“Before I wrote this, I thought to myself, I wish I knew all of this way back when so that I could have had some beautiful memories to cherish over my lifetime, and look back on all the special moments. I had all these photos on my phone but I didn’t really take the time to sort them out and print many of them. If I had gotten a photographer to capture different times in my life, I would have definitely had a better reason to print them and hang them up on my walls to enjoy.”

Whether you’ve hired a professional photographer before, or if you have never hired one, this article is for you.

Have you hired one before and you’re not sure if you should do it again?

Ever wondered why so many people do it?

Well, we’re going to completely break it down for you.

This blog is the first in a series of 20 different blog posts that walks you through a complete end-to-end journey, from a customer’s point of view. From the initial step of considering hiring a professional photographer, to getting a photoshoot, and then telling your friends and family all about it.

We’re going to explore some of the reasons why choosing a professional photographer can make all the difference.

Now, you might be thinking, mobile phones are so good nowadays, so I don’t need to pay money for photos. You’re absolutely right, mobile phones are getting better and better, but they simply don’t compete with professional photography. There’s still a place for mobile photography, but it’s not just about the photos, it’s about the experience.

Whether you’re celebrating your family, documenting your maternity journey, capturing your love, commemorating an engagement, or saying “I do”, the decision to hire a professional photographer is without a doubt, a big one.

We understand that it can be really tough to decide whether or not to book a professional photographer, so here are 12 reasons to help you make your decision.

1. Expertise in the Art of Photography

Ever wondered what it takes to be a photographer?

Actually, quite a lot.

Professional photographers are essentially artists. They know their stuff far beyond what most normal people do. They know the fancy photography tricks, how to set up the perfect shot, work with all types of lighting, and also do some cool post-processing magic. With all that knowledge, they can spin up some amazing, one-of-a-kind photos that tell a story and hit an emotional chord. When you hire a professional, you’re handing over control to someone who has mastered their craft and can turn special moments in your life into treasured memories.

>> Transform Your Story Into Art—Experience Our Professional Touch.

Engagement photography session of an engaged couple walking through the park while holding hands at Lake Louise. She's wearing a red dress, and he's wearing a tuxedo.

2. Quality and Creativity

Hiring a professional photographer has many perks. First of all, you will get exceptional quality. They can capture moments with tack sharp resolution using high end gear. And they don’t just have fancy equipment—they have a real knack for creativity. The way they frame the shots, create interesting angles, generate that signature background blur, and most of all, capture the essence and emotion of the shot, turn ordinary moments into a story from the first photo to the last. It’s truly remarkable.

3. Personalized Experience

When you hire a professional photographer, you get an experience that’s tailored just for you. Ideally, they will do their best to get to know you a little bit, understand a bit about the style and mood you’re looking to capture, and ultimately try their best to make sure that the end result is what you’re envisioning. They often provide suggestions for cool locations, props, and poses that match your personality, making your photos unique and tailored to your style. It’s like having your own personal paparazzi, but a lot more fun!

>> Personalized Experience Tailored To YOU—Schedule a Consultation!

4. Capturing Emotions and Candid Moments

Pro photographers are great at catching the raw, unplanned moments and feelings in a shot. They have a knack for making people feel comfortable and at ease, so you can just be you in front of the camera. There’s definitely a place for posed photos, but capturing organic interactions, candid genuine emotions, and natural movement just brings your photos to another level. Whether it’s a family bursting out in laughter, a couple being silly, or the raw reaction of a marriage proposal, a pro can lock in those priceless moments in real-time.

Mother and daughter sitting on the grass at Lindsay park in Calgary having a laugh together in the fall time.

5. Consistency in Style and Quality

Have you seen those professional Instagram accounts where it looks like they applied the same filter across all their images? Turns out, it’s not just a filter.

Usually the pros have their own signature style that shows off their skills and vision that sets them apart. When you go with a professional photographer, every photo will have a consistent style and finish that will flow from the very first photo to the last. This means sharp, high quality images, with great colors and lighting throughout your entire collection of photos. So, in short, you don’t just get a few individual stunning shots, you get carefully treated and curated photos that create a visual journey.

>> Capture Your Moments With Expert Craftmanship—Book Now!

6. Professional Editing and Retouching

Wondering what it actually takes place after the photo session is all done?

And, what if a biker rides by right in the middle of the money shot?

Being a photographer is more than just taking photos and capturing moments. There is also a large amount of effort put into something called post-processing. When photographers snap the photos on their camera, they’re usually in a raw format and they are normally not ready to use at this stage. Going through hundreds, if not thousands, of photos is a very critical process of selecting the very best images, then editing them using advanced software to bring the photos to a whole new level. Especially taking out thos unwanted distractions in the background like bystanders, garbage bins, or park benches. Pros really understand the nuances of colour correction, balancing the lighting, and delicate retouching. This is what takes your photos from good to extraordinary.

See the difference?

7. Time and Stress Savings

Stressed about what to wear, where you will stand for the photo, or how you will wrangle all your guests at a wedding?

Planning a photo session can be a very time-consuming process. Especially if you’re wrangling a large family, got a baby on the way, or managing the intricacies of a wedding day. There can be a lot of coordination and logistics that need to be considered. This is where a pro can lift that burden off your shoulders. They’re not just great at capturing images, they’re also expert coordinators. No need to worry about where everyone in your photo shoot needs to be. Your photographer will already be on it! Just kick back and enjoy the moment.

8. Access to Professional Equipment

Usually, professional photographers will invest a lot of money in top-notch gear that makes a substantial difference in the final results. The difference in the sharpness, clarity, and overall image quality can be astounding. Low light? No problem. They’ll whip out the flash! Bright, harsh sunlight? No sweat. They’ve got polarizing filters! It’s not just about relying on fancy gear. It’s about wielding that gear with expertise to bring out the best possible quality in images.

>> Unlock Your Memories With Our Professional Lens—Book Today!

9. Specialization in Various Types of Photography

Professional photographers typically specialize in a particular style of photography. Whether it’s family, maternity, couple, model, engagement, or wedding, they bring a honed skill set to each type. This means you can pick a photographer who’s all about what you need. A family photographer will be great at freezing those candid moments and interactions, and getting the attention of those wild kiddos. A maternity photographer will understand how to beautifully capture the anticipation of pregnancy with flattering poses. Couple and engagement photographers will focus on capturing your love story. A wedding photographer will specialize in preserving one of the most significant days of your life. They will understand the nuances of these different styles that allows them to capture the essence of each moment with finesse.

Maternity photo of couple at Lindsay park during the summer time.

10. Investment in Memories

When you hire a professional photographer, you’re not just getting photos—you’re investing in memories that will be cherished for many years to come, possibly through generations. Each photo becomes a timeless reminder of the laughter, love, and milestones of your personal history. They offer a journey back in time to the emotions, experiences, and connections that defined your life. The photos will be your legacy. It doesn’t get any better than that.

>> Gift Yourself With Timeless Memories—Book A Session!

11. Unforgettable Locations in Calgary

Have you ever wanted to take a photo with the mountains? Well, you can!

Calgary, Alberta is an absolute goldmine for awesome photo spots. There are so many beautiful parks in Calgary like Prince’s Island Park, Fish Creek, and Bowness to name a few. Then, just west of Calgary you can find countless stunning scenic locations like Canmore, Banff National Park, and Lake Louise. What’s even better is that the professional photographers know a lot more other secret spots, and how to get there.

Family photo at Lindsay Park in Calgary with family standing beside trees during the fall time.

12. A Comprehensive Experience

Last, but not least, the photo pros aren't just about snapping pics—they're like your photo companion through the whole journey. They'll help you figure out what to wear, give you tips on posing, and dish out expert advice to make your pics top-notch. A real pro will ensure they provide any necessary information for your photo shoot as well as answer any questions you may have to help make your experience as good as possible. They will also ensure that your photo experience is an enjoyable one. When you get to your photo shoot, you get to just sit back, relax, and prepare to capture some exceptional memories before you leave. Know that you will have embarked on a journey that is built to preserve moments in your life.

Conclusion

Thinking about hiring a photo pro in Calgary? It's not just about getting pics; it's about turning your memories into pieces of art. These pros bring serious skills, creativity, and a dedication to making your moments extra special.

If you're still on the fence, think about it as an investment in keeping those memories on lockdown. The peace of mind, top-notch quality, and personal touch from the pros? Priceless.

At Lana Virag Photography, we get how big these moments are. Whether it's a family photos in Calgary, baby bump shoot, an engagement, wedding day, headshots, or model portfolio, we've got your back to bring your vision to life. We're just one of the crew of Calgary Family Photographers, so stay tuned for more tips from us—next, we're breaking down the things you should really be doing before you start looking for a photographer. Cheers to capturing and celebrating life!

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