Professional Photographer VS Amateur Photographer

This is the story of my wedding day. It all started with a beautiful sunrise and a smile...

Your wedding photographs are the most enduring part of your special day. They’re also a part that cannot be done over. As you plan for your wedding, you’re no doubt giving thought to who should be responsible for documenting your wedding. Hiring a professional can make the difference between you and your family reliving your wedding day for generations to come through beautiful high-quality images, custom designed DVD slideshows & specialty print items . . . and a stack of poorly exposed, drugstore developed photos in a shoe box. We all agree . . . brides and grooms, no matter what their budget, deserve a professional photographer.

A professional photographer does more than just take pictures. She’s an experienced professional who is ready to serve you. She takes the time to find out what’s important to you, and knows what’s involved in getting the images you want. She’ll help you plan your day to capture the images that matter most. She has done this more than once, so she knows how to get the shot in an unobtrusive manner. She also has an eye for composition, good light and creative angles, and will offer recommendations for where and when to get beautiful portraits. As an experienced wedding professional she can anticipate the moments you’ll want captured, without you saying a word.

Professional photographers spend large amounts of money to make sure they have the best up-to-date equipment on the market, and, they sure do know how to use it! Whether it be digital or film, it’s most important that you love the style that your photographer shoots in!! It’s also important that you click with your photographer and that you feel you have created a bond and common understanding of what you want. Don’t settle for a friend or family member’s pictures just because it’s the cheap way to go. You will regret it in the long run, if not as soon as you see your wedding photos! Why gamble with something that is so precious? In addition, a pro will spend hours (10-20) editing, archiving, and processing the images. Most pros also offer an online gallery for family and friends to order over the internet. Talk to a prospective photographer and ask questions! Schedule a consultation at her studio.

When you hire a professional, price doesn’t necessarily mean quality either. Just because they are the most expensive doesn’t mean they are better than the mid-priced pro (in actuality, they may use the same print lab!). Pictures speak for themselves! If you don’t like the photographer’s online gallery, or their prints, then don’t book them! Go with your gut. No matter what the cost, if you love the pros work, then it’s priceless!!

Professional photographers are there to provide a service to you, Uncle Bob or Cousin Sue might be snapping a few pictures here and there to help you out for free, but they are also guests. How involved can they be? After a while their enthusiasm will probably dwindle and it can also be a burden for them. Your wedding takes only a few hours, but you should enjoy the photographs for a lifetime. Why not use a photographer who will make them as memorable as the event itself?