Do you really need a Professional Wedding Photographer?

We just received a booking for a wedding and attached to the booking was a comment/compliment that prompted me to add something to the blog. The comment reads:

Melissa and Adrian have gorgeous wedding photos, mainly due to the photographer! Which is why I want to book with you.
I was actually following Andrew around on Mel’s Wedding day taking some photos. I have a few of the same shots that he posted on his blog (although nowhere near as good).
Perhaps he would be interested in having a look at how fantastic his work is compared to mine? (attached was a link to a facebook gallery of images)

It’s very common to have family and friends at a wedding trying to grab as many shots as possible and trying to capture some of the images that I am trying to direct – after the ceremony at the church and the reception. I totally understand this  – the day isn’t about the photographer but the couple, their family and friends. It’s expected that there are going to be lots of people taking photos. The more the merrier in my opinion as it just adds to the atmosphere of the day – as long as they aren’t constantly in the way.

I quite happily have guests shoot images around me (not at the location shoot) because I know that even with a great camera they still won’t be capturing the same images as me. I’m shooting for the light, the expression, the interaction and “the look” – they don’t see what I’m seeing.

Because amateurs don’t see what a professional sees through the lens, I just don’t understand why someone would risk having anyone but a professional photographer capture their day? Personally, I would much rather a small number of fantastic images than a thousand average ones.

I regularly have to recommend other photographers due to being overbooked and my advice is to always go with someone that is recognised, established and a member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP). All too often, I am asked to try and salvage what a family member or friend “who is into photography” has done to someone’s wedding photos – usually it’s not a good outcome and a very expensive patch up job.

Go into your wedding relaxed and confident by choosing a professional – once the food has been eaten and the alcohol consumed, ONLY your photos are left. By all means, have your friends and family capture as little or as much as they like but don’t depend on them for your “main” photos of the day. On the other hand – let your family relax in the knowledge that someone is getting paid to record the great moments of the day. Encourage them to eat, drink and be merry – that’s what a wedding should be all about.

Naomi – thanks for the lovely comments – looking forward to your wedding! Speak soon.

Melissa and Adrian escape for a quiet moment with just me and a few other snappers – I wonder if we all took the same shot?