They say that a photo is worth a thousand words, and that can certainly be true, but not all photos are equal. These days, nearly everyone has a smartphone which means that you probably have a camera at your side for almost all of your waking hours. But does that mean that you can use that camera to get all the photos your family will ever want? What role does professional photography have in a world where cameras are everywhere?

Why Professional Photography Matters Today

We can all agree that it’s wonderful that we can use our phones to snap pictures of some of the fun moments in our families’ everyday lives, like sleepovers, snowball fights, family game nights, and so on. But the simple fact is that these snapshots serve a different purpose from professional photography.

Professional photography is today’s equivalent of those family oil paintings that were treasured back before cameras were well-established…but, of course, with a more modern look. Portrait photography is an investment your family makes so that you have a few treasured, high-quality images that reflect the beauty and love your family shares at this stage in your life. It’s not just a picture of your family together; it’s a picture that brings together all the elements of a great portrait (the lighting, the composition, the poses, the camera settings, and so on) to create a custom work of art.

The Difference in How You Use Professional Photography vs. Daily Snapshots

I love it when my clients have a collection of photos they’ve taken at home as well as a collection of professional family portraits because both of these types of photos serve different purposes in your family’s life. The snapshots you take at home are great for a quick stroll down memory lane every so often, bringing back brief memories of fun experiences with your kids.

Professional photography, on the other hand, is personal, sentimental artwork. These are the photos you frame on your walls so you can see your little ones’ smiling faces every time you walk in the room, even when they aren’t so little anymore. They’re the photos you love to share with the world on your holiday cards, social media pages, and home decor. These are portraits you’ll show with pride because not only do they highlight your beautiful family but they have a quality that will look outstanding for decades to come.

When I think of my wedding photos, this comparison comes to mind. I have hundreds and hundreds of photos from my wedding, and I loved looking through all of them when I first saw them to remember that amazing day. But there are only a handful of them that I have featured in my decor or that I use regularly. The same is true for your family photos: you might love every picture you’ve taken but the purpose of professional photography is to get those few that you’ll cherish as a stunning representation of your family.

Ready to see what professional photography can do for you? If you’re on team “one great photo,” I would be honored to bring your vision to life. Contact my Seattle-area photo studio and let’s chat!