I’ve talked about taking your own photography to the next level. I even told you what camera to buy. But there are times when it’s better to outsource this family duty. As the family photographer, you are conspicuously absent from your family’s visual history. Sometimes you just want to be in the moment rather than behind the camera.

This is the perfect opportunity to hire a pro. I’m not talking about taking your child to JC Penney, Wal Mart, or Sadie’s. I am referring to independent freelance family and portrait photographers. You see them all the time on craigslist. There may be brochures in your pediatrician’s office. You might even know someone. He’s an all-around nice guy, he takes great photographs, and he writes a great blog. You might have heard of it. It’s called 21st Century Dad.

You can’t beat the portrait factories on price, but you get the same tired backgrounds and props that everyone else gets. They might as well just Photoshop your child’s head in. An independent professional is always the better choice.

• An independent pro can come out on location. Your children will be more comfortable in familiar settings.
• You can have a one-of-a-kind portrait session at your favorite park, the beach, or even in your own home.
• The big studios play it safe. There is no room for creativity and experimentation. You get a photo of what you look like. An independent professional can take photos of who you really are.
• Independent professionals are driven by a passion for photography. Photography is their livelihood, not just a means to drive traffic to the retail store.
• The personal interaction will bring your family portraits to life, especially if the photo shoot occurs at a location of your choosing.
• You are free to enjoy the special occasion. My neighbor hired me to be the photographer at their son’s 1st birthday party. They were so thankful that they could focus on being gracious hosts and enjoy this special day without the additional responsibility. They ended up with hundreds of high quality photographs instead of hurried snapshots.

A personable and friendly photographer with a consumer camera will get higher quality photos than the stick in the mud with a top-of-the-line pro rig. How can you tell? You’ll figure this out when you speak to the photographer and view the portfolio. Photography is a people skills job, not technical one.

Develop a relationship with the photographer; it will translate into even better photos. Repeat customers are treated better. The smart ones offer discounts for package deals. For example, a photographer may offer a package where they shoot the maternity portraits and the newborn photos for an all-inclusive price lower than two separate sessions. If they don’t offer it, suggest it.

You don’t have to make a donation. If you use the money to hire a professional photographer instead, that’s certainly OK by me.