It is all too easy for a person to get a digital camera and take some snaps.

A true professional portrait photographer is an artist who has crafted their art to transfer emotions and events into images that tell the story for years to come.

In order to make a good decision you need to consider a number of factors that are divided up into two main areas :

The ‘You’ Factors and the Technical Factors.

The YOU Factors

The more relaxed you are, the better the photos...

You need to feel comfortable about your portrait photographer, their personality and how they treat you and your family. That’s why it’s important to meet with them and make sure that you ‘click’ with them. After all you need your portrait photography to be a fun experience. If you are frustrated, or hate what’s happening – it will show in your images.

The best shots come from the ‘other’ moments…

Most of the true emotive shots come from the stolen moments where the unobtrusive photographer can capture things others don’t see. This is a talent that not everyone possesses.

Your taste matters…

Not everyone enjoys the same style of portrait photography. Your portrait photographer needs to be flexible enough to deliver the style of images that suit your taste. Some clients love studio work while others (the growing trend) is to do outdoor location work.

It’s nice to get guidance…

A professional portrait photographer has the ability to provide you with the direction you need – especially in important poses, to make sure the final picture is of the highest quality and composition.

The Technical Factors

Professionally Trained...

A professionally trained photographer can produce consistent results far superior to others who have picked things up as they go.

Professional Equipment…

Not all cameras are equal, and final image quality depends on the quality of the lenses, camera and lighting being used. A professional also has backup equipment in case the worst happens.

Digital Image Format…

Most professional photographers shoot in RAW format, not JPEG or other compressed formats. This ensures that no image quality is lost and provides more scope for post production adjustments and creative enhancements.

Post Production…

Digital photography involves much more than taking a picture and downloading it for printing. To bring out the best in your images each image requires careful white-balance correction, brightness/contrast and colour balance adjustments. This type of work requires the highest quality computer monitors and state of the art software to ensure superior results.

Insurance…

A true professional maintains public liability insurance.