Picture this: it’s the morning of your wedding, and the excitement is palpable. You’re ready to walk down the aisle. The dress is stunning, the flowers are perfect, and the venue is coming to life. But as the day unfolds, a lingering thought hits you - what if the photos don’t capture the magic you’re experiencing right now?
For many couples, wedding photography is an afterthought, or they think a friend with a decent camera can handle it. But wedding days are fast-paced, emotional, and full of unpredictable moments. Trusting those memories to a professional ensures that nothing - absolutely nothing - is left to chance.
This blog post is inspired by recent stories I’ve been hearing. I’ve had an influx of clients booking in for last minute wedding dates - because their friend who promised they could take some photos, or the amateur photographer who said they’ll photograph their wedding for $300 for 12 hours of coverage, had cancelled last minute. They were stressing (and with good reason).
Some people opt to skip hiring a wedding photographer - thinking they can DIY it, or because they don’t see the value in it. Today, I wanted to break down why I believe it’s worth investing in a pro (even if I am a little biased) - because your wedding day will only happen once, and it’ll fly by.
The professional difference
A professional wedding photographer isn’t just someone with a camera; they’re a storyteller. They know how to find the perfect light when the sun dips low during your golden-hour portraits, and they have the skill to compose a shot that captures not just the moment, but the emotion behind it.
Professionals bring more than talent - they bring preparation. And boy oh boy, do I love to prep. From initial meetings to lock in timelines and must-have shots, to contracts that safeguard your investment, they are committed to delivering on their promises. A professional photographer comes prepared with backup gear, years of experience, and a calm presence that makes them an integral part of your big day. They come with backup plans in place in case things go wrong. Years ago, I had an incident where I experience a serious back injury while getting ready the morning of a wedding. I pushed through (wasn’t the best idea) and made it to the wedding prep - but as much as I wanted to, I couldn’t keep going. I was whisked off to hospital that same day - but not before I arranged another super talented professional photographer, and my second shooter, to cover the day. No way I was cancelling on my couple the day of their wedding - I took it upon myself to arrange an alternative and make it happen.
Why professional photographers charge what they do
It’s no secret that hiring a professional wedding photographer is an investment, but have you ever wondered what goes into that price tag? Beyond the time they spend shooting on the day, they’re pouring hours into editing, ensuring every image is perfect. Their cameras, lenses, lighting, and editing software are top-of-the-line, and they’re constantly investing in training to stay at the forefront of their craft.
Running a photography business also comes with significant expenses - insurance, business licenses, subscriptions, and marketing, to name a few. When you hire a professional, you’re not just paying for their time; you’re investing in their expertise, and their reliability.
The risks of cutting corners
As I mentioned, recently I’ve seen an influx of last-minute bookings from couples who were left scrambling after their original photographers canceled - they might have been friends doing a favour or less experienced professionals who found themselves overwhelmed.
While these stories aren’t meant to criticise, they highlight the value of hiring someone with the experience and infrastructure to handle your day seamlessly. A professional photographer won’t let you down because they’ve prepared for every possible scenario (down to my emergency kit in my backpack, filled with everything you could ever think of - thread and needle, lollies, bandaids - the list goes on).
Tips for booking a professional photographer
To ensure your wedding photography goes off without a hitch, here’s what I recommend:
Book early: If you’re getting married during peak wedding season, aim to book your photographer at least 6-12 months in advance.
Ask for a contract: This ensures clarity on deliverables, timelines, and terms.
Plan Your timeline: Work closely with your photographer to map out the day. I always meet with my clients to discuss their vision and create a timeline that allows for relaxed, unhurried photos.
Communicate must-have moments: Whether it’s a special family heirloom or a group of friends flying in from overseas, let your photographer know what’s most important to you.
Your wedding photos will be one of the only tangible reminders of the day you said, "I do." When you invest in a professional photographer, you’re ensuring those memories are captured beautifully, and importantly, with no stress in the lead-up to the big day - because planning weddings can be stressful enough as it is.
I’ve got you.
