Wedding Photography - To Hire or Not to Hire A Pro

Years ago,when couples got engaged- they would all start their
planning in basically the same way. Date,venue,professional services
etc. It was a given that you would hire a well experienced
photographer to capture your wedding day. After all, film was in- and
there was no such thing as 'instant approval' or 'instant proofing'
the way that digital photography offers now. There seemed to be far
more 'fear' in couples worrying that their wedding photographs would
not 'turn out'.Then along came digital photography. At first this was
regarded as more of a mystery- with often poor results. I would often
just use digital cameras for reception and candid coverage rather than
using it for the entire event. When talking to couples (potential
clients) at wedding shows- i would still be able to sell my services
on good quality exposure, lighting, posing and all around
reliability.Everything has changed! Now couples assume that all
photography is virtually foolproof since one is able to view the image
on the camera screen- so almost a monkey can do it! The value of
having an experienced professional photographer has decreased
significantly... but should this really be the case?If you are a newly
engaged couple trying to decide on a professional photographer or just
hiring a student or friend, consider this:Digital photography often
gives labs (or home printers) less leeway when improperly exposed.
Getting fill light, highlights and overall exposures is key to a great
image- and I have seen far to many wedding photographs 'burned out'
for poor exposure.And then there is posing. What makes a great wedding
photograph? Sure, capturing those candid moments is key to the overall
feel of the wedding day- but those romantic images of the couple, or
those great angles of the bride do not come from just shooting 1000
shots throughout the day... they come with professional direction.
When I am asked if I pose couples, I like to explain that I 'guide
them' to get the best images possible. So often I hear that I was able
to give them images that flatter them where other photos of them have
failed. This comes from years of experience (and study) in the areas
of light, angles and expression.Other things to consider:Things can
and do go wrong. Everything can break- and most pros carry back up
equipment to cover this.Professional retouching- makes those 9/10
images become 10/10.Timing of the day. Use a professional
photographers experience to help you plan your wedding day to run
smoothly.Capture the details of your day. All that hard work in
planning should be remembered in great images.Options with the images
after the wedding. Great, now you have the images from your wedding-
how do you want to display them. Go over your options with a pro!I
hear so often from couples that I meet that have had friends or
relatives use non professional photographers for their wedding, list
all of the regrets from their choice. It is one day to remember in
your life, and what better way to remember it than in pictures.Don't
skimp out on the photographer, after the wedding you will never regret
having a full collection of amazing images from your day.David
BriggsDavid Briggs PhotographyTo view some of my work- please visit my
website or blog.