5 REASONS TO HIRE A PRO PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR WEDDING
Article by Rose Sood from Profex Images
Getting great wedding images requires so much more than just a good camera. Many people think that by having a friend or family member will save them lots of money. Just remember, you get what you pay for. Having a friend take your wedding pictures may work out ok, but so much more can go wrong. Just because they have a really nice camera doesn’t mean they have any experience taking professional photos. If your friend or family member IS a pro then way to go!
1. THEY ARE EXPERIENCED AND KNOW THEIR EQUIPMENT
A pro photographer will not only have a great camera but they will come with backup equipment as well; extra lenses, second flash unit, spare batteries charged up and ready to go, and a second excellent camera in case something happens to the first so you can be assured nothing will go wrong on your wedding day.
All the features of the camera need to be second nature to the photographer. The pro photographer is able to manipulate the lenses and view so that everything is in focus or can select the bride and groom and soften the rest of the image. They know a lot about camera techniques and are able to get the best shot even when lighting doesn’t always cooperate. They just know the perfect time to take just the right picture.
The wedding day can be stressful and hectic, there is no time on that day for an amateur to figure out how to work your camera, or their own.
2. THEY ARE COMMITTED TO YOU AND YOUR WEDDING
Hiring a professional photographer enables piece of mind because you know that person will be there on the contracted date regardless of the weather. If the photographer is not able to show up because they are ill, they are bound to a contract and will send in another pro replacement. If your friend forgets to arrive on time there is no contract or agreement binding them to any commitment and you could be stuck on the most important day without the memory being captured.
The photographer will sit down with the bride and groom and possibly the parents for a final consultation before the wedding. The family at this time communicates any special requests and can let the photographer know what is being planned for the day. The photographer also works with the wedding coordinator if you have one to ensure they have the itinerary of the day and can be at the right place at the right time to ensure they get those perfect moments.
3. THEY KNOW THE VENUES OR WILL GET TO KNOW YOUR VENUE
The photographer must have an intimate knowledge of the venues being used, particularly the outside areas if they are being used for the photo session. A professional will always visit the park or outdoor location just before the wedding even if they have been there before in order to plan which spots might make the most interesting backgrounds and which spots are best suitable for family photos and bridal party photos.
The pro will often visit the outdoor site at the same time of day that they will be shooting as it could be critical to see how the light will work in each shot and location. They will also always have a plan “B” in the event of rain on the wedding day. This is often pre-determined with the wedding couple.
4. HIRING A PRO MEANS THERE WILL BE NO STRAIN ON RELATIONSHIPS WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
When you hire a professional photographer you are often building the relationship from the ground up. They want to get to know you so their job becomes a little easier as they will understand better what type of shots you are looking for. When hiring a friend or family member, the relationship can be easily strained because you know what you want in your pictures but the friend may not understand or know how to do what you are asking.
If the pictures turn out poorly, there is only one person that you can go to and you will think about every time you see them. You may not even tell that person how you feel as it isn’t worth the risk of losing that friendship. The friend or family member may also not feel good about your relationship after because you were expecting too much from their experience – or lack thereof.
5. YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY SHOULD BE PART OF YOUR WEDDING
If you have a close friend or family member, do you really want them working on your wedding day taking pictures? They should be there enjoying the festivities with the rest of the family and friends helping you celebrate. It’s not really fair to make them work instead of enjoying the festivities.
Here is one last important tip to think about when you’re working with a limited budget. Consider having a Pro photographer cover the most important parts of the day, such as the ceremony and 1 or 2 hours after the ceremony for family and bridal portraits. After that, you can ask friends and family to take over providing shots of the reception after the Pro has left.
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