The common misconception is that being professionally photographed is a luxury and as such, not really necessary. Why spend that money when you could just as well take a selfie with your phone’s powerful camera? Valid question!
Thanks to technology, your phone can take amazing pictures. Having said that, equipment is not the only factor that determines whether you get a great photograph. The key is great lighting and excellent posing… skills a professional photographer has mastered thanks to years of practise. To be honest, a good photographer doesn’t need a fancy camera to take a great photograph!
SO, why do you need to have your portrait taken professionally?
1. Do it because it’s a fun, transformative and empowering experience. You can be a model for the day!
That saying about the camera adding 10 pounds, is true… when that camera is in the hands of an inexperienced photographer. Being photographed professionally, by someone who knows how to shape light and pose the human body, is an amazing experience and something everybody needs to try at least once in their lifetime. I know this from having experienced it firsthand.
I hated having my picture taken… I almost always looked too fat in photos, had weird shadows on my face or a funny expression… in short, I did not look like myself… until I found a professional photographer whose work I loved and booked her to create portraits of me. Not only was the photoshoot fun (I mean seriously, having your hair and makeup done professionally then playing dress up is ALWAYS fun right?!), it was made simple and stress-free by her infinite knowledge of posing! I vowed not to get emotional when I saw my photos but damn, they were lovely and I am not ashamed to say I shed a few tears of joy! Not only do I love those images, Hubby and the kids adore them too. Even my teenager told me how well he thought they captured ‘my look’! They had a huge impact on my self-confidence… let’s be honest, we all could do with a boost in our confidence right?!
2. Do it because it’s you time. For a change, put yourself first and treat yourself.
Another profound saying… “You can’t pour from an empty cup”. As Mums and Dads we tend to glorify sacrifice and it is not uncommon for parents to think that they need to put their family and kids first all the time… that taking some time off to be pampered and cared for is selfish and self-indulgent. Nothing could be further from the truth!
Look after yourself so you can look after others. Your kids will thank you because you will be a better parent for having had some downtime and ‘recharged your batteries’. This also sets a great example for them… by modelling good self-care you teach them to value and respect themselves.
A professional photoshoot is fun and fabulous down time! The added bonus is you end up with stunning images you can treasure forever.
3. Do it for your kids and their kids. Capture your NOW for the coming generations.
As a parent you’re always the one behind the camera. When your kids grow up and look for photos of you, what will they find? Hopefully not a CD or USB that has corrupted from years of lying forgotten in a drawer. High quality photographs, printed professionally on archival paper, will last a lifetime. Your kids and their kids in turn, will get to see and love who you were, long after you are gone. Get photos taken of yourself. Get photos taken of yourself with your family! And while you’re at it, find pictures of your ancestors and create a gallery wall with those images, so you can cherish and honour them even if they are no longer with you. You’re not just doing it for you, you’re doing it for your future generations.
4. Do it so you have great pictures to use for work or your business.
In this day and age when most people first ‘meet’ you online, it is vital to have images (headshots or personal branding) that represent you well and make a great first impression. Do your images say who you are? Do they say what you do or what service your business provides? If they don’t, you’re missing out on a great opportunity to make a great, lasting impression. Having professional photos done every now and then means you will have current material to use on your Website, Blog or Social Media.
5. Do it to celebrate significant events – a special birthday, an achievement – or just to document life.
Time has a way of flying by when you’re having fun. Having photos taken is not just a great way to celebrate a special occasion or achievement but also to capture those memories for posterity. Believe me, you’ll be glad you did when you get to look back on them and relive the happy times.
Sounds interesting? Contact me at [email protected] for an informative consultation about how you can get pictures you will love and others will treasure.
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