Whether you’re trying to save a bit of money, or you’ve been convinced by a family member who is trying to get their foot in the door for wedding photography, hiring a non-professional to capture your day is not always the right choice to make. Weddings are expensive business, I know, and an increasing number of couples are trying to save money anywhere they can and still have the day of their dreams. With the average cost of a wedding photographer currently standing at around £1500, it’s no wonder that couples can be easily led to allowing a family member or friend to capture their special day for them, but is it a good idea?
1. Insurance
Every professional photographer should have a decent level of insurance, which is often required by the venues. Our cameras, lenses and other gear must be insured (therefore if our gear gets damaged or stolen the day before your wedding we can still get replacements and carry out our job), however liability insurance is top priority. If a guest trips over something the photographer has left lying around, whether it’s a camera bag or a light stand, insurance will cover any costs incurred. Hobbyist photographers usually don’t carry insurance, which runs at about £300 a year, and believe that their cameras and lenses are covered by their home insurance (which is usually true as long as it’s not for business use)
2. Back Up Equipment
I cannot stress how important it is to have back-up equipment, and maybe even back-ups for your back-ups! ALL of us suffer malfunctions or disasters at some point. I’ve had one camera get completely soaked by rain and damaged mid-wedding, I had another camera stop working just as the bride was walking down the aisle, I’ve had memory cards corrupt, flashes get knocked into the lake by a drunk groom, and a guest accidentally knock – and smash – a £2000 lens. But none of my couples knew that anything was wrong, because I had another camera (or two) on hand, more lenses and flashes, and could quickly switch and hide my sheer panic without raising any eyebrows 😉 Imagine if you only had one camera, you would be in trouble!
3. They’ll Still Want To Enjoy Themselves
Being a photographer-guest is HARD! For that reason (amongst others) I do not shoot weddings for people who would have invited me as a guest anyway. You’re either ‘on duty’ or you’re enjoying yourself, you cannot do both. So when Uncle Bob inevitably wants to take time off to have a drink and catch up with some guests he’s not seen for a while, he’s missing out on 100+ beautiful, candid photos that are happening all around him.
4. Experience
One thing that so many new photographers comment on is how mentally exhausting it is having to still be sharp, creative and quick-thinking at 11pm, when your feet are sore and your shoulders strained from carrying around all of your gear all day long. Hobbyists also often lack the experience that you’re paying for with a professional, who will likely already have a good working relationship with your venue, know weddings inside and out, be able to predict issues before they arise and overcome them easily, and most importantly be able to gently guide you into getting the best out of your wedding photographs with regards to posing, timings, lighting etc. Professional photographers will also be able to arrange or assist with permits and licences, as you cannot simply turn up to many beaches or parks on a whim to take photographs. If you do, and you don’t have the correct permissions, you or your photographer could land yourselves with a pretty hefty fine, and be escorted off-site immediately.
5. Being Let Down
Sadly, I get too many calls each year from distressed brides (and grooms) who had let a family member do their wedding photography, only to be let down a few days or weeks before because they feel out of their depth. It’s heartbreaking for the couple, who are left rushing around to find a professional who is still available at short notice, but also having to find the money to pay in one go.
6. If It All Goes Wrong….
I can’t think of how damaging it would be to a relationship if the friend or family member doesn’t deliver what you’re expecting. Maybe their shots are blurry or bad quality, or perhaps they didn’t take precautions to make sure they had back-up equipment and there aren’t any photos. Not having the images that you deserve and were hoping for could put a big strain on you relationship
Wedding photography is expensive, but it is worth every penny for couples who truly care about that aspect of their day. Remember, after the cake has been eaten and the flowers have wilted, all you will have left as a reminder of your day is your photographs, so choose wisely!
