One of my biggest fans, who just happens to be my husband said, "Why would people pay you to do their photos when everyone has a camera these days?" Of course he already knew the answer, "Because you're awesome, light of my life" but he was playing Devil's Advocate so we'll let him get away with it. This time.

I may as well tell you why you should hire a photographer. Because you totally want to know, right?

5. Professional Photographers Hire Photographers

Unless you're Annie Leibovitz doing half-naked self-portraits in front of a mirror (and if you are, welcome! I'm a huge fan of your work!) then you're hiring a professional to take your family photos. The only way that I can get a photo of my entire family is to either hand someone my camera (HA!) or my phone (ok, maybe). However, my kids are most likely wearing T-shirts that read, "I Got Nothin But Game" or "All I Do Is Win" and I'm not putting that on my Christmas card. Even if we were all dressed properly, I'm getting ONE photo out of that. One. See below one photo with four bad T-shirts.

Baloo FTW.

4. We Know What We're Doing

That's right I said it: we know what we're doing. We're going to tell you where to stand, what to wear, where to look, what time to be there. You're going to like that all of that stuff is figured out for you. And it's going to make you look pretty smart.

3. Selfies Suck

My husband bought me a selfie stick for my birthday. It's cool and I actually kind of like it. Of course, it's a total necessity because now I can pretend someone's taking a picture of me for once. "Hey guys, look up there at my phone and smile!" If you're like me, you're getting sick of only appearing in photos by taking them at yourself. You're probably even kind of embarrassed sometimes, right? If you and I were on the beach together and I'm standing in front of you with a camera, you know what all the onlookers are saying? "Oh isn't that sweet? They're getting family photos done! What a fantastic idea!" (Please note below I have spared you my selfies. You're welcome).

2. Your Children Won't Listen to You

But they'll listen to me (it's ok, my kids don't listen to me, either). They will, however, listen to a stranger with a camera around his or her neck. My kids will listen to anyone who isn't me, but this is about your kids, not mine. In fact, I'll tell your kids what to do and you won't have to. That's the absolute beauty. I can be the bad guy! I'm not, of course, children love me. When you get in your car after all of your photos are done you'll say, "Wasn't that fun kids? Who wants ice cream??" and you'll all head off into the sunset so enchanted to have been in front of a lens.

1. You Should Always Hire People to Do Stuff You Don't Do Professionally

Now granted, photography isn't especially dangerous. If you tried to do your electrical work or roofing work yourself you could seriously injure yourself. For sure you need to hire those folks. But think about all the people you hire all the time: hairdressers, plumbers, masons, painters, orthodontists. You want things to run smoothly and look nice so you hire those good people, as you should. Photographers are a little bit crazy. They'd probably take photos for free all the time if you asked them to because they love it to their very core. But just because they're crazy doesn't mean they don't need to make a living. Which reminds me, I totally need photos done so please message me your rates. After you've "Liked" and "Shared" my page, which I appreciate. Thanks!

I am booking sunset sessions for the rest of the summer. Only a few weeks left so hurry!