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As a wedding planner here in St. Thomas and St. John I often get asked why I do not include photography in my services or packages.
Let me explain first that I like taking pictures and consider myself an amateur photographer.
But a little knowledge can be dangerous and with something as important as a wedding, I would not consider risking the wedding couple’s happiness to an amateur or part-time photographer.
Today let’s look at the difference between a photographer and a professional photographer.
With today’s economy it is very tempting to have Uncle George take the wedding photos. After all he has been taking pictures for years, he likes doing it, and his camera looks impressive.
First of all, ask yourself what would happen if Uncle George’s camera battery goes dead or the pictures were accidentally deleted.
What if (and this has happened) there was something on the lenses of his camera and every picture had a streak across the middle.
Would Uncle George and you still be able to talk to each other at family functions?
So, if I have your attention, I will give you my two cents. Wedding photography is an investment. It increases in sentimental value over time to become a treasured family heirloom. Fifty years from now you should be able to show your wedding pictures at your anniversary.
A true professional photographer will never run out of anything. They have back up equipment with back up files management which means your photo’s will never get lost or destroyed.
The pieces of equipment a professional has goes far beyond the camera’s and back up camera’s, it also includes an expensive array of lenses, lights, computers, printers, hand held flash meter, several different flashes and battery packs to name only a few.
A true professional photographer will be unobtrusive to the ceremony.
A true professional photographer spends hours behind the scene editing, making sure your photo’s are color-edited, retouched, and creating an album or online gallery.
Photography is a skill and an art. A professional doesn’t simply shoot a camera; he or she has to be able to capture the day. Your wedding is special and unique so should your album be. Let me first clarify – I believe creativity is innate in a person – and the best equipment can’t make an uncreative person a creative photographer.
Most wedding photographers in St. Thomas or St. John rely heavily on websites but when looking for a professional don’t assume that a website makes him or her a professional. Photographing a wedding imposes some of the greatest pressures a photographer will experience; that’s why skill is important. Photographing a wedding requires a special type of skill set, experience and a keen understanding of how to anticipate, in addition to great people skills and etiquette.
When checking out photographers website look to see if;
Do they include full albums or complete client online galleries on their website for you to look at or just the best shots of several?
Check their credentials for experience and education. Remember you get what you pay for.
Does the photographer belong to any professional association?
Are the group a shot choreographed, is everyone’s face showing or is anyone looking away or squinting into the sun?
How long has he or she been in business?
Will the photographer you talk to, be the one doing the photography on your wedding day?
Does the photographer do his or her own personalized editing or send them off to be done?
While these suggestions are a great place to start in looking for photographer only you can decide what is most important for your wedding day.
Just remember the photos will last long after the cake is gone.
In closing I could not have made my point as well as Judge Joe Brown , this video is hard to watch but a professional photographer would have had top of the line equipment that would allow him or her to shoot within the church, a rebel XT cost about $700.00 the Cannon series 1 that the Judge mentions cost $8000.00. So take a look and see why choosing a professional is so important