If you’re reading this, you’re probably in the throes of wedding planning. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably agonized over every. Single. Detail. But have you given any thought to hiring a professional photographer? Many couples skimp on this important aspect of their wedding, opting instead to have a friend or family member take pictures. But is it worth it to hire a pro?

Wedding Photography

Wedding photography is both an art and a science. It captures the physical details of the day and the emotions and feelings of the couple and their guests. Professional photographers use various techniques to create beautiful, timeless images that will tell the story of your big day for years to come.

So, is it worth hiring a professional photographer for your wedding? We’ve joined forces with Daniel Neucom, a professional photographer with years of experience capturing weddings, to enlighten us with reasons to consider saying “I do” to a pro:

The Quality of the Pictures

Probably the quality of pictures is the most important factor to consider. When you hire a professional photographer, you’re paying for their years of experience and training. They know how to compositionally shoot a wedding so that the photos are aesthetically pleasing and tell the story of your day. And let’s be honest, your wedding is a pretty important story!

Your Time

Your wedding day will be one of the busiest days of your life. There’s just no way around it. But if you have a professional photographer, they will be able to take some of the pressure off of you. Instead of worrying about getting all the right shots, you can relax and enjoy your day, knowing that your photographer has it under control.

The Candid Shots

One of the things that makes wedding photos so special are the candid shots. These moments you didn’t even know were being captured and often turn out to be some of the most cherished. But unless you have someone specifically tasked with taking these types of photos, they’re likely to be few and far between. A professional photographer will be on the lookout for these types of moments and know how to capture them beautifully.

The Equipment

Even if you have a nice camera, you will not likely have all the professional equipment that a photographer does. They have lenses, lighting, and other tools that can help to make your photos even more stunning. Also, most professionals have backups of everything just in case something goes wrong on the wedding day.

Get Hard Copies

When you hire a professional photographer, you’re not just getting digital files. You’re also getting high-quality prints that will last a lifetime. And let’s be honest, how often do you actually print out your photos these days? With a professional photographer, you’ll have beautiful prints to hang on your walls and share with family and friends.

Consistency

When you hire a professional photographer, you’re hiring someone who will be able to provide you with a consistent look for your wedding photos. If you have a friend or family member taking your photos, they may not use the same editing style or shoot in the same way throughout the day. This can result in a confused look for your wedding photos. But when you hire a professional, you can be confident that your photos will have a consistent look and feel.

Most Popular Styles of Wedding Photography

If you’re considering hiring a professional photographer for your wedding, it’s important to know a little bit about the different styles of photography that they may use. Here are some of the most popular:

• Traditional: This is the most classic style of wedding photography. It focuses on posed shots of the bride, groom, wedding party, and family members. The photographer will typically use a mix of formal and candid photos.
• Journalistic: Also known as photojournalism, this photography style focuses on capturing your day’s story as it unfolds. The photographer will look for special moments and candid interactions between you and your guests.
• Artistic: An artistic photographer will have an eye for detail and composition. They may use creative techniques like light painting or long exposures to capture your wedding uniquely.
• Lifestyle: This style of photography is a mix of traditional and photojournalism, focusing on capturing natural moments. The photographer will typically direct you and your guests into posed shots and take plenty of candid photos throughout the day.

Now that you know a little bit more about wedding photography, you can decide if it’s worth hiring a professional photographer for your big day. Both options have pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh all of the factors before making a decision. But if you do decide to hire a photographer, you can rest assured that you’ll have beautiful photos to cherish for a lifetime.

Have you hired a professional photographer for your wedding? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!