We all have that one friend who’s got that amazing digital camera who says they want to take photos of our wedding day… FOR FREE! There’s definitely an appeal hey? Hmmm sadly… wrong. Here are 5 reasons why you should invest in a professional photographer for your wedding day… and why your friend definitely shouldn’t photograph it:

1. Photographing a wedding is HARD

While the prospect of a free wedding photographer sounds appealing, the reality is… if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. There are so many factors that could go wrong. Simply because it is something your friend does not practice as their profession. What would happen if they got sick? Who would replace them? Do they have the correct insurance? It’s very rare to find any amateur with a backup plan to cover themselves when things go wrong. This is NOT a stress you need on your wedding day.

Additionally, an amateur is someone who uses the craft as a hobby. This means they’ll have little to NO experience in shooting a wedding day as a professional. And this will show in the photos! A wedding is one of the hardest to photograph as there are CONSTANT changes. Plus, nothing says “I didn’t realise that was so important!” like missing the first kiss of the bride and groom. The cons continue to outweigh the pros because it is a simple fact. An amateur should not take on the vast responsibility of a wedding day.

No bride should be taking risks on their wedding day: confidence is key. And I cannot stress this enough. For a little more in-depth help, take a look at How To Feel More Confident In Your Wedding Photos

2. An awesome camera does not equal awesome photos

Equipment is not everything. Yes, I repeat, having a good camera does NOT make you a good photographer. Your friend may have the latest “5D800NX10…” but consider this – do they know how to use it to the best of its (and their own) abilities? Have they had training or experience that has taught them how this specific camera can help them? Do they know what lenses to use on the wedding day that will work best with the camera body? If the answer is no to any of these, then their camera is irrelevant. Its qualities are at a waste and will only end up confusing your friend. The last thing you want on your wedding day is your friend panicking about how to use their camera!

On a lighter note… (though it may seem arbitrary), I am sure you’ll have heard a photographer go on (and on) about the light, “ooooh, the light!” – trust me, it is SUPER important.

A professional knows how to use light to their advantage, and capture images in the best way to suit it. Wedding day schedules that have chosen the ceremony to finish at midday, usually mean horrendously bright light… which is rather unflattering. It is not ideal for anyone to shoot in these conditions, yet, professionals will always have a plan. This will guarantee you beautiful photos!

3. Professional and Protected

Do you know how many people lose digital files? And sadly, how many of them are their wedding day photos? An insane amount. Opting for a professional means the photographs of your wedding day will be secure and protected. For years to come. This may not seem like a massive consideration right now (as it’s not something we’d expect to happen). Yet, in the event of this occurring, it is far better to be safe than sorry.

Entrusting your photographer with creating, and protecting your wedding photos are the main reasons it’s considered… an INVESTMENT. This allows us to run a successful business, which includes the protection of your images. It can take one wrong click of a button and BAM! Gone are your photos! Why risk that happening with your friend? You would both feel terrible, and honestly, it’s not worth the stress.

Need help finding the right photographer? Check out 5 Questions To Ask When Booking Your Wedding Photographer

4. Taking photos is only one part of being a professional photographer

Have you ever wondered why photography (not to mention weddings!) can be so expensive? Because taking photos is just ONE of the many jobs we do. We spend years of time investing in and refining our craft before braving it into the big wide world…

It would be so great if all we had to do was pick up our camera, shoot a couple of weddings a month and watch the money pile up… in reality, this is not the case! There’s a lot of work that goes into making a professional photographer successful… and we work hard to maintain these standards. At the end of the day, we just want to make people happy! And this, amongst many other things, is a craft that always needs improving.

5. This is your only shot

You only have one shot at your wedding day… (excuse the pun hehe!), which means everything must go the way you’ve anticipated. From all of the pre-wedding plans: the venue, the decor, the flowers, the dress… the list goes on… what’s left are the three most important things: your husband, the ring, and of course, your photos.

Your photographs will be the only memories that you will have of your wedding day. Not to mention the future generations of your family. Make sure they’re captured right.

Another thing to consider would be a unique gift for your newly wedded partner, right? As you can see from our website, we are the leading experts in Boudoir Photography in London. Have you ever thought about getting your photograph taken and seeing yourself in a brand new light? Have a look through our Boudoir Brides for a little more on what we do…

And if you are still looking to beat those wedding day nerves, download this FREE ebook providing you with An Important Guide To Looking Natural In Photos (Especially On Your Wedding Day!)… to help you through every step to wedding day confidence!