Can you see the Difference Between a Good Portrait and A Great One?

There are a lot of good photographers out there. I imagine when you want a family portrait or a new headshot, it’s daunting to pick one. Using price as your metric is one way, but as with most things, you get what you pay for. So then, how do you choose a photographer?

Here’s my advice. While you may or may not be able to see the difference between a fake, uncomfortable expression, I bet you can feel that difference. For example, check out my little friend Maddie below. The photo you see is technically correct and Maddie is smiling, so it’s a good photo. But it’s not a photo I would get excited about, since I can clearly tell that her smile is fake. It’s smile kids give us when they’re told to smile. Roll over the image and see if you notice a difference. That second image is Maddie’s real smile, right after I’ve done something to make her laugh.

Roll over the image to see difference a real smile makes

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Roll over the image above to see difference a real smile makes

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Stay tuned for another post where I show you the difference in a headshot.