Why Choose Professional Wedding Photography?
It seems that everyone is a photographer these days and as an Dallas wedding photographer I've seen some pretty terrible results from that. While camera phones have made everyone into a photographer the fact is that shooting a wedding is a whole different experience and there are plenty of horror stories from people who didn't trust that fact.
Even if you're working with a great camera there are so many different lighting situations to encounter not to mention a fast-moving day where you've only got one chance to capture “that” moment. Wedding photography isn't for the faint of heart and for that once in a lifetime wedding you simply can't afford to go without a pro.
- Quality of images
- Investment
- Commitment
- Guest Enjoyment
- Experience
- Guaranteed
- More than just Pictures
Quality of Images
The quality of professional photography and editing when done by an Dallas wedding photographer who specializes in weddings will make you fall in love with your wedding day all over again. Professionals know not just to capture the important moments but also the little things you missed while you were busy getting married. They show you how everyone else viewed your wedding and are worth every penny.
Investment
A professional wedding photographer is invested in your big day and it's not just because you're paying them. Wedding photographers are genuinely happy and excited about weddings. Wedding photography is a hard niche with a lot of competition so you have to love it if you want to be successful. It goes back to the adage about “loving your job” and being invested means they have a better understanding of the needs and toll of weddings.
Not only that, but you've invested in a dream venue, caterer, dress etc to make your day magical, why would you skimp on your photographer? A professional photographer is the most important investment because they capture all the memories that the others provide so you can relive the day.
Commitment
Hiring a professional means that you're committed, but it also means they are committed to you. When the day comes are you 100% that your friend with a camera will show? They're not going to lose anything except maybe your friendship if not but a professional has their whole reputation on the line if they don't show or screw up. In an emergency, they know who to call for back up to cover your wedding and even if the weather goes bad they won't flake out on you while your friend may not want to risk their camera.
Guest Enjoyment
If you're thinking about using your friend/cousin that you were going to invite anyway then why would you want them to spend the day working so they can't enjoy the full experience of your wedding. By doing the photography they're not mingling with your guests, they're not crying at how beautiful your vows were, they're thinking about when the next moment on your timeline is, when the next shot they have to line up will be, and they're scarfing down that $40 a plate meal so that they can get on with that. If you were going to invite that person to the wedding then let them come to the wedding, they can even bring their camera if they want but having a professional means they're not pressured into focusing on your photography rather than the day.
Experience
While it may be your first wedding it isn't (or shouldn't be) your photographers. By spending years experiencing weddings they know how to roll with the unexpected and how to handle assistants, other professionals like videographers, whether they will need a second shooter, and just how to capture the great moments of your wedding. Even if you've got a shot list of a few images you have to have from the day it's the ones you didn't think about that are often the best and without the experience that being a professional brings you're likely to miss them.
Ask your photographer about how many weddings they've done, and how many challenges they've faced. If they hold professional credentials or have taken classes it shows they've invested in their craft and have made sure they're as prepared as possible to capture your wedding.
Guaranteed
While you might trust Cousin Shirley with her DSLR to get your pictures what happens if it breaks halfway through the day? What if she loses the memory card? What if it's too dark for her on-camera flash to see? Professionals have lots of backup gear as well as the extra tech to handle difficult lighting situations and even if a disaster happens they're prepared while your cousin might end up just having a few iPhone pics after. Professional wedding photographers know to be prepared because weddings are not something you can do over and without that level of preparedness you're taking a risk that you might not get any images at all.
They're also prepared for any eventuality. Rain? How about the alternative location they scouted out earlier for your pictures. Accidentally tripped and ripped the dress? Let's just pose you this way instead so no one will see. Mother in Law won't stay out of your images? Here, hold the reflector so I can get this image. Your photographer will do everything in their power to make sure you get images while Cousin Shirley might just shrug it off and hope to get some better ones later then realize halfway through the reception that she's absolutely forgotten about doing any. Don't risk it.
More than Pictures
Hiring a professional means you're not just going to get a digital link with a bunch of pictures. It means they've spent hours tirelessly editing the images to perfection, sizing them to make them perfect to print, and even giving you the option for prints, albums etc that Uncle Bob with his camera just can't. You'll also find that as the wedding professional you'll interact with most during the day their experience can be invaluable if you're going without a wedding planner. In fact, as an Dallas wedding photographer, it sometimes feels like I'm the wedding planner coordinating to make sure those must-have shots go smoothly. A professional wedding photographer can help you craft your wedding timeline before the big day and create the memories that you'll have after the big day.
If you're still on the fence about hiring a professional then it's important to address why. Is it your budget? Are you unsure about recommendations? Professional wedding photography is expensive but how much are you paying for your memories? In 50 years time, that iPhone photo isn't going to hold up to a beautiful canvas print or a professional album when you want to pass it on to your grandchildren.
By hiring a professional wedding photographer you're getting so much more than snaps, just read the horror stories from those who didn't if you don't believe me. As an Dallas wedding photographer, I'm committed and invested in what I do. I love weddings, and each new couple I work with gives me a whole new love story to fall in love with. I hate seeing an unhappy bride which is why you should really think about it before going without a professional photographer at your wedding.
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