Five Reasons to Hire a Local Photographer Instead of Using Shoott

With the rise of on-demand photography services Shoott, it can be tempting to book a quick and easy session. But when it comes to capturing your family’s memories or showcasing your brand, a local photographer offers a level of expertise and personalization that an app-based service simply can’t match. Here are five reasons why hiring a local photographer is the better choice:

1. You Know What You're Getting When you hire a local photographer, you can review their portfolio and trust that the style you see is the style you’ll get. Unlike Shoott, where you’re randomly assigned a photographer with varying skill levels and editing approaches, a local photographer offers consistency in both quality and artistic vision. You can choose a photographer whose work resonates with you, ensuring your final images align with your expectations.

2. Expert Knowledge of Locations and Lighting Local photographers have in-depth knowledge of the best locations, ideal lighting conditions, and seasonal nuances in your area. They know the perfect time of day to shoot at a particular spot to get the best results. With Shoott, you might be limited to pre-selected locations and standardized shoot times that don’t take into account the unique beauty of your surroundings. A local photographer can recommend hidden gems, work around unpredictable weather, and tailor the session to fit your vision.

3. High-Quality, Thoughtful Editing and Final Products Shoott provides only a handful of lightly edited images, with additional photos available for purchase. Local photographers, on the other hand, carefully curate and edit each gallery to deliver polished, professional images that align with their artistic style. You’re not just receiving photos—you’re getting a cohesive, high-quality collection that tells your story beautifully. Many local photographers also offer premium print products, albums, and wall art, ensuring your memories don’t just live on a screen but become tangible keepsakes.

4. Transparency in Reviews and Promotions While you may find talented photographers through Shoott, it’s important to know that much of their organic-looking promotion, such as positive comments on social media, is often incentivized. Shoott offers free photos and other perks in exchange for favorable feedback, making it difficult to gauge authentic customer experiences. When you hire a local photographer, reviews and recommendations come from genuine clients who have experienced their work firsthand, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect.

5. The True Investment Behind Professional Photography Professional photographers invest significant time and money into their craft. It’s not just about the time spent taking photos—there’s also the cost of high-quality gear, continued education, software, and the hours dedicated to editing, client communication, and business management. Services like Shoott can undervalue this work, offering budget sessions that don’t reflect the full scope of what goes into creating beautiful, lasting images. When you hire a dedicated local photographer, you’re supporting a professional who is committed to delivering excellence at every stage of the process.

While services like Shoott may seem like a convenient, low-cost option, the value of working with a local photographer goes beyond just taking pictures. A dedicated professional brings artistry, expertise, and a personalized touch to every session, making your investment worthwhile. When you choose a local photographer, you’re not only supporting a small business—you’re ensuring that your most cherished moments are captured with care and creativity.