Why should I still invest in professional photography when I can DIY it?

It’s a valid question, especially considering the huge DIY culture in New Zealand. In addition to that, as AI image generators and advanced phone cameras become more prevalent, more and more business owners question the need for professional photography.

The trend is changing, the market is shifting, and adaptability is key – I get it. But let me offer a perspective:

I can do my mobile photos:

Sure, today’s phones have incredible specs. But! Having a smartphone with the fantastic capability of taking images and knowing how to photograph and what makes a photo a good photo, in my opinion, are two different things.

I can generate my images with AI:

We’re seeing more AI-generated content pop up across industries. Yes, it’s fast and can look impressive at first glance, but it’s missing something crucial—authenticity. AI images have no “soul”. These feel fake from a mile away. And if you can tell, your customers can tell, too. 

“People crave real human connections”

especially since governments locked down the planet and people have been isolated; we crave human connections.

• Online groups are booming.
• Real-life meetups are booming.
• Podcasts with meaningful conversations are booming.
• Professional personal coaching is booming.
• People want to connect to other people – not fake AI images.

Mobile photos, for example, with their rawness, are relatable and can work for some.  It was created by a human being with its not-perfect look.

Let’s be clear: AI and mobile phone images can work for specific industries. They have their time and place.

But when it comes to hospitality, where customer experience is everything, do we really want to settle for “good enough” or something that doesn’t connect emotionally?

If your business prides itself on creating experiences, why wouldn’t you want to showcase that with genuine and compelling imagery?

So how should we decide then?

At the end of the day, ask yourself this: 

• Will my audience care about the authenticity of the images I put out?
• Will the target audience care that we want to “sell to them” with AI images or lame mobile photos?
• Can I sell my product/services by using these tools?

So be it if the answers to the above questions suit one’s business.

One can use AI or mobile phone photos.

Do you have a project in mind? Or a question to ask? Message me here: