Do I really need…a professional photographer?

In this mini blog series I’ll be posing some questions on what kind of suppliers you may consider when you are planning a wedding. First up, photographers!

Because we all have smartphones that can take amazing photos, right?

I’ve seen apps and QR codes that guests can use to share candid snaps and videos from the big day. Eg https://www.wedshoots.com/uk

Or maybe you could use some old-school disposable cameras on the tables at the reception.

These can be a bit of a faff to gather at the end of the evening…and can lead to some unexpected images!

Photobooths have become a popular way to have some fun photos of your friends and family enjoying the reception.

Or a friend may offer to act as photographer for the day. Fab! As long as they have the skills and stamina (and film/SD card in the actual camera…I have real experience of a family event NOT being recorded for this very reason! Argh!).

And if you fancy something completely bespoke, have you seen wedding painters or illustrators like https://sketchedbysiena.co.uk

Your wedding day is going to be one of the most special days of your life, with many of your closest family and friends in attendance. These will be memories you will cherish for a lifetime. 

Consider if you will feel happy having to rely on your guests for these photos or if including a professional in your wedding planning budget will suit you better.

If you decide to hire a wedding photographer, as so many couples do, you need to do your research. Word of mouth is great, but couples have different tastes in aesthetic, so Instagram, wedding supplier directories and Google are your friends.

When you come across a photographer you like the sound of, look through their galleries for examples of the kind of style they shoot. Check out their reviews. Some may even offer an engagement mini photoshoot as part of their package.

A real pro will listen to you to understand the kind of photos you want, how many group shots, which particular people to include and can also give you some ideas of creative images you may want to try. They are skilled professionals who know how to get the best of out of whatever the weather throws at you on the day, the angles of the venue, honing in on those special wedding moments that you want to relive or display through stunning quality images. They also have the technological ability and software to make the most of the photos. Goodbye fire exit signs or cousin Dave’s elbow in an otherwise ‘perfect shot’!

Wedding videography combined with photography is also growing in demand. Editing, music and voiceovers alongside gorgeous video images of the whole day takes real skill (and is not cheap), but I have seen some epic and award-worthy wedding films!

Whether you take a more DIY approach to your wedding pictures or decide on a pro photographer is a personal choice. Budget, timescale and availability are likely to be factors.

My final advice?

An excellent pro photographer is likely to get booked up quickly, so start your research and then get booking!