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Personal Portraits: Beyond Social Media Selfies

02/12/2024 Posted by Martin Bamford Ideas, Photography

In a day and age when selfies fill up, social media feeds and cameras in the form of smartphones are always at hand, it can sometimes be easy to think of professional portraits as unnecessary.

At the end of the day, though, that personal portrait goes a great deal further than those quick snaps you post online. It captures more than just your face; it is a story, evokes emotion, and celebrates who you are.

Whether it’s marking a milestone, elevating your personal brand, or even just giving yourself something special, professional portraits are unmatched by social media selfies.

Why are they worth the investment?

Why Selfies Aren’t Enough

The selfie has become a fast, easy way of sharing in anyone’s life. Still, it does have ample limitations and drawbacks.

Most selfies are shot in less-than-perfect lighting, with unflattering angles or inattention to detail.

In their best available forms, they may be fun, spontaneous, and free of the constraints so often imposed on them by the very medium; thus, they cannot capture the essence of who you are in a polished, meaningful way.

The selfie is often a hurried and disposable creation, lost in the avalanche that follows.

On the other hand, a personal portrait is created with artistry and intention. It is to withstand time and not be just something one scrolls past but is treasured.

A Portrait That Truly Reflects You

The professional portrait is a great deal deeper than the skin.

The competent photographer invests some time in getting to know you: your personality, style, and what you intend to say. They apply their knowledge of the special effects of lighting, composition, and posing to create pictures that speak volumes, not just about physical appearance but about who you are.

Be it a serious and introspective or a vibrant and energetic photo shoot of yourself, a personal portrait session delivers your unique self.

It’s all about coming up with that in-the-moment kind of image—with the feeling of authenticity and personal touch that no selfie can create.

The Power of Professional Quality

Once more, you cannot compare smartphone cameras with professional equipment and expertise. A photographer will know just the kind of advanced equipment to use in order to accentuate your positives, eliminate distractions, and build up a well-framed picture.

From flattering lighting setups to scrupulously curated backgrounds, each detail is given significance for a professional portrait. This results in an image that is polished, sophisticated, perfect for framing and hanging on your wall, and great for replication on a personal website or profile page.

Celebrating Accomplishments

Life is full of moments worth celebrating, and we often forget to mark them somehow.

A personal portrait session is one of the best ways to commemorate major milestones in your life. Whether this be a graduation, a big birthday, or any considerable career change, professional portraits capture the joy and weight of this moment.

Unlike the photos taken on your phone, these portraits are keepsakes that last with you for years to come. They become a reminder of your journey and those achievements of which you are proud.

Confidence Building

There is just something singularly empowering about seeing yourself in a professional portrait.

When a skilled photographer captures you at your best, that can significantly shift how you see yourself. Many clients leave their portrait session with much more confidence and self-assurance.

It’s not only about how one looks, but also about how one feels. A professional portrait evokes your uniqueness and strength and should give you every reason to love and honour yourself.

Magnify Your Personal Brand

In today’s digital world, your online presence is usually the first impression one gets. Whether you network on LinkedIn, connect through a personal website, or even update that profile picture on a dating app, a professional portrait says volumes about your personality and professionalism.

While selfies and all sorts of amateur snaps have taken over social media, a finished portrait speaks volumes of effort and intention. This is to say to the world, loud and clear, that you respect yourself and take your personal brand seriously.

It may make all the difference between getting noticed or neglected.

A Timeless Investment

While selfies and casual photos can record a moment, portraits create something timeless.

These are the images you look at years later and reflect on who you were then. It is not just for today, but for your future self, your loved ones, and even your legacy.

A professional portrait is an investment in capturing your story and preserving it for generations.

Go Beyond the Selfie

A personal portrait is so much more than a picture; it’s an experience. It allows you to stop, celebrate yourself, and see yourself in a different light.

While selfies might be quick and easy, they can never match a professional portrait’s artistry, depth, and meaning.

Instead, if you are ready to move beyond the selfie and invest in something meaningful, book your personal portrait session today.

Get in touch so we can create images that truly reflect who you are—beautiful, confident, and uniquely you.

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About Martin Bamford

Hi, I'm Martin, a portrait, event and brand photographer in Cranleigh, working with individuals and small businesses across the Surrey Hills. I've taken photos for more than 25 years, and became a full-time photographer following a successful career as a Chartered Financial Planner.

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