Ten Reasons To Hire A Professional Photographer
Your wedding is a huge event that only happens once which means there are no do-overs. Below, I’ve put together ten reasons why hiring a professional wedding photographer is well worth the cost of admission. Of course, as with anything, “Professional” can mean different things to different people so doing your research is highly recommended. Still, there are so many valuable takeaways from hiring someone who absolutely knows their craft and will deliver compared to rolling the die and going with anyone who has a camera. This is a really big undertaking for anyone and should never be taken lightly. Read this Journal Entry to see how I handled being asked to photograph my first wedding. I knew how high the stakes were and how many things could occur on the day. I hope this helps you see the value and peace of mind that comes with hiring someone who fully understands their role.
Experience - Professional wedding photographers should possess the skills, experience and technical knowledge to capture quality images of your day. They should have a thorough background in lighting and composition and have the ability to capture candid moments as they occur.
Insurance - Professionals should be insured for liability in case anything happens on their account. Many venues require proof of insurance from the people working your wedding so this can severely limit your options if you choose someone who isn’t insured.
Consistency and reliability - Professionals will consistently deliver the expected level of quality throughout the event. They know how to adapt their workflow to the circumstance or situation they’re presented with. They are reliable and don’t leave things to chance. A true professional will not leave you wondering when they’re going to show up or when the images will be revealed.
Creativity - Professional photographers bring creativity and vision to what they capture. They can suggest unique poses, settings and perspectives that reflect your personalities. This is likely why you’re attracted to the work of certain photographers in the first place.
Attention to detail - Professionals pay attention to the smallest details, ensuring that special moments don’t slip by. They have an eye for capturing intricate details like decorations, attire, expressions and emotions. Always be sure to talk things over beforehand so that everyone is on the same page.
Equipment - They invest in high-quality cameras, lenses and backup equipment to ensure they capture every moment without technical issues. Extra batteries, memory cards and other items are crucial when photographing events that only happen once. Problems can occur at any time and having backups by your side will mean the difference between capturing moments or not.
Post-production - They should know their editing like the back of their hand. Depending on the level of editing they do, this process could take 40 - 60 hours for an eight hour wedding. All photographers are different so it’s good to know what to expect with your final images.
Reduced stress - Hiring a professional allows you to relax and enjoy your special day without worrying about capturing every moment. They take on the responsibility, allowing you to be fully present and enjoy your day for all it’s worth.
Commitment - Professionals are dedicated to their craft and committed to delivering the best results. Their brand is part of their identity and they want to produce the best work possible.
Long-term investment - The images from your wedding will be one of the only tangible things left after everything is said and done. Great images will live on as they are shared with generations over decades. They allow you to relive those moments as often as you like, whenever the mood hits you.
Overall, while it might seem like an added expense, hiring a professional wedding photographer brings a lot of benefits besides pretty photos. It is one area I wholeheartedly believe should not be skipped when planning your wedding.