Dropping the pro photographer is a recipe for Heartache (Part I)
Even before Vivid Visions got involved in wedding photography services, I would cringe when I heard of brides planning to forego the hiring of a professional wedding photographer in order to save money. The photographs of your big day are the record of what is one of the most important days of your life. I know it is easy to underestimate how valuable these photos will become to your family as you travel through life. But do you really want to count on your guests to capture those once in a lifetime shots of your first kiss as Mr. & Mrs, the bride dancing with her father or the mother of the groom brushing a stray hair off the forehead of the man who will always be her little boy?
Yes, professional photography services can cost a few bucks, but be careful that you are not mistaking cost for value. Pro photographers make their living capturing beautiful images and preparing them for presentation. We spent countless hours preparing for the shoot, and have made a considerable investment in quality gear that will help get the job done. We are continually training to keep up with the latest techniques and trends, so we can work seamlessly with the other professionals you have hired to make your special day uniquely yours. Plus, our only reason to be at your wedding is to provide the photography services. We won’t be distracted by seeing Cousin Emma for the first time in 15 years, and be in the ladies room for the wedding party introductions. We’ll be capturing the festivities so you will have a record of your day. When we take a break, we will tell you, so you will know where to find us if you need us.
The price a pro photographer quotes you reflects the cost for materials such as photo prints and proof albums, the time it takes to capture the images and then the studio work later to sort and select the keepers, plus the layout, design and printing of the photobook, album and enlargements you have ordered. Very often if you express early in the consultation that you truly are working on a tight budget, we at Vivid Visions (and other studios too) will help you customize a package to fit your budget. That might mean reducing the amount time spent at the wedding, or waiting until your finances are better to purchase an album.
You only get one chance to properly record your wedding on film. Do you think it is wise to gamble on the photography skills of your friends and family? In part II next week, We’ll compare the cost savings of a “Friends and Family” approach to the value you receive when you hire a pro. In the meantime, here is a sample of the type of images you can expect from a pro photographer’s portfolio:
Adrianne & John were blessed with a beautiful September day at Martha Clara Vineyards in Jamesport.
