If you’re asking, “Should I hire my friend as my wedding photographer,” you might be in a situation where cost-cutting is unavoidable. There are plenty of cases where it’s okay to cut corners, such as the number of people you’ll invite, but you should not skimp out on the photographer.
When you plan your outdoor tent wedding at Windows on the Water, our team of expert wedding planners will find the perfect photographer for the right price. Because the photos of your wedding are what you’ll look back on to remember that special day, you don’t want to risk them turning out poorly. Here are just a few reasons why you should always hire a professional.
Professionals Have the Right Gear
Wedding photography is a niche within the industry. Lighting is always changing, and only a professional will know how to adjust the camera settings to ensure everything looks perfect.
Wedding photographers also come prepared with lights, extra batteries, camera bodies, lenses, and SD cards. Just imagine if your friend is having issues with their camera or it dies halfway through the ceremony. They likely won’t have a backup, leaving you without any photos.
Photographers Spend Years Crafting Their Ability
Professional wedding photographers spend years studying and refining their artistic ability. Not all styles are the same, so when you’re looking for a photographer, make sure their aesthetic matches yours.
Your friend probably doesn’t have their own style yet. That’s the problem with not hiring a professional. You don’t know for sure that they have an eye for wedding photography or the skill to edit photos.
Wedding Photographers Are More Experienced
The photographer will play a big role throughout the day. The last thing you want is someone inexperienced and unprofessional. For example, you probably won’t have a lot of time between the ceremony and reception. A skilled photographer knows this and will round up the wedding party to take portraits.
Conversely, your friend might not be able to move everything along as quickly, and you could miss the start of your reception. An amateur photographer also might not take high-quality photos in such a short time.
Couples and Photographers Often Sign Contracts
Accidents can happen. While we may dream of our wedding day as perfect, something can still go wrong. This is why you and your photographer should sign a contract. A contract will detail what you’ll receive and what to do if you’re not satisfied with the photos. You should also invest in photography insurance. This will protect you if a server spills a drink on a camera or the photographer accidentally breaks something at the venue.
Your friend probably won’t have a contract for you to sign. If you don’t like the photos, you’re pretty much out of luck. What’s even worse is that if they break something, you might have to pay the cost.
How Do I Tell a Friend They Can’t Be the Wedding Photographer?
If you have a friend or family member asking to be your wedding photographer, the best thing to do is let them down gently. Don’t be rude or make it seem like you don’t trust them. Tell them you’d much rather they enjoy the wedding and be active in the celebration.
Instead, ask them to take the engagement photos. Worst case scenario, you can go to a professional to have them redone.
Plan Your Picture Perfect Outdoor Tent Wedding at Windows on the Water
When you’re ready to tie the knot, choose Windows on the Water. Our venue is spread across 86 acres of forestry that will provide the perfect backdrop for your wedding. Our expert wedding planners will be with you every step of the way, from finding the right photographer to crafting your menu.
We can’t wait to make your dream wedding come to life. Call us today at (609) 208-9475 or complete our contact form!