1. Experience-
During the big day several what I call ‘mini events’ occur and some of these happen very quickly. For example: the first kiss, the first dance, the bouquet toss and the toast. The benefit of having a professional photographer is knowing they will anticipate the next important moment.
2. Familiarity with local venues-
The importance here is that the photographer will spend less time looking for the right light and right spot to shoot because they are familiar with the venue. The benefit to you is more photos and less rushing around to get to the shot.
3. Professional photo labs-
The working professional will have access to, (and working relationships with) professional photo labs. This is important to you for several reasons the most obvious is the significant difference in quality at your local drugstore, Costco or Sam’s Club and the quality from the professional lab where all they do is print high-quality images.
4. Equipment-
These days, everyone has a camera, some even have a built-in phone. All kidding aside, while the differences may not seem obvious, in reality, they are very different. Even though a point-and-shoot camera may have 10 or more mega pixels, there are several components to the focus system and the ability to shoot on low-light situations, (such as those commonly found in churches) that separate the professional equipment from something else.
5. Insurance-
This is an important one that is often overlooked. What if one of your guest were to trip over the photographers equipment bag and break their leg? The benefit to the Bride is knowing that if something were to happen, a professional won’t be a liability.
6. Ability to stay calm under pressure-
What if the limo driver takes a wrong turn and arrives late at your wedding venue, of your BFF’s flight is delayed and now your wedding starts late, and the hour you had planned to do photographs has been dwindled down by your coordinator to twenty minutes. A professional will know how to roll with the punches. Every wedding, and I mean every wedding has some unforeseen circumstances or delay.
7. Friends don’t let friends shoot their weddings-
When you hire a professional, two things happen. One, you keep your friends, in almost all situations where a friend shoots your wedding the relationship is strained in some way. And two, your friends all get to enjoy your big day too. This goes for family members too. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hire your friend if they in fact are a professional wedding photographer.
8. Time-line direction and time management-
A professional will work with other wedding vendors to insure that your day goes as smoothly and drama free as possible. One less thing for you to worry about on your big day.
9. Quality editing of your wedding photos-
Pro’s use software designed for their purpose to give you the best looking photos and albums.
10. A Professional will focus on what the client wants-
Last of all, a professional is focused on getting the shot you hired them for; not just what they want to build their portfolio.