A photograph conveys many things – be it emotional, happy or fearful moments. In journalistic terms a good photograph is equivalent to 1000 words.

Any wedding or a family function or a get-together is incomplete without photographs. They bring back good old memories and bring smiles even after many years.

With the advent of mobiles and small cameras we can so many people clicking photographs at the same time these days. But none of these can replace the ones taken by the professional photographer who looks for every minute detail of the photos he clicks – the lights, background to name a few.

Many corporate photographers are here to stay now giving more ‘business and professional’ touch to the photographs than our own photographers from the good old studios.

However, photographers from Coimbatore, who have been involved in the business for more than 30 years, claim that customers would soon return to themm as their corporate counterparts do not share a ‘bond’ with those in the family.

In all the family functions, mostly weddings, it is indeed the person behind the lens who works tirelessly making each move carefully and capturing all the special moments through the lens. On most occasions, the photographer would be a known to the family.

According K. Nagaraj, president of the Coimbatore Districts Video and Photographers Association, corporate photographers are mostly hired and do not have a connection with the customers. “We know our customers and their relatives too. But this is not the case with corporate photographers. They just carry on with their job mechanically. The personal touch is usually lacking,” he said.

Though the business of some of the photographers has taken a hit recently, “the scenario will change as customers are also feeling the disconnect with the corporate photographers.”

“We may not be able to put in a lot of money for advertising like them, but we establish a glod rapport with the customers and this helps us stand the test of time,” he added.

According T. Gunasekaran, involved in the field for more than two decades, the demand for the use of high profile camera, video cameras and drones are increasing and hence studio photographers who have to rent such equipment are hit. “These are easy for big companies,” he added informing that they (corporate photographers) charge up to Rs. 3 lakhs based on the demand.

“Earlier we used to get more than 30 orders a year. Now it is less than 20 after they entered the field. Our old customers call us as they have trust in us,” Gunasekaran said.

Customers, on the other hand, feel that it is more about the work than the name. A. Jeevarathinam, a home maker said that they always trust the photographers whom they know. “We cannot simply allow someone who is not known to us to take photographs of our family functions. These are memories to be cherished forever,” she added.