What's the Difference between a Photographer and a Portrait Artist?

What you don't know, keeps you from understanding why portraiture is worth paying the price for. You may know a few photographers or you may have had someone recommend to you a "photographer". By definition a photographer is someone who takes pictures. It is VERY rare that someone who can take photographs can also take portraits of people. VERY rare. Take a moment and look at your favorite photographer's pictures. In outdoor photographs are the eyes dark under the brow? A good portrait photographer knows how to light outdoors so even the eyes are lit properly. Is the face lit flat across from ear to ear with the same light? A good portrait photographer lights in such a way that the face has the proper balance of light and shading to create a 3 dimensional look. In a group shot are the people in the front row giants compared to people in the back row? A portrait photographer knows how to create a group shot where everyone is in proportion to one another. Is everything too tack sharp? A portrait photographer knows how to make the subject stand out amongst the surroundings using sharpness and blurriness. Does the subject look awkward? A portrait photographer knows how to make a person feel comfortable and natural in their pose. Does the picture have almost too much special effect? a portrait photographer doesn't need to rely only on special graphic effects to make a beautiful portrait.
As time passes, you will eventually learn that a "Portrait Photographer" is indeed better than just a photographer you may know. The price we pay for something done right is a much better value than the money we saved getting something that we never wanted in the first place. And that thing that we really wanted is a beautiful, timeless portrait that gives distinction and pride to the owner for a long time.