I suppose the biggest dilemma for you when thinking about booking a photographer is – “Shall we book a professional or ask Uncle Bob to do it with his digital camera?”  Uncle Bob won’t charge us and his camera is 10 million pixels so the photos are sure to come out…aren’t they…?  The next question to ask is – Are you willing to take the chance on the memories of the biggest day of your life?

Booking a professional photographer for your special day is probably the biggest investment you will make in wedding terms.  The cake will be eaten; the dress worn once; the venue is yours for just the day… The photographs however, last lifetimes.  You will cherish the memories from getting ready in the morning to saying your vows and those special “we did it” moments at the end of the ceremony.  It is also a great opportunity to capture family and friends that cannot get to see each other frequently.

So, why pay for a professional?  Many of us spend years training to do what we love and it’s not as easy as pushing the shutter button. Here are a few reasons why…

• They are qualified.  Some have been awarded qualifications by professional photographic associations others have diplomas and degrees.  You can tell if a photographer has a qualification as they will have letters after their name or they will have the certificate to prove it.
• A professional will always be insured.  This will include equipment, public liability and indemnity insurance.
• Back-up equipment.  Professionals would usually carry 2 cameras, 2 flashguns and a selection of lenses plus a tripod, additional batteries and cleaning equipment for EVERY wedding as standard.
• Knowledge.  How to get the best out of the location you have chosen as your venue and what happens if it rains or you are confined to being indoors – a professional will be able to cope with adverse weather conditions and lighting.
• Membership to a professional association.  There are a number of associations that professionals can belong to – The Master Photographers Association (MPA) and/or The British Institute of Professional Photographers (BIPP).  Both of their websites will have a list of all the professionals in your area.  There are a number of others including the RPS and the SWPP although amateurs can join these.
• Quality not Quantity.  Most photographers are digital now and have the capacity to take hundreds or thousands of photographs.  A professional however will not do this.  They will take their time to give you a much higher quality set of photographs rather than just a batch of snaps.

What should you look for in your chosen professional photographer?

• PASSION.  This is key – someone who loves what they do, will do it better.
• PERSONALITY.  Will your professional photographer make you comfortable being in front of the camera and will they get on with family and friends?
• STYLE.  Every photographer is different and has their own unique style – does this suit what you like?