When Should I Hire a Professional Photographer?

There are many events that likely come to mind when you think about when to hire a professional photographer. Senior photos, weddings, family photo sessions are usually the big ones. But there's more! Below are ten other times when you might not think to have a professional there to photograph the moment, but you in hindsight you might regret not doing so!

10. Gender Reveal Parties. Controversial, yes, and rightfully so. But if you are going to throw one, consider bringing a photographer along. Above was a gender reveal party for my youngest niece. Here is her older sister excited to expect a baby sister . . . and excited that she was one of the only ones that guessed correctly.

    
    

9. Camping Trips. You might not ever think to have a photographer on a camping trip but let me tell you as a mother who has taken her kids and niblings camping dozens of times, I am always glad that I brought my professional equipment. Sure, the kids are dirty, but they are always smiling. And in the wilderness, you are sure to get gorgeous backdrops.

8. Homecoming/Prom. Especially in their senior year, be sure to get a professional to go out and get cute shots of your kids and their date, if they have one, to capture the moments that they are all dressed up. There are not many of those when they are in high school for those four (or less if you have a kiddo that graduates early like my daughter did) short years.

7. Special Olympics/Marathons/Walks for Purpose. My niece has Spina Bifida and my mother-in-law has MS. Over the years, we have been lucky enough to participate in dozens of walks and other events that showcase or benefit a cause that is near and dear to your heart. It has been a great pleasure to have photographs to turn back to from over the years.

6. Newborn Photos. Any parent can attest to how quickly the time goes in that first year of a child's life. Babies grow so quickly and being able to capture those first few hours or days in the hospital after a life enters the world is precious. Those tiny toes and fingers, the sweet sleepy eyes, the first bath, the hospital bracelets -- there's no end to things you will want to remember after you can finally catch a breath (and some sleep) down the road.

5. Sporting Events. My kids were in all the sports. Football, baseball, soccer, gymnastics, dance. There are so many opportunities to catch a once-in-a-lifetime interception, a perfect balance on the high beam, or a mid-flip in a dance routine. With a photographer at your side, you can focus on the event while they catch all the good shots.

4. Family Reunions. Families and kiddos especially grow more and more each year. When the stars align and you successfully get everyone together for a family event or reunion, have someone there ready with a camera so you can stay focused on catching up and making memories.

3. Halloween/Surprise/Birthday Parties. For several years, our family threw elaborate Halloween parties. We had bobbing for apples, scavenger hunts, mummy wrapping games and crafts. The kids loved them and when we all look back on the photos from these parties and events, they bring up such lovely memories.

2. Vacations. Of course, you are likely going to bring a camera or use your phone as a camera when you are enjoying time away with your family. But how many times have you been on vacation and missed a moment because you were busy behind a camera lens or missed a shot because you were living instead of photographing? What if you could have the memory and the photographic evidence? This might be a good idea to insert into your vacation budget, especially if you can hire someone local that doesn't need to fly out with you, or you need to provide lodging for.

1. The Graduation Ceremony. You have your senior photos and those are great, but nothing matches the energy of watching your child graduate from high school or even college. It only happens once in their life usually and you are going to want to catch this moment of pride.