Choosing between a photographer and a self portrait comes down to what the photos are for. A photographer brings skill, equipment and an eye you cannot supply yourself. Photos you take yourself bring frequency, privacy and a low cost, and for many everyday jobs that counts for more.
What does a photographer bring?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics describes photographers as people who plan the composition of a photograph, use photographic techniques and lighting equipment, and edit images with photo-enhancing software. Many also market their services, work with clients and keep a portfolio. Some specialize in portraits, weddings, commercial work or news.
In practice that means a second pair of eyes. A photographer can tell you when your chin is off, move a light and decide which frame to deliver. Self-employed photographers also handle scheduling, billing and gear, which is part of what you pay for.
What can you do on your own with ViaCamera?
ViaCamera covers the part of a shoot where you would otherwise need a second person: pressing the shutter. Set your iPhone on something steady, tap the shutter once to start an AI mode and step back into the frame. AI-FACE takes a photo when your face is in frame and your eyes are open; AI-BODY takes one when it sees you in frame.
From there it takes another photo each time it sees what the mode waits for, until you tap again to stop, so you can work through outfits and angles at your own pace. These are real photos from the front or back camera; nothing is AI-generated. Read about the AI-FACE and AI-BODY modes to see which suits your shot.
When is a photographer the better choice?
Some jobs are not good matches for a DIY session. Weddings and events happen once, with many moving parts, and you cannot ask everyone to repeat the moment. Professional headshots, editorial and campaign work are judged on craft, and a photographer’s lighting and editing show.
Family and group portraits are another case. A photographer can arrange several people, manage a squirming child and tell everyone where to look. ViaCamera is made for photos of yourself, so book a photographer for these.
Finally, hire one whenever you want direction and editing. If you are unsure how to pose or what looks good on you, an experienced person in the room shortens the learning curve.
When are photos of yourself enough?
If you need photos often, hiring each time adds up in both money and scheduling. Updating your digitals every few months, refreshing a profile photo or building a set of casual photos are all good fits for a DIY session. For those jobs a clean, plain, honest image matters more than a polished one.
Practice is another good reason. Shooting yourself regularly teaches you what your face and body do on camera, and that makes any later session with a photographer more productive. Privacy matters too, since some people prefer to try poses and outfits alone first.
For models, a common split is a photographer for the portfolio and your own photos for updated digitals. The model digitals hub covers taking those updates yourself.
Where does ViaCamera fall short?
ViaCamera replaces the person pressing the shutter, not the photographer’s eye. AI-FACE takes a photo when your face is in frame and your eyes are open, and AI-BODY takes one when it sees you in frame, but neither tells you to lower your chin or turn toward the window. Pose, expression, light and framing stay your job.
Choosing your favorites, and any editing, is up to you as well. You need an iPhone to use it, and its plans are paid subscriptions; see pricing and the free trial for what each plan costs.
Photographer vs self portrait: how do you decide?
Ask what the photos have to do. If the answer is a one-time event, a professional use or a group, book a photographer. If the answer is regular, casual or practice photos, start on your own.
Many people do both. They hire a photographer for the portfolio or the occasion and take their own photos in between. That way the budget goes where skill matters, and the rest costs far less.