This may be an obvious first-blog topic, but it’s a debate I still run into after years spent working in photography—and one that isn’t likely to end. There are plenty of things you could do yourself versus hiring a professional: you can colour your own hair, do your own nails, paint your house, and the list goes on. But, let’s be honest, we’ve all had enough DIY fails to know that certain tasks are best left in the hands of capable pros. 

Thanks to smartphones, we all have cameras in our pockets, but these aren’t a replacement for someone who understands the countless things involved in photography that go far beyond clicking the shutter. After all, a camera doesn’t take great images by itself.

An investment in quality
Is photography expensive? Yes. But it’s also an investment. We’ve all heard the adage, “You get what you pay for,” and it rings true more often than not. Working with a photographer means the difference between average images and exceptional images.  

If you’re a business owner, for example, hiring a photographer is an investment in your business. Remember, photographers are business owners too, so we understand the

importance of developing a reputable brand, a strong presence and an aesthetic that gets noticed for the right reasons. Photographers do far more than take photos—they can help you develop a concept, source the right creative team to make that concept a reality, and become a key advocate and ally as you develop your business. 

The same can be said for a portrait session. A professional photographer will help you prepare for your shoot by discussing outfit options, providing guidance on hiring a hair stylist or makeup artist, and finding the best locations. During your shoot, a professional photographer will provide posing guidance to make sure you look your best. 

Knowledge is power
Photography is a creative industry that is often discounted based on the fact that anyone can teach themselves the basics. There’s a wealth of information available online that now negates the need for formal photography training, but becoming a professional photographer isn’t as simple as buying a camera and saying you are one. Professional photographers have spent years honing their skills, and they understand the nuances of lighting, composition, focusing, posing, and retouching, which is a complex skill in itself. 

You can leave a camera, or even a smartphone, on the automatic settings and get a decent shot, but this doesn’t replace an image that’s composed correctly, has the proper white balance, depth of field (that’s the blurry background everyone loves that can’t be truly replicated by Portrait Mode), and captures a feeling the way a photographer can. Photographers also understand image quality and technical specifications required for printing, social media, and web use.

Retouching is more than a filter
If you want your photos to be at the same level as the onslaught of eye-catching images you see on social media, a photographer can make that happen. A photo looks very flat when it comes straight out of a camera or smartphone—which means it lacks contrast, colour saturation or any depth. But retouching is not synonymous with adding a filter and calling it a day. Some photographers use presets they’ve created or purchased to speed up their workflow, but these are often a starting point and are not a magic wand. A preset can help a bad image to an extent, but a camera and a preset pack doesn’t equal strong images. Photographers know retouching software inside out, and this technical knowledge allows them to retouch an image in a way that enhances it without being overpowering. 

More skills, more possibilities
It’s rare to meet someone in a creative field who has limited their skill set to one discipline. This is often out of necessity, but creatives are also inherently curious and like to push themselves to continuously build their skillset. I know photographers who are also graphic designers, web designers, and makeup artists. These skills can be beneficial whether you’re interested in a portrait session or new content for your business. For example, I work in marketing and content creation, so I can use these skills to help businesses create a variety of brand assets that all work together cohesively. 

Follow along on Instagram: @meaghan.baxter.photo