Friday Five #23 - Cellphone Woes | Family Photography

Cellphone Woes

Do you have a cell phone?  I do and they are popular and convenient to use especially for taking a quick picture of your child or something that may be happening around you.  It doesn't matter if you're located in Los Angeles or Washington DC or anywhere in between, Moms are universal in wanting to get that little smile or quirky facial expression...myself included.  Now that we're in a selfie generation, even business owners are resorting to taking selfies and using them as headshots. 

​I beg with you, don't rely solely on your mobile device to photograph your family's special moments or your headshots if you're a business owner.  Looking at the pictures below you can see why?

Cell Phone vs. Professional Portrait

As a professional photographer serving Los Angeles and Washington D.C., my biggest job is illustrating the difference between a cell phone picture and a professional portrait a photographer can create.  As you can see the picture on the left is bland and boring and doesn't offer a lot of dynamic range; it's a throw away.  However, the portrait on the right is taken with a professional camera.  Both pictures were taken from the same distance and exact location.  But why does one look better than the other?  In one picture the envelope looks greyish/black, but the other looks like a true black envelope.  Why? ​ This is the difference a professional photographer makes.
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In this picture I stood the envelope up next to the table centerpiece.  Because the table is next to the fireplace located in my living room, you're able to see the fireplace wires and more.  More than I would like; if you know what I mean.  I even had my cellphone in portrait mode....yep, it looks terrible; I know.
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This portrait is leaps and bounds better than the picture above.  You're able to see the reflection of the envelope and the envelope is more the focus of the portrait instead of everything.  Your eyes are drawn into the silver strip on the envelope.

In addition to know lighting, a professional photographer can pose you and/or your family to achieve the best results and ensure the final portrait is something you'll cherish and want to display and showcase in your home.  Below are my top five cellphone woes.

Cellphone Woes:

1. Generic (the pictures look blah)
   
   
2. You see everything (there's no focal point for your picture)
   
   
3. If using a cell phone; you're not included.  Whoever is taking the picture is left out; especially with family pictures.
   
   
4. For headshots; you can tell it's a selfie.  Please don't use a selfie as your LinkedIn profile!  
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5. Unable to get the best picture; cellphones are great for quick quirky moments.

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Fall is here and it's the perfect time to schedule your family's fall portraits.  Don't hesitate to schedule your portraits today.  I may be reached by telephone at (571) 250-5073 or online by visiting the contact page.  ​