Opportunity cost is an economic term used to describe the most valuable foregone alternative. This concept is very much a reality for couples who choose not to hire a professional photographer for their big day. Whatever you establish your budget to be, its important to try and find the best photographer you can afford. Remember that a professional photographer can make even a budget wedding look like a million bucks. Let us take a look a some of the crucial factors to think about wedding day photography and who will be capturing it.
A friend or family member with a nice camera is not equal to a professional photographer.
It's very enticing to go for the free photography offer. Your friend or cousin enthusiastically
volunteered to photograph your wedding because she loves photography. What could be better right? Wrong. Aspiring photographers all have to start somewhere, but do you really want to trust them with your wedding images? It's best to let them start somewhere else. Your wedding photography is
probably one of the most important aspects of your wedding day as it will outlast mostly all else. It takes time and practice to learn how to use a camera and to get perfectly exposed shots. Not to mention that photographing a wedding requires planning and experience and knowing how to pose your subjects and what shots need to be taken when. Other obstacles include changing and/or challenging lighting conditions, venue restrictions and insurance requirements, inclement weather scenarios, and sometimes unpredictable guests. A good photographer will know how to deal with all of these elements.
Creativity and Technical Proficiency
When you hire a professional photographer, you are not only hiring that person for his or her
equipment know-how but also for that person's creativity. Each photographer style is unique and will speak to certain types of people. That style is developed over time and experience has only made it mature even more. Providing wedding photography that is tailored to you and your fiance's personality is something only a more seasoned professional can provide you with, not to mention being able to do so in pressure situations, like weddings. Essentially you are paying for a photographer's creativity combined with their technical proficiency.
Post Production Capabilities
The work for the photographer does not end when the wedding is over. Hours are spent in post production, using editing software, to enhance and polish all of these unique images. A pro knows how to enhance the photos so that they look natural and appealing. It is clearly evident when a someone does not possess strong editing skills, either using too many Photoshop effects or not tweaking photos at all. One thing to remember is that editing software cannot save bad photographs. It is used as a complimentary tool to photography and a photographer must know how to capture the beauty and artistry through the lens.
Professionalism
This may sound like a no brainer, but you definitely want to hire a photographer that is professional and who will represent themselves that way on your wedding day. The photographer is not only dealing with you, the couple, but will interact with your guests and family, who are be part of the photography. Professionalism will also show through in their working relationship with other vendors at your wedding. Each vendor is there to do their job, however, in a sense this is a collaborative effort. When shopping around for a photographer, it is always a good idea to get some past customer feedback on the photographer's performance. In a nutshell, avoid hiring a photographer that does not dress appropriately, who is rude to your guests, or who can't show up on time.
Customer Service
I cannot stress this aspect enough. When you hire a pro, you are also paying for this service.
Promptness, courtesy and respect are such important values to look for in your photography. Even after the wedding is over, it's important for the photographer to keep you updated on the delivery of your prints, album, etc. They are also there to consult you on paper types, album choices and the list goes on. If you're not planning on hiring a professional photographer, I would venture to say that this is a moot point.
In conclusion, awareness about professional wedding photography is key! Everyone is entitled to a fabulous photographer who will capture the best of their wedding day. Remember that when you hire a professional, you are paying for their artistry, experience and cost of doing business.
Check out Sandra and White Ivory Photography at {www.whiteivoryphotography.com} for more photography inspiration.
Melissa
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