Common Wedding Planning Mistakes: Hiring a Friend to Take Photos

This is one of the biggest and most common mistakes made by couples. The reasoning that most couples use seems to make sense; which may be why this is such a common practice. Here are the reasons typically used to justify hiring a friend or family member to take wedding photos instead of a professional:


1. Professional photographers are too expensive.
2. My friend has a great camera.
3. My friend has a great eye and takes really nice photos.
4. The wedding photos are not a big priority for us.


In a recent survey conducted by Shutterfly revealed that 22% of brides regretted not spending more on their photography. That's nearly 1 out of 4 brides! And why this pang of regret after the big day? Because when all is said and done one of the only things you'll have left of your wedding are the photos. The photos are what will help to keep the memory of your beautiful day alive for you and your guests. Given all of the money and time being invested in this one day it's important to have something wonderful (and tangible) to take away from it.



Here are my responses to the 5 reasons listed above:

1. Professional photographers are too expensive: It's true that your photos may take a big chunk out of your budget but the old adage "you get what you pay for" rings true in this instance. Besides, you can often find fantastic photographers who are just getting a start in the industry and who may be priced a bit lower as a result. In order to make sure you're getting quality work, ask to see a complete wedding album and not just one or two photos from several weddings.

2. My friend has a great camera: Camera's don't take great photos, photographers do. I have a really nice camera but I would never offer to take wedding photographs. When a pro-photographer friend of mine picked up my camera I was stunned at the shots she was able to get with it. Shots I never would have gotten because I don't have the technical know-how (or the eye for that matter). Albeit, I do get lucky now and then.

3. My friend has a great eye and takes really nice photos: Okay, so let's say that in addition to a nice camera your friend actually has some technical abilities as a shooter and takes some really nice photos. It's important to consider what kind of wedding experience this friend has. Taking photos under the pressure of a wedding (with hectic timelines and no do-overs) can be enough to put anyone off their game. You're taking a big gamble with this.

4. The wedding photos are not a big priority for us: This may be true in the moment when your focus is on getting everything together for the day but if you think past the wedding day to what will be left you may change your mind. You don't want to be the 1 out of the 4 brides mentioned in the survey above.

What do you think? Are you planning on having a friend shoot your big day? Maybe you have a reason not listed above. Or maybe you're a recent bride and you have some feedback from your own experience. I'd love to get your thoughts.

Yours,

Sophie
Something Blue: The Wedding Workbook

www.somethingblueworkbook.com

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