quality photos to hang on your wall. You will love the end result so much you will want to display them on the wall and share them with the world.
6. Edits Are Included
A photographer will take their raw pictures and make them even better with editing software. This is where they can turn them into black and white or sepia. They can edit out any imperfections and make sure everything is centered. The end product is beautiful work with no fuss on your end.
7. Create A Memory
Your session will be a fun experience. No stress. All you have to do is show up and let your photographer take over to execute exactly what you’ve asked for. You get to sit back and just enjoy your family. As you look back on your family pictures you will realize they captured great family memories.
It doesn’t have to be expensive! There are a lot of photographers out there that offer a flat rate. There are usually options to print your own photos with a photo release. Many even offer what they call mini-sessions. Your family would be scheduled for a short session that includes a certain number of pictures with a cute theme for one flat rate making it very affordable.
You can check out some of Heather’s other work on her website. Or follow her Facebook page. She is a great photographer choice if you are in the Titusville, PA, area.
2 Comments on “Why You Need To Hire A Photographer For Family Pictures”
I like what this article mentions about a professional photographer being able to bring a lot of knowledge to the session. It makes sense that an experienced photographer will know how to work in different conditions and environments. It’s something to remember for the next time I need any sort of pictures because a professional would definitely be a good option compared to doing it myself.
I have rarely been disappointed with a photographer’s work! Even when I walk away from a session thinking it wasn’t good, I have been blown away by the finished product.