Why You Need a Wedding Photographer

Posted on September 1, 2016 by Today's Bride

In this age of technology, where our phones are always glued to our hands, it’s easy to think that you don’t need a professional photographer to have beautiful photos. I mean, that’s what Instagram’s filters are for, right? Wrong. You need a professional capturing these special moments. Find out why.

We love saving brides money, and we’re all about finding a good deal! But we’re firm believers that when it comes to your wedding photography, this is one aspect where you can splurge. Todd of Todd H. Carlson Photography says, “Thirty years from now, you may forget how the food tasted or the last song the band played, but you can always look at a photo from the day and remember exactly how happy and how loved you felt.” Remember, these photos will be passed down from generation to generation and may hold a place of honor framed above your great- great- grandchild’s mantle. Make sure your photos are worth sharing by hiring someone who knows what they’re doing.

Relying on Instagram

If you’re considering relying on the photos your guests will upload to Instagram to serve as reminders of your day, consider flipping through an album consisting of these photos. They’ll all have a different filter, some may be darker than others, and they’ll all be a constrained size. There won’t be a consistent look between them. As Todd says, “Too many cooks in the kitchen can lead to a hodgepodge of photos! Resolution (clarity and quality) of the photos is important to think about. If you pull photos off of Instagram, they will be a low resolution – unlike professional, high-resolution jpegs you will want to print or include in a wedding album later on.”

Hiring a Family Member or Friend

You may be wondering, “What if I have a friend who’s talented and takes pretty pictures?” Our advice is, if they’re not a professional, don’t hire them. Would you hire a dentist to cater your wedding meal or an architect to officiate your ceremony? “Your friend may be talented and know his/her way around a camera, but unless they’re a professional photographer, they probably haven’t invested in top of the line camera gear,” advises Todd. “Better camera = better photos.”

Get to Know Your Photographer

If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of having a stranger follow you around all day snapping pictures while you pretend not to notice, don’t sweat it. It’s all about choosing the photographer that’s right for you. “There is no one-size-fits-all” when it comes to photography according to Todd Carlson. “The main key is getting to know your photographer a bit before your wedding day. Talk, share stories – be friends! The more comfortable you are, the better the photos will be.”

Engagement Session

One great way to get comfortable with your photographer is to have your engagement session with them! It’s the perfect way to get used to being in front of the camera, get to know your photographer’s personality, approach, and photography style, and will ensure that your engagement and wedding photos match and share a similar style rather than two completely different aesthetics. “Every photographer has a unique style – it will be noticeable if you have a different person shoot your engagement session and your wedding.”

Do Your Research

It’s also imperative to do your research to find the right photographer for you. Price is always a significant factor, as is whether or not your personalities and visions align with each other (remember, you’ll be spending all day with this person). “Make it like an interview,” advises Todd. “It’s important to do some research upfront to choose the right person. Not only will you feel more comfortable working with them, but you’ll be certain that you’ll get the results you want and their work will meet your expectations.”

One final piece of advice from expert photographer Todd H. Carlson, “There is so much that goes into a wedding – so much hard work and love comes across on that special day. And it will fly by. There will be moments that happen that you don’t even know about. But a photographer’s job is to see it all and to capture the feeling of it all. Trust me: you’ll want to look back on this part of your life – and often. Photos tell the whole, wonderful, story.”

Check out some of our favorite love stories on our Real Wedding page!