Why Professional Photography Is Worth It (Even When the Kids Don't Cooperate)

School starts next week...which means football games, cooler evenings, and pumpkin spice everything are right around the corner. And before you know it? The holidays will be here! That means it's time to start thinking about portraits. For your Christmas cards, gifts for family, and the memories you'll treasure long after the season passes.

When Even Gammy Can't Get the Shot

Last year, I tried to photograph my own grandchildren for our family Christmas card. At the time, they were four and one-and-a-half years old. Anyone who's ever had toddlers knows what's coming next....

After 45 minutes of my sweet Audrey absolutely screaming, I walked away with exactly one usable image of her face. That's it. And this is from her actual gammy...who she loves! 

But here's the difference: with years of experience and advanced Photoshop skills, I was able to take that single frame and create two completely different, finished portraits. What started as one fleeting moment turned into two beautiful images worthy of a Christmas card. 

The Reality Behind "Quick & Cheap" Sessions 

These days, you'll see a lot of ads for quick, low-cost holiday mini sessions. 10 minutes, $150, all your images included. If your kids cooperate, you'll likely walk away with a handful of photos. But...what happens if they don't? 

~Toddlers cry.

~Preschoolers refuse to look at the camera

~Siblings fight.

~Meltdowns happen.

In a quick shoot-and-burn session, there often isn't time...or skill...to work through those moments. And without advanced editing, even if there is one good frame, it may not be polished into the portrait you dreamed of.

Why Professional Experience Matters

When you hire an experienced photographer, you're not just paying for the time in front of the camera. You're investing in:

Patience and adaptability. I've worked with thousands of children, of all ages, and I know how to pivot when things don't go according to plan. 

Technical expertise. From lighting to posing, even the "ordinary" becomes extraordinary in the right hands. 

Post-production skill. That one tiny smile in the middle of chaos? I can turn it into a finished portrait you'll treasure forever.  

Is the "Deal" Really a Deal?

On paper, $150 (or whatever) for a short session sounds great. But when you end up with nothing useable, was it really worth it? The truth is, portraits are an investment-and one of the few things that will matter decades from now.

When your kids are grown and showing their children these portraits, the only thing that will matter is whether you have those memories beautifully preserved....not whether you saved a little money on the session fee.

The End Result

 Last Christmas, my grandkids' portraits turned out beautifully. Not because everything went smoothly (it most certainly didn't!), but because I had the experience and tools to turn one fleeting moment into something timeless.

So the next time you're tempted by a "quick and cheap" photo session, ask yourself: what happens if my kids don't cooperate? Will you walk away with nothing, or will you still get portraits you'll love forever?  

That's the difference a professional makes. 

The holiday season always sneaks up faster than we think. Don't wait until schedules are packed, stress is high and the weather is bad. Book your session now so you'll have portraits that are not only beautiful, but timeless-even if the kids don't cooperate. Let's create something worth sending, framing, and gifting this holiday season!