Why I need a Photographer

Most couples looking for a wedding photographer have never paid for photography before, and probably won't ever pay for it again. It would be quite normal to not know what you want from a photographer, and how to know when you've got what you need. Here are some guidlines to help

You don't have to have a photographer

Those people who say you don't need a professional wedding photographer are not wrong. At a minimum, a wedding is some witnessed vows and a few signatures, not much to see. You can come as you are. However, many couples want it to be more of an occasion than that - they want their whole family to celebrate, they want a party afterwards and the chance to talk to everyone. When it's this big of a deal there are lots of things to photograph and you can bet a lot of phones will be popping out to snap photographs throughout the day. The reasoning here is that if people are taking photographs all the time why have a photographer to do it? That's a good question. I'll give you some good answers next.

Where is my Place?

A wedding photographer enjoys a charmed existence at a wedding - invisibility. I'm often unknown to everyone, sartorially unnoticed, and have no role as part of the assembled family and friends. This means, like a naughty cat, I can go where I like. And I do. I like to go right to the back for a wide-angle shot during the vows; up close to the couple to see the rings being offered; I may kneel in the aisle to frame a moment, and then stand close to the celebrant to see the couple's expressions and their gathered guests in the background.

Phones during ceremonies are somewhat frowned upon , like phones on the dinner table, there's a degree of disrespect inferred, so using one as a camera can be awkward. Guests generally want to be respectful and will avoid taking photos, taking out their phones, for certain parts of the day. They also can't move - their place is set in the assemblage which means their camera-view of the proceedings is rarely ideal for more than one moment in the proceedings.

Pros and Cons

Here's my list of why you shouldn't have a photographer at your wedding, and why you should. You choose!

Cons

• Professional Photographers cost money
• You probably can't have the photos on the day
• You won't know them - they'll be a stranger at your wedding

Pros

• They will produce more great photos that you can shake a stick at
• They will be free to do their photography without the 'burden' of being a guest or participant
• Professional means just that - the opposite of 'unprofessional' and all that might entail