To Use or Not to Use a Professional Wedding Photographer

By Orah Moore

Most everyone has a camera and loves taking photos of family and friends.  But is everyone a great wedding photographer? 

Is it the right place to cut the wedding budget by using friends and relatives to cover a very special time in your life?

I have been making a living behind a camera for over 30 years and specifically shooting weddings for over 20 of those years.  My under grad and graduate degrees are in the field of fine art photography.  So I have placed a high premium on seeing and creating artistic photos.  Digital image making has introduced the need for a large degree of technical knowledge.  Blending the art and the science is now an imperative.

If you are considering having a friend or family member act as your photographer, ask some key questions:

• Are there backup systems for their computer and camera equipment?
• Will the photos be raw or just .jpeg and why? 
• Is the person adept at Photoshop and file management? 
• What kinds of finish albums and coffee table books are offered or will the photographer just shoot and “burn?”
• Is there a specific list of photographs that will be taken?
• What is the experience level?
• Can references be provided?

Not to say that a trusted friend or relative wouldn’t present final photos that are tasteful and suitable. But keep in mind, professional photographers have knowledge and experience that even the most well-meaning and kind-hearted best friend can’t match.

Another area that may be harder to discern, but really worth exploring is: Does the person you hire to photograph your wedding have the right balance between taking charge when needed, say for group shots, or more intimate shots of just the bride and groom together, and then blending into the background for more photojournalistic style shots.  No one wants to have the photographer take over your party, but I have heard stories about just such a thing.

Ask to see examples of a photographer’s work.  Most reputable photographers will have a website.  Make sure you see lots of photos.  A site with just 30-40 of their best shots won’t tell the whole story.  When possible visit their studio or home to see more work.

Much of picking the right photographer is based on trust.  You trust them to do a good job. Base that trust on your research and you will find the right match.

See our online list of Professional Vermont Wedding Photographers.

Orah Moore shoots weddings, portraits, pets, maternity, and newborns from her studio in Morrisville, Vermont. Read more about Orah Moore here.