We always tell you that the best way to use Olapic as a complement to your professional photographer. Your friends are going to take great pictures, and you want them all, but this is your big day, and there are many good reasons to hire a pro.
Professional photographer Scott McNamara (Portland, OR) recently compiled some of them (read his entire post for more details):
#10. We know weddings. We see so many weddings every year that we know what to expect.
#9. A guest is a guest! Let your friend or family member enjoy your wedding and not have to be a nervous mess.
#8. It’s all in the bag, baby! Photography is a very expensive contact sport. Us professionals have amassed a significant investment in top of the line cameras, storage, lenses, lighting, you name it.
#7. We know our gear. As a professional, I am always shooting! My cameras are an extension of me and I can grab it, fire it up, make a change and get the shot in seconds. Most people that do not live photography will not have the same results and will miss “the” shot.
#6. It’s our business. While the devil may be in the details, we know the important stuff to cover with you. I always have a printed out time line that I bring to the wedding and will engage your vendors so we are all on the same page.
#5. The best computers. Most people think photographers only care about cameras. What good are the best cameras and lenses if my computer dies and I lose all your wedding images? Most people never think about this. Neither will your Uncle Bob.
#4. We have a network. Another element most people do not consider is the reach of the photographer. I have contracted with you to be there on your wedding. But what happens if I am in a car accident on the way? What if I am hospitalized? Most professionals have a diverse network of other professionals that are friends that will always ensure you are covered.
#3. Standards. Okay, so your high school friend is going to shoot your wedding. He shoots all day and gives you a DVD of your images…but they are in a RAW Nikon format and you cannot do anything with them…or maybe they are exported JPEGs at a small resolution and look horrible when printed.
#2. We like to edit. It’s a lot more than 8 hours! I typically spend a week after the wedding on edits and organizational tasks.
#1. It’s your best day. As a professional, nothing bothers me more than hearing from people that say “our wedding images were horrible…we thought we’d save some money.” Basically, those memories are just that…
Scott also offers some tips to help you afford hiring a pro:
1- Wait. Save your money and do the wedding thing right.
2- Hire a wedding planner. It may look like a luxury, but most of them will end up saving you money!
3- Remember about retainers. Since don’t have to pay all the money upfront, the payments become more affordable.
Photo Credit: Scott McNamara
One Comment
Great list of reason’s to choose a pro, the best one is the network, touch wood I have never been so sick I could not shoot a wedding but if I was I could always find someone to replace me. Did miss a commercial job, had a blood clot and had to go urgently to hospital, one phone call and I had a replacement there in 1 hour.