Do you agree with me when I say that we live in a time when almost everyone carries a very good camera in their pocket?
Almost all the photos that I took during my trip to France were taken with my smartphone, and probably for my next trip I will not even take my mirrorless camera. We can easily say that today we can take a picture whenever we want, edit it within seconds and share it with the world.
So here is the €1 million question: why would anyone need a professional photo session? Why should you hire me, or anyone else, to take some photos of you?
Well, this is what I think.
After many years behind the camera, I can think of at least ten reasons.
1. You are usually the one taking the photograph
Think about the photographs on your phone. There are probably hundreds, perhaps thousands, of photographs of your children, your partner, your friends, your holidays and your meals.
But how many photographs are there of you?
I too need to ask someone to take photos of me because I am always taking photos of others. It seems I am not cute enough to be taken photos of! And when I ask one of my family members to do so, they unanimously huff and puff...
2. A photograph can be more than a snapshot
A smartphone captures a moment. These photos are great for jolting the memory, unless you are like me and, even with a smartphone, spend minutes trying to get the right angle while everyone else has already kept walking.
I believe that a professional photo session can create a moment.
The location, the light, the clothes, the expression, the composition and even the time of day can all be considered before I press the shutter.
The result isn't simply a photograph of you.
It can be a photograph about you.
3. You don't have to know how to pose
I often get this statement:
"I don't know how to pose."
I have heard this many times.
Let me assure you that you don't need to.
That's on me.
I can guide you through the session, suggest positions, movements and expressions, and help you feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Also, you don't need exaggerated poses. Sometimes simple poses work best. Your photographer will tell you what to do.
4. You might discover a different version of yourself
I have had clients who were very critical of themselves, but once they saw the photographs, they said:
"Wow. Is that really me?"
Yes.
It is.
5. You can celebrate who you are now
Immortalise who you are now with a good photo session.
You are worthy of being remembered as you are today, so stop waiting for the following:
"When I lose some weight."
"When I get fitter."
"When I have more confidence."
There will never be the perfect time.
The right time is... guess what?
Now.
Photographs are not only for the person we hope to become.
The sad truth is that one day, today's version of you will exist only in photographs and memories.
The Sergio who existed with a full head of hair exists only in some printed photographs here and there.
6. It becomes an experience
A photo session doesn't have to be an hour of standing in front of a camera and smiling.
Bring out different versions of yourself.
Go into the countryside. Bring your friends. Choose a different location. Or perhaps do what you like best.
For example, if you love cooking, why not have a photo session while you are cooking and even share your food with your photographer?
Sometimes the best photographs happen when you forget that the camera is even there.p
7. You can express something about yourself
Perhaps you want elegant portraits.
Perhaps something casual.
Perhaps something completely different.
A professional session gives you the opportunity to decide how you want to be seen.
Through a photo session, if you decide to share the photographs with others, you can even make a statement to the world.
8. Some photographs deserve to be printed
Do you have thousands of images sitting inside your phone?
How many photographs have you lost over the years as you changed your smartphone?
Photos from a photo session are meant to be more than files sitting somewhere on a phone.
Print them.
Frame them.
Put them on a wall.
Remember, there is something different about having a photograph that exists outside a screen.
A print on a wall.
A photograph in a frame.
Something you can actually hold.
9. Your family will appreciate them one day
I am going to be a bit sentimental about this, but one day your family will appreciate them.
I have met clients who have told me:
"I never got to have a decent photograph of that relative of mine who recently passed away."
Years from now, your children may not care that you thought you looked tired that day.
They may simply be grateful that they have a beautiful photograph of you.
10. Because you will never be this version of yourself again
Another important reason is this: we are constantly changing, and I believe we should constantly celebrate ourselves. A photo session could actually do just that.
You and I change.
My face has changed in the last ten years. Long gone are some of my youthful features.
Your body will change.
Your circumstances will change.
Your life will change.
A photograph freezes something that can never be repeated.
So yes, your smartphone takes fantastic photographs.
Keep using it.
Photograph your children. Photograph your holidays. Photograph the little moments of everyday life.
But every once in a while, put the phone down and let someone else take the photograph.
Because you are worth photographing.
Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed this reflection, consider subscribing for future posts exploring photography, life, and the stories behind the moments we often take for granted.
---
About the Author
Sergio Morana is an educator, photographer and writer based in Malta. Through photography and writing, he explores life’s meaningful moments, personal growth, and the stories that connect us.
📷 Photography: Holy Communions • Confirmations • Portraits • Family Sessions • Events
📧 sergio.morana@gmail.com