I hear this question often. Wedding photographers are expensive, so are they worth it? Can’t anyone with a camera take great photos that will capture the memories of the day? 

While it is true that anyone can pick up a camera and snap some photos, I promise you, booking a professional is SO worth it. I have accumulated a list of reasons why it is worth it to spend the extra money and book a professional, so I hope you enjoy!

1. Finding someone you click with

 Not only do you need to find someone who knows what they are doing, but you need to find someone who you like and get along with! Believe it or not, you spend more time on your wedding day with your photographer than anyone else, so you want to make sure you like them!

2. Budgeting

You need to find a photographer who fits your budget, or is at least close to it. This is the hard part, because not everyone realizes how expensive photographers can be, so this is where people often opt out of booking a professional and instead settle for Uncle Carl who bought a camera in the 80s and likes to dabble in sunset photos. While we love Uncle Carl and his generosity, I would try your best to make room in your budget for a professional. Think about the fact that all of the decor will be put away or sold, the cake and food will be eaten, and even your dress might be sold or packed away, but the photos will last. The photos are what you will show your grandchildren or great-grandchildren years down the line! These photos will be posted every year on social media, put on peoples refrigerators, and hung up in your home. They are memories of one of the best days of your life, and you want those memories to be high quality. So instead of spending thousands of dollars on a specific set of chairs that fit your aesthetic, book a photographer that does so well with photographing people that you won’t even notice the low-budget chairs!

3. Knowledge

Professional photographers are knowledgeable.  Not only do we know everything about how to pose people, lighting, and detail shots, but we have the wedding day schedule memorized to a T. All professional photographers end up doubling as a planner or coordinator without meaning to. We are just so familiar with how a wedding day works, that it simply becomes a part of us. I have helped pin boutonnieres, move chairs, helped with bustling a wedding dress, and so much more. You want a photographer who knows all of this, so you will not have to worry about anything on your wedding day. It is not your job to be stressed, and a professional photographer will be able to help take any stress off your shoulders and handle whatever you need! We know the industry and we want to help you however we can. 

4. Attention to Detail

Photographers notice everything. To make a comparison, I used to work in framing at Hobby Lobby. I would have to make sure the pictures were spotless before I put the glass over them and sealed them up. After having to be focused on the littlest details for so long, I cannot look at any framed pictures without noticing the specks and flaws. Little did I know, I would have to use these same skills as a photographer. Professional photographers notice every little detail. Hair band on your arm? We got it! Phone in your pocket? Won’t allow it! Stray hair on your face? Nope, not anymore! Professional photographers are trained to make sure everyone looks their best and are able to pose people so everyone looks flattering. You want someone who can notice the little things, so you won’t have to worry about it!

I hope this list helps you decide that professional photographers are worth it. Photography can be expensive, but I promise you, spending a little extra money to ensure peace of mind on your wedding day is beyond worth it! Maybe allow Uncle Carl to photograph the rehearsal dinner instead!