Who Would You Trust to Take Your Wedding Photos?

In keeping with the spirit of last week's blog post about hiring a professional DJ for your wedding, it is equally, if not MORE important to choose a professional wedding photographer. Just because someone has a "nice camera" doesn't mean he or she knows how to use it.

Whether you are a "picture person" or not, there are still some events throughout the day that you will want captured. I mean, it IS your wedding day. A professional wedding photographer will know how and when to capture those special moments without getting in the way. One of my favorite shots to see is the groom's facial expression as his future wife is walking towards him. A professional will also notice little details, such as a calendar hanging in the kitchen with the wedding dated circle with a heart on it.

Photo credit: Russell's Photography Studio

Professional wedding photographers can usually meneuver themselves throughout the day without being noticed too much. After all, you want all eyes on you, not on your wedding vendors.

Something else to consider is back-up. Think about if that "friend" that offered to take your pictures gets sick and cannot make it to your wedding. Now what? Also think about back-up equipment. Oops, Joe Schmoe forgot to charge the batteries last night and only made it til the bride got to the altar. You'll just have to take mental pictures of the rest of the day (which, by the way will go by so fast you won't even remember half of the pictures you see later on).

Another reason to not ask Uncle Bob to take out his fancy camera and shoot your wedding is because he probably won't know the wedding shots to get. He may be great at shooting landscapes, but will he be quick enough to catch that "you may now kiss the bride" shot or the ring exchanges? There are no redo's.

Most modern brides like the "candid" shots taken at their wedding but there are usually still some portraits that need to be taken for the parents. Professional wedding photographers know how to pose for these portraits so that everyone looks great. He or she will also know how to do this quickly enough, as the formal portraits are usually done during cocktail hour.

Photo credit: Nikki Nicole Photography

Finally, don't forget about the time and effort that goes into the editing of the photos after the wedding. Will Uncle Bob know how to do that?

Even if a professional wedding photographer is not totally in your budget, I would suggest trying to hire one for at least the ceremony. Get referrals from friends, family, other vendors and meet with a few. Tell them its not in your budget to book their entire package, but see what their hourly rate is and at least get those special photos of the ceremony. You'd be surprised at the willingness to work with you in today's economy.

Happy planning!
xo