Why Professional Photography Is Worth It (vs Smartphone)
Smartphones have changed the way we capture our lives. They’re always in our pockets, quick to use, and capable of producing impressive images at the tap of a screen. So it’s completely fair to ask: why should I invest in professional photography when my phone already takes good photos?
The short answer? Because professional photography isn’t just about having a better camera. It’s about creating images that last, tell a story, and genuinely feel like you. Plus, the photographer behind the camera can make all the difference too.
Here’s my breakdown of why professional photography is still worth it.
From a recent client shoot.
A Professional Photographer Sees What a Phone Can’t
A smartphone captures what’s in front of it. A professional photographer looks beyond that.
From light direction and composition to body language and emotion, a trained eye knows how to anticipate moments rather than react to them. The subtle glance between a couple, the split-second laugh during a family shoot, the way hands naturally fall. These details are easy to miss but make all the difference.
Professional photography is about intentional storytelling, not just snapshots.
Light Makes or Breaks a Photograph
Phones rely heavily on automatic settings and digital processing. While clever, this often results in:
Harsh highlights
Flat skin tones
Over-processed images
Loss of detail in shadows
A professional photographer understands how to work with natural light, whether it’s soft evening sun, overcast skies, or tricky indoor lighting. Knowing where to place you, when to shoot, and how to shape light creates images that feel natural, flattering, and timeless.
Not to mention, the use of professional lighting if and when required.
You Get to Be in the Photos (Not Taking Them)
One of the biggest reasons clients book professional photography is simple:
they’re finally in the frame.
How many times have you been the person to take photos at family functions and then realised later on that you’re not actually in any? other than maybe an arm stretching selfie that struggles to fit everyone in.
Parents especially often realise they’re missing from family photos because they’re always the one holding the phone. A professional session allows everyone to relax, be present, and enjoy the experience, without worrying about timers, angles, or who’s pressing the shutter.
Years from now, these are the images that matter most.
Professional Editing Enhances, It Doesn’t Distract
Smartphone filters are designed for speed, not longevity. Trends change fast, and heavy filters can quickly date an image.
Professional editing is subtle and intentional. It focuses on:
Natural skin tones
Balanced colour
Consistent style
Enhancing mood without overpowering it
The result is imagery that still feels relevant and beautiful years down the line.
Confidence Makes the Difference
Many people worry they’re “not photogenic.” The truth? Most people feel that way, until they’re guided properly.
A professional photographer knows how to:
Help you relax
Gently guide posing
Give direction that feels natural, not awkward
Create an environment where you feel comfortable being yourself
That confidence shows in the final images.
From a recent client shoot.
These Photos Become Part of Your Story
Professional photographs aren’t just files on a device. They become:
Prints on your walls
Albums on your coffee table
Gifts for grandparents, family members and more
Memories passed down through generations
They capture a chapter of your life exactly as it was. The connections, the laughter, the love. Long after phones are upgraded and social platforms change, these images remain. Particularly in print, which is where professional photography really comes into its own.
It’s an Experience, Not Just a Product
A professional photography session is about more than images. It’s about:
Being guided from start to finish
Feeling looked after
Knowing the details are handled
Enjoying the moment instead of worrying about it
The experience itself becomes part of the memory. No longer worrying about who may capture what on their phones, how you’ll get yourself into photos if you’re the one usually taking them on your phone and so on. A professional photographer can take care of every moment.
Final Thoughts
Smartphones are brilliant for everyday moments. The quick snapshots, the in-between memories, the spontaneous joys. Trust me, I use mine every day for the same.
But professional photography is different.
It’s intentional.
It’s personal.
And it’s an investment in preserving the moments that matter most.
If you’re looking for images that feel authentic, beautifully crafted, and truly reflective of your story, professional photography is always worth it.
Looking to book a session in?
““Anyone who knows me, knows I HATE having my photograph taken. So much so, that I didn’t want a photographer at my wedding!
Just recently, however, I’ve been trying to change that and with the upcoming launch of my business I knew I had to suck it up and get some professional images done. Enter stage right, Laura Gates Photography.
Recommended to me by a mutual friend we met last week and, WOW. Laura has a way of making you feel like you’re catching up with an old friend. We spent a couple of hours bonding over a coffee or two and I genuinely didn’t feel self conscious or nervous at all. The results are great; and I genuinely like them. For me that’s massive.
I’m convinced that Laura will end up being one of the best photographers in the business and that Waterstones stocking her book is just one step forward in what is going to be a fantastic career. If you need some images of your team, event or business, get in touch with her. She is amazing!””
