So, you want to hire a photographer? Great! Capturing life’s moments is important and can create lasting memories. But, before you get too excited about finding the perfect photographer, let’s talk about one thing – cost.

How much does a photographer cost, you ask?

Well, the answer isn’t always straightforward, but we’re here to help break it down for you.

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Average Photographer Cost

First, let’s start with the average photographer cost.

According to Expert Photography, the average session fee cost for a top professional photographer in the United States ranges from $200 to $500 per hour. The digital images generated from the session cost between $400 – $5000+.

However, keep in mind that this price can vary greatly depending:

• The type of photography you need
• The experience and expertise of the photographer
• The location of the shoot

Remember, while it’s important to consider price when hiring a photographer, it’s not the only factor to consider. Quality of work, experience, personality, professionalism, and photography style are all important factors to keep in mind.

You may be thinking, “Why should I hire a professional photographer when I can just have my friend take some pictures for me?” Well, we’ve got five reasons why hiring a pro is worth the investment.

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5 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Photographer

We live in a time where just about everyone has access to a camera almost constantly.

From vacations to weddings to family reunions, everyone feels as if they can instantly become a photographer on the fly.

So why should you consider hiring a professional photographer when it seems as easy as grabbing your phone out of your pocket and snapping away?

Let’s look at five reasons why hiring a professional photographer for your engagement, maternity, newborn, family, and senior portrait needs is a smart decision.

1. Expertise

This is the most obvious reason. Just because you can easily take pictures, it doesn’t mean you are an expert. Your everyday point-and-shoot photographer usually doesn’t understand the finer nuances of photography, such as:

• Choosing the best wardrobe
• Proper use of lighting
• Proper use of lenses and camera functions
• Composition
• Flattering poses

When it comes to your portraits, you want a skilled craftsperson who can capture the moment beautifully. Also, the number of years someone has been a professional photographer is important. Any photographer worth their salt is learning all the time and gaining skills.

There are many photographers in the Tampa area, so we would recommend looking for a photographer that has a minimum of 5 years of experience as a professional photographer, and the more years they have under their belt, the better.

Think of it this way; you pay a professional to style your hair every 4 to 6 weeks because you want to look your best. Why wouldn’t you want the same level of professionalism for something as important as a family portrait? 

Plus, they have the experience to work under pressure and can handle any unexpected situations that may arise during the shoot. This is extremely important when doing sessions outdoors in natural surroundings.

2. Equipment

Not only are you hiring an expert, but you are also hiring an expert who has access to professional-grade equipment.

Your smartphone may take nice photos, but it can’t compare to a top-of-the-line DSLR camera paired with high-quality lenses and professional lighting.

When you couple expertise with great equipment, you get amazing images!

3. Photography is Art

When capturing major life events such as your engagement, proposal, newborn’s arrival, or child’s senior portrait, you want more than just a picture, you want art. You’ll be looking at these photos for many years to come, and you want portrait art that brings a smile to your face each time you see it.

A piece of art fully expresses the emotion of a newborn’s arrival, graduation, or family portrait. Remember, you will showcase these memories for decades to come, and they will probably be passed down from generation to generation.

A professional can help create conversation-sparking images you will proudly display in your home throughout the years.

4. Professional Editing

Beyond just taking the initial photos, a professional photographer will also edit the images to make them look incredible.

For example, if you want your dog included in your family portrait, you may need to utilize a leash. With the magic of editing, the leash can be removed from the final photo.

Proper editing can truly make or break a picture!

Once you’ve viewed your edited photos, your photographer can do customized retouching to your photos per your request. So, if you want your teeth whitened, your eyes opened a little more or a person removed from the photo; your professional photographer can do all of this for you and more.

5. Saves Time, Reduces Stress

Fussing over your own photography can be time-consuming and stress-inducing. Whether trying to find the right pose, picking out the right outfit, or even creating a great look with makeup, there’s more to capturing great images than just pointing and clicking.

A professional can guide you through the entire process so that your pictures will express the right emotion or memory.

Not to mention, if you are your family’s photographer, you’ll usually be behind the camera and not in the photos.

Invest in a professional to take the wheel, so you can be in the photos and enjoy yourself in the process.

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How To Find the Best Photographer

A seasoned photographer offers a level of professionalism that you won’t get with an amateur.

They will show up on time, dress appropriately, and have all the necessary equipment to get the job done right. You can trust that they will take the time to get to know you and your needs, and will work with you to create a customized plan that fits your style and vision.

But how to do find a photographer that’s the best fit for you? Here’s where to start:

1. Do your research. You should easily be able to view hundreds of professional photographers’ photos.
2. Look for consistency. You should see consistency in their style; the way they light a subject, and compose a photo, and the emotion they bring out in their clients.
3. Read the reviews. You should easily be able to read hundreds of reviews on a variety of quality review sites such as Google, Facebook, Yelp, and Wedding Wire. Ensure these clients write about how they enjoyed their session, loved their photos, and appreciated the high level of customer service.

A photographer of a high caliber will have a recognizable style, capture photos showing genuine emotion, and have many fantastic reviews mentioning how happy they were with their photos AND the experience. Most importantly, after considering the items above, hire the best photographer you can afford. Portraits are an investment that will pay off for many years, and even generations, to come. 

No matter the occasion or event, if you want beautiful photography, you will treasure forever, Moments that Last a Lifetime, consider hiring a professional. So put away your smartphone, relax, and leave it to the pros.

How much does a photographer cost in Tampa? Find out by booking a FREE Consultation Call with us! Let’s talk about your budget and ideas!