So why should you get a (professional) photographer for
your wedding day?
Worst case scenario - you will be taking your own
photos at the wedding. Obviously this really should not happen. You, the host
of the event, the main reason people are there, are busy taking snap shots of
your wedding party. You will simply have your hands to full to capture the
whole essence of your wedding day.
Okay, so that first example may not be a really
practical example. A real example would be if you knew someone, someone who
isn't really a professional photographer, but someone who was enthusiastic with
a camera, who did it as a hobby?
Well sure, you can assign Cousin Al or Uncle Harry
to do the honors and be the official photographer for your engagement. Sure
they can pull off an event like yours: 150 guests minimum, reception, the
ceremony at the church, some casual shots at the beach or by the bay with the
sunset in the background. Perhaps.
Consider this: what kind of photography do they do
in their spare time? They may do still-life photography. Or studio photography.
Or portrait photography. Or
maybe only landscape photography and maybe even shoot the occasional social
party. Do you know what I'm getting at?
You have to check and know what they do. Ask if they
are up to the challenge. Weddings are a whole different ball game.
Wedding photographers are a whole different breed to
your usual hobbyist, glamour, still-life, studio, commercial and landscape
photographer. They even speak a different language.
So what is the difference then?
The difference is in the equipment they carry, the
planning needed to carry out your mission (your wedding) and their attitude and
enthusiasm about the job.
Weddings offer a dynamic environment to which the
wedding
photographer must conquer and evolve within a short period of time. They
have to make the best of different locations and different lighting conditions
as well as weather concerns. A good successful wedding photographer can do all
these (and more!)
Different locations and lighting conditions - that's
simple, you say, just whip out the camera and press the button.
No it isn't. Photography is all about lighting.
Photography is lighting. Photography comes from a root word that means 'light
painting.' Wedding photographers must be the masters of light in all different
situations at different locations. It's not simply point and shoot.
And besides getting the perfect shot - the lighting
and the composition, your designated photographer will need to be creative and
constantly running around making sure every shot you want is taken. I can
personally assure you that this is a very high-stress situation for the
photographer. Film (or digital cards) can be lost or damaged, photos lost or
shots missed due to faulty equipment.
The quality of service and photos...
You should go out and hire a professional
photographer for your wedding because you will get the quality you want. Your
memory will be preserved with the dignity it deserves. You don't want to regret
having a dingy old photo as a memory when you know you had the opportunity to
have it better.
It is the job of the wedding photographer that every
finished photo you see of your wedding day to be perfect for your needs.
Do you think you can rely on Cousin Al to deliver?
