A professional has experience and skill in capturing images. They understand how to work with a range of situations from sunny outdoor landscapes to low-lit indoor settings.
Make sure you see the photographer’s portfolio. Ask about their business reputation, community ties and awards. Look for real weddings they’ve photographed and make sure you like their style.
Capturing your day
You can trust a professional photographer to capture your day in a way that tells your story and showcases all the important details. They are experienced and understand how to create photos that are both classic and modern. They will know how much time to devote to couple portraits, family photos, and detail shots. They can also help you plan your timeline so that everything runs smoothly.
A good photographer will know how to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera and be able to get the best expressions out of your loved ones as well. They can handle any situation that arises—whether it’s a self-conscious flower girl, rambunctious child, or overly-it groomsmen.
Wedding photographers strive to deliver quality work that leaves their clients awe-inspired and enamored. Ultimately, the satisfaction of creating an enduring treasure is the most rewarding aspect of this career. The same can be said for the bride and groom, who will look back at their photographs and cherish the memories that were captured forever.
Having fun
It’s super important to hire a photographer who immediately “gets” you and your vision. They need to be able to take direction well (from the 90-year old grandpa in a wheelchair, the 3-year old cousin who skipped nap time and was brimming with energy or your best friends who snuck a few Skittles in their pockets).
Your wedding photographer also needs to know how to get the most flattering photos of you, even in harsh lighting conditions. They will know how to give gentle prompts and guide you into poses that make you look your absolute best.
ShootDotEdit customer and professional wedding photographer Kelly Wilde of June Lion expresses that the most rewarding part of her job is getting to be a witness to “the genuine emotion and beauty of a couple’s special day.” She loves that her work gives her the opportunity to connect with people and create lasting memories for them. It’s truly a pleasure and an honor.
Getting the photos you want
When you hire a professional wedding photographer, they’re going to have the best quality cameras and may even have extra lenses that can improve your photos. Additionally, they’ll have the experience needed to anticipate the flow of your day and be in the right place at the right time to capture all those special moments.
A professional will also spend time retouching your photos to get them looking their absolute best, which can take a while. Depending on how many photos you purchase, this can add up to several weeks of additional work for your photographer.
As small business owners, this is extra time they’re spending on their weddings that could be spent with their families or drumming up new business. Some photographers have associates that shoot alongside them on wedding days, so it’s important to ask whether your photographer will be the one shooting your wedding or if they will pass you off to someone else.
Having peace of mind
Professionals have a lot of experience in their craft and they know what they’re doing. They’re also more than likely to have insurance, which is important in case of any unforeseen circumstances on your wedding day.
Another benefit of hiring a professional is the peace of mind you get from knowing that they will take care of everything and won’t miss any shots. This is especially helpful if you have family members who tend to get distracted and aren’t as good at taking photos as you would like them to be.
For this reason, it’s always a good idea to schedule in-person or virtual meetings with your potential photographers early on during the wedding planning process. This will allow you to see how comfortable you feel around them and if you have a strong connection with them. This can make all the difference in creating a positive and seamless experience.
