Chattanooga Family Photographer

Does Professional Family PHotography Still Matter?

Is it worth scheduling professional family photography anymore? Obviously, I’m a little biased when it comes to the subject. Nevertheless, I want to take some time to explain why the investment of family photography still holds value.

1) Scheduling professional family photography gets the whole family in front of the camera.
In most families, one person or parent tends to function as the dominant documenter. They always pull out the phone or camera to capture special moments big and small. In her article The Hidden Mothers of Family Photos, Lauren Collins reflects on the fact that the mothers in the families traditionally take the family photos, post the photos, and print the photos. Being behind the camera, they are much less likely to feature in candid family snapshots. (This article is well worth checking out to see examples of Victorian family photography where mothers were literally hidden and disguised as furniture or were painted of the image completely as they held their children for portraits.)

Sure, there's the argument that some mothers aren't in family snapshots because they are self-conscious and don't like having their picture taken. I'm certainly guilty of this myself. I don't particularly love pictures of myself when I'm rocking yoga pants, a stained t-shirt, and messy bun. However, I still deeply value family photography and want pictures of myself with my children and husband.

Here lies the value of family photography. A family photography session provides an opportunity for mom (or the primary "paparazzi" parent) to put on clothes that make her (or him) feel confident and comfortable. They provide a chance for every member of the family to be featured in the portraits. It's a bonus that an expert family photographer will know how to pose everyone in a flattering way with beautiful light. Family sessions are not necessarily the definition of a stress free evening. However they are a setting for both parents to practice being present with their children, instead of worrying camera settings, composition, lighting, posing, or setting up a tripod with a self-timer.

2) Sorry, but professional family photography out-preforms your cell phone snapshots.
Cell phone cameras have come a long way. There's not denying it. By the time this article is 5 years old, you may be carrying the equivalent of a full fledged DSLR in your pocket. I won't even get started on the introduction of AI into the photography world. I still stand by the statement above. Cell phone photos and AI generated portraits don't really compete with the professional portrait.

Why? Because there is so much more to a quality photograph than "gear". This is a lesson that I've seen play out frequently in beginner photography Facebook groups. I've even experienced it myself. The photographer buys a new camera or lens hoping that this new fancy piece of tech will completely transform his or her work. Sure, there may be some improvement in quality as a result. But overall, the photographer finds their work is largely unchanged.

This is because there are several more important elements that go into a masterful photograph. A professional family photographer utilizes an expert understanding of light, composition, posing, camera settings and post processing when creating family photography. While they may make it look simple, most have spent years experimenting, learning and perfecting their craft. Their expertise shows in their results. These quality results are especially important if you plan of displaying large prints in your home.

3) Family portraits are an invitation to slow down, reflect, and reminisce.
In the last section I briefly mentioned displaying your professionally taken family portraits in your home. I certainly hope you consider doing so, whether through ordering professional photography products through your photographer or by printing them yourself. (Did you know that seeing family photos displayed around the house has been shown to provide a boost in children's self-esteem.) A professional photographer can help in the process of capturing and then choosing images that will pair well together in wall galleries.

I strongly believe in the power of a beautiful, eye catching photograph, especially in printed form. Our phones are training us to quickly swipe through images, barely taking them in. Is that how you want to treat your family photographs? How many images do you have in your phone camera roll? As of writing this article I have 36,570 images on my phone. Sure, some of these images are screenshots or practical snapshots that aren't really worth returning to years later. However, a large portion of those images are precious moments with my children. Yet I find the sheer volume completely overwhelming.
In contract, beautiful, printed family photographs invite you and your family to slow down. To engage and observe. To savor and remember. Yes, quality family photography can be quite the investment for some families. This especially true when hiring and experience artist. But I'm willing to wager it's an investment that will only grow in value over the course of your lifetime.