At one point, photography was a pretty specialized skill that required a hefty investment of time, money, and skill development to get right.
Now, due to advances in technology, the lines are kind of blurred a bit more. Some phones can take extremely vivid photos, edit them automatically, and take out a lot of the nuance.
So, where does that leave the line between amateur and professional? What is a professional photographer in a world where photography is so accessible, and why should you hire one?
I’m going to explore each of those questions to help you understand this new world of photography a little bit better.
What is a Professional Photographer?
I love seeing how art has evolved and become more accessible to nearly everyone.
But there’s still a huge difference between a good-looking photo from an iPhone and a professional snapshot, especially if you’re hoping to capture a corporate event or make a professional headshot for use in business materials or marketing.
A professional photographer is someone who has taken it beyond casual photography and explored it as an art form, but also in a professional setting.
Ways Professional Photographers Differ from Amateur Photographers
While the line has been blurred by technology, there are major differences between professional and amateur photographers.
1: Professional Experience and Achievements
This is the most obvious difference. A true professional has turned photography into a career. This could mean transforming their skills into an art form that attracts a large audience of paying customers or becoming educated and skilled enough to build a career centered around photography.
For example, I became a globe-trotting photojournalist respected in the journalism industry, and I also teach high school students photography to pass my skills down to the next generation.
I’ve also had the privilege of photographing many family lifestyle moments, including newborn photography sessions and milestone family events.
2: Editing is Done Properly and with Purpose
Another key difference is how the editing process is done. Even the best amateur photographers tend to rely on automated editing tools.
The phone uses built-in AI software, or it runs the photo through a filter, and the job is done. There are some great results to be had with this, but that’s not how a professional does it.
A professional goes over each photo personally and makes purposeful and specific tweaks to ensure that each change adds to the image without detracting from the natural beauty of the subject.
You can tell the difference between this professional and targeted approach in comparison to what an iPhone’s auto-editing software does.
Just as an example, this careful editing is especially important when working on wedding photos, where every detail must be perfect to capture the essence of the moment.
3: The Details are Crucial
Another key difference is that some things only come with experience, and in photography, that includes a keen understanding of how much of a difference the details make.
A professional understands how a slight directional lighting change can completely change the way a photograph makes you feel or how to incorporate a sense of movement and energy in the photo. These details and many, many more are what turn basic photography into an art.
For example, when shooting newborn photography, the understanding of how lighting and angles impact the final image is especially crucial for creating timeless photos that parents will cherish forever.
Why Hiring a Professional Photographer Is Still Necessary
So, if technology has put all the right tools and streamlined capabilities into nearly everyone’s hands, what is a professional photographer, and why should you hire one?
Well, while selfies and photos while you’re out and about are perfectly fine for the amateur photographer, some things simply can’t be captured without experience and skill, regardless of what tech is available.
A professional shines at capturing those special moments in vivid detail and ensuring that you get a flawless memento of any occasion. They turn your priceless memory into art.
For your next graduation, wedding reception, school photos, or any other special occasion, contact us and book your appointment with Fotoreflection today.