Weddings are expensive, and it is reasonable to consider where and how you can wisely save money. But if you listen to sisters of brides who have had a disappointing experience with a friend who had a "really good camera", you will want to invest in a professional photographer. It is easy to want to be wedding photographer, but few couples want to be the mistake from which inexperienced friends learn.
WHY YOU WANT A PROFESSIONAL
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER,
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And Why They Are Worth the Investment.
Margaret J Cotton Photography February 15,
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A professional photographer provides many services that create an extraordinary collection of images and prints that preserve priceless emotions and memories. Your photographer through calm encouragement will also provide the emotional atmosphere for you to enjoy your own wedding, on that day and for your happily ever after years. And this is how.
Experience
Photographers must balance fearless and inspirational attitudes. They do this with years of experience, skill and knowledge. They are not practicing. They understand the importance of the day to the couple and the families. Besides taking shots of those emotional moments and critical events, your photographer is providing many other beneficial services. Behind the scenes, she is checking and adjusting your timeline, calming family or friends, improving the visual environment, and working with your other vendors to assure a wonderful day. We know how to prepare for any lighting, weather, or unexpected complication.
Excellence
A professional photographer will provide you with the most flattering and beautiful photographs. Weeks before the day she will coach you how to use easy comfortable techniques to get the most natural photographs with minimal posing. She also knows how to use lighting and angles and post-production software to create romantic images not just snapshots. She works with professional labs to assure excellent prints that will maintain the quality that such family heirlooms deserve.
Time
The average wedding for us takes 60+ hours of work. You are paying your photographer for the hours she and her assistants devote to photographing your wedding, but also for our communications, appointments, equipment preparation, location previews, engagement session, phone consultations, timelines , and sorting, selection, editing, ordering, presenting, and inspecting photographs and products.
Creative Collaboration
A professional photographer is going to take time to get to know you as a couple. Together, we clarify your preferences, priorities and expectations. We want to know how you want the day to flow and feel. This process combines both collaboration and inspiration. This includes helping you find locations, planning personally comfortable and unique moments, After the wedding we will help you pick just the right products to fit your budget. This takes time but results in our exceeding your expectations.
Skill and Knowledge
Digital photography requires using technology that is constantly evolving and improving. Professional photographers do not depend on “Point and shoot” presets. Their cameras are sophisticated and demand instantaneous ability to make adjustments to changing light and composition. This requires participating in professional workshops, organizations, online forums, and other educational opportunities. It also includes hiring and training excellent assistants and second shooters.
Equipment
Pro level digital cameras run from $3000 – $7000 and the average pro level lens costs around $2000. Photographers invest in at least three camera bodies and three to six great lenses, flashes & strobes, and diffusers. Equipment needs maintenance and replacement. Computers, editing software, and product samples are also expenses that enhance the final photographs
Insurance
Your photographer should be insured to protect herself against stolen, lost, or damaged equipment, as well as liability insurance. She also needs to provide workers’ compensation for anyone working for her. A professional photographer is incorporated and pays all required taxes.
Protection
A professional needs to be prepared for the unexpected. Your photographer should have multiples of everything! This includes a backup assistant, cameras, several lenses, and multiple flashes. After the wedding your images are backed up multiple times for safekeeping. We actually keep an additional copy in a heavenly cloud.
