Recently, I have been hearing from clients that they never like photos of themselves. Then, when they see the finished head shot of themselves, they say “I like this! I wish I really looked like this”
Interesting. Because I just pointed my camera at you and took your photo. And I am showing it to you. So, you apparently look like this.
Here’s the way I can explain this.
Most consumer “point and shoot” cameras, even the high resolution ones, have very small lenses. They also have small censors and small flashes. If you’ve ever had a friend or family member take a photo of you with their camera, you will notice shiny hot areas on your nose and forehead. And, the coloration may be bad.
A good, professional photographer knows how to prevent this. A professional with the correct equipment and the knowledge of proper exposure, use of light, when and how to use a flash, and the correct lens will be able to take a photo of what you really look like.
That is why you pay us.
Even if your friend has the top of the line professional camera as many people today are able to afford. Knowing how to use it is the key to a good photograph.
Photography is so much more than just taking a photograph. Knowing what light will do in any given situation is very important. Knowing how to use the available light to your benefit, when the light is wrong, and even when to augment light with a flash can make all the difference in the world for the finished product.