I see a lot of social media chatter about how a couple is going to get ‘Uncle Bob/cousin/old mate next door’ to do their wedding photos because he has a great camera and he’s decided to do it for free. This always makes me cringe. The value we place on photography has diminished so spectacularly that many of us no longer consider that spending decent money (yes we’re talking thousands) on a professional to capture our wedding day is a worthwhile investment. You wouldn’t choose a dodgy bloke with a great hammer to build you a house, because it’s not the tools, it’s the talent. I have a great sewing machine, but I can’t sew that well. Your photographer is the same. Yes, they spend thousands on equipment, but knowing how to use their gear and the available light is where the knowledge of a professional kicks in. That, and heaps of other skills that often require quick thinking and expertise.

I know from experience

Let me tell you the story of my own wedding, because yep, I was that person. We were young(er) and had bought a renovator house a few years earlier and done nothing to it. We simply couldn’t afford stuff we wanted and went without lots of things for a good 5-10 years. Our wedding was planned in 9 months (no, I wasn’t pregnant haha) and we did it on a budget, like everyone else. When it came time to choose a photographer (I wasn’t a professional photographer 12 years ago) it all came down to money. We looked at various photographers at the local wedding fair and online. I loved the work of one guy who was amazing but out of our price range (or so we imagined). He went on to win various awards and become quite a prominent figure in the Australian photography industry.

The company we chose was the one we could afford. Now we thought what we paid was a lot, and to us it absolutely was, but what would have been 1000% better was to try and get the services of the other photographer, whose work we loved and who was professional, for the amount we had available to spend. Even if that meant a shorter time with him on the day or a few days less on our honeymoon. As it is, we are stuck with the blurry, overblown, pretty crappy images of our special day for the rest of our lives. There’s a couple of gems but for the most part I am eternally disappointed. Side note: NEVER ask your father to video your ceremony (seriously what was I thinking!?). That’s another epic fail I can’t talk about. We have no footage at all for our children to view.

So this brings me to the question, why should you hire a professional photographer for your wedding day, even if it’s just for a few hours?

1. We’re Qualified

It’s as simple as that. Photography requires a lot of study, and ongoing professional development to remain up to date with the technology and equipment. We study long and hard (some are self taught just as well) to gain the expertise to be able to capture the images you hang on your wall, and the differences in product between an amateur point and shooter and a professional are obvious. We also have insurance, and the (mountains of) back-up equipment if there’s a failure or a problem. The number of times I’ve heard of people losing entire cards worth of wedding images is truly cringeworthy. If your photographer isn’t shooting with backup cards then backing those images up at least twice, ask them why not? Also, a professional will have you sign a wedding agreement or contract. This is to protect both parties and will cover you if (heaven forbid) something goes wrong.

2. We’re Experienced

We’ve learned all the do’s and don’ts that come with wedding planning and shooting. We’ll ask you a million questions to help us plan your day so that you get the most out of it and our time with you (even if it’s a couple of hours). We help schedule, plan and execute your day so you don’t have to worry about it. I know how to lace a wedding dress, pin a boutonniere, and when you should take your family photos so the kids don’t lose their shit before you can get them to smile. Experienced wedding photographers know exactly where to be and when (god I love candid shots!). Trust me, that is a skill that can’t be overstated. Nobody wants to miss that first kiss! We know how to handle drunk groomsmen, large uncooperative families and the big one, unexpected weather events! You name it, we’ve seen it and we’re ready. Wedding photography is fast-paced and wonderful when you’ve got a handle on what happens next haha. Of course, we see impromptu stuff all the time too, but that’s what makes it a fun job!

3. We’re Consistent

When shopping for a wedding photographer (sounds like we’re in pak’n’save), the most important thing for you as a potential client is to take a look at the work they have on their website (If a photographer doesn’t have a website that’s a red flag to me). Is it recent? Does it match their social media accounts (you’ll often see the most recent images on Instagram and Facebook first). Do you like it? Notice things like posing and lighting. Professional photographers have developed their own style and their work will be consistent, meaning what you see on their website and in their portfolio is what you can expect to see in your own wedding album. If you like what you see then contact them and sit down with them for a coffee and a chat and have them show you some printed work like an album or prints so you can see if it’s that same style as you loved on their site.

For me personally, I love to chat with clients face-to-face (or at the very least on the phone) before they book to make sure we’re a great fit for each other. We talk about their expectations, what they’re into and what they’re planning for their big day. If I’m not excited to capture it, then the soul won’t be in my images. You have to spend all day together so make sure you’re comfortable with your photographer. We’re (mostly) and pretty easy going bunch and will have your back all the way.

Side note: please feed us, because nobody likes to work a physically and mentally demanding shift without eating, drinking or using the bathroom. We’re humans too (and we get hangry haha).

Check out the gorgeous wedding of Tiger and Rachael on the blog here

So there you have it. There’s a lot (more) that goes into becoming a professional in any field. Wedding photos are something you’ll look at for the rest of your life. Value them and value your photographer. Don’t make the same mistake I did and fall into the price trap, I’ve never forgiven myself. If you’re finding you’ve got limited funds always ask what they can do for you. You might be surprised! I’ve shot 1 hour weddings and 12 hour weddings.
We want you to have beautiful, lasting images of the most important day of your life. After all, that’s all you’ll have when everything’s said and done. Make it count.