Why do you need a photographer?

Did you read the title?  The answer to that question may seem obvious, but I wanted to expand upon it a little bit. (I promise, this does not contain a solicitation for my photography business :P )

In a world where everyone and their mother carries a decent camera with them ALL the time, it is understandable why some people may ask "Why do we need a photographer?  I can take great photos of this moment with my phone!"

This is absolutely true.  Technology has advanced in so many ways, and camera phone quality is certainly one of those ways.

But........here's the thing..........

Having a separate photographer allows YOU to be IN the moment.  Not just a spectator.

Thank about that for a minute.......

If YOU are the one that is getting camera settings right (focus, framing, etc), then your mind is not fully present in the experience of the moment, whatever that moment may be.

Take the example of my friends, John and Cynthia.

John and Cynthia recently gave birth to their 2nd daughter IN THEIR APARTMENT.  Yep, that's right.  Labor progressed so quickly, that there was no time to return to the hospital (which hand't admitted them earlier, due to labor not having progressed enough--o boy).

(Just so you know, Mom and Baby are fine and are now happy at home :)

At the beginning of the pregnancy, Cynthia had made it clear that she wanted me to be there for the whole process of labor, birth, and after birth for all the firsts (first time holding, older sister seeing her for the first time, etc.)  While this is certainly not one of the services I offer as a photographer, Cynthia is my closest friend--more like family.  And I agreed to do this as my present to her and John.

Due to some really unlucky circumstances, I was with them for every part EXCEPT for the birth at home--what?!?!?  I couldn't believe it when I got a text saying the baby had been born at home--whoa.

As I witnessed the many tellings and retellings of the story of the home birth to family and friends, one remark stood out to me among the rest:

"Oh man, I wish that John had thought to pull out his phone and snap a picture of it!"
(this was not spoken by Cynthia.  I honestly can't remember who actually said this, but I know it was not her)

Really?  Is it right to wish that a father that was supporting his wife during the birth of their daughter IN THEIR APARTMENT took the time to separate himself from the moment, pull out his phone, and take a photo?  I know that the remark was not meant in true seriousness, but it really has stuck in my mind.

As sad as we all are (and as upset as I am with myself for missing the moment) that we don't have any photos of the birth at home, I am very glad that John did NOT think to take a photo.  It was waaay more important for him to be IN in the moment of the birth of his daughter and to care for his wife.

Now this is an extreme example.

But think of all of life's events that you like to take photos of so that you can cherish your memories.  Obviously births and weddings are front and center.

Then take a step back....what about recitals?

Sporting events?

Large family gatherings?

A big move?  Ceremonies?  All of those you want to remember, but I believe it is just as important for you to be a PART OF those moments as well.

That's where the photographer comes in.  Their job is to separate themselves slightly from the emotions of the moment, take a step back, and simply capture it.

Now, I am not saying hire a photographer for every. single. event in your life.  Let's face it--that's gonna get a little expensive, and I don't know about you, but I like to eat Chick-fil-a way more than I should.  But, I guarantee that you probably know at least one person that has some photo-taking skills.  With the ease of DSLRs these days, there are a lot of us part-time photogs around.  If you know someone trying to build their portfolio, I bet you could make a deal.  Want to capture some epic action shots of your kid's soccer game?  Get together with some parents to split the cost of one photographer for the duration of a game.  If a photog is $250 per hour, and you have 25 parents that chip in to have a photographer clicking away for a one-hour game--that's $10 per parent--sweet deal!

And if all else fails--go back to the phone camera.  But you should still arrange to have someone else work the camera for you so that your brain doesn't have to multi-task during a time of your life that you actually want to live.

So, think about your life.  What moments should you be a part of, rather than a spectator of?  It's those moments that having a photog around is worth it.  Trust me.

<3