Is it worth it having a photographer or should I just rely on friends to take the photos?

Hi I was the proffessional photographer at a wedding in brisbane , there where a  lot of cameras on the table for guests to take shots of their own. After the wedding I recieved a phone call from the distraught newlywed Tania all the photos the guest took didnt work out none of them please tell me yours have worked out my answer was yes they have dont worry I have some beautiful shots too the reply was thank god i knew I could count on you I thought I would have no photos of my wedding day.The answer to this question worst case scenario none of the photos could turn out  best case they coud it woudnt hurt to have a back up.The diffrence is a proffessional has the equipment and knowledge of how to read lighting and take  a great shot a proffessional knows what to look for most shots taken by guests are candid from my exsperience ,you may get a few good shots,that is great but the proffessinal shots are of a diffrent type due to their photography knowledge.

You will be very happy to see Nicely shot photo's by A Pro Photographer

Beacause we know the Light and Know how to get Beautiful Photo's 

As A Friend doesnt know how to shoot nice well lit photo's.

Photo's need to be shot with flash most of the time to get Stunning Resulst.

What have you spend on your dress? Your cake? You cars? The flowers? - What will you have the day after your wedding to enjoy? Your photos. If that is an important part to you then please do not rely on friends. My parents are a prime example, they have literally 5 photos after their "friend" photographer put the film in backwards and had to rely on other people for whatever they could find. They ended up doing a reshoot but it is never the same. 

If your photos are something that are important to you then you may forever regret it. Photos are the most important part of your day once it is over and you never can replace them. I am very passionate about having a professional photographer as I have sadly seen so many couple devestated about their photos afterwards. 

It will all depend on how important it will be to you afterwards if you don't get those special moments and if you are ok with that. It is a big risk so please consider this decision very carefully. 

Hope you have a wondeful day. 

Naomi - Tascon Photography

Hi, 
 This is a very common question that many couples have to grapple with when organizing their wedding day. 
Here are my reasons to use a dedicated wedding photographer instead of friends at the wedding using their phones or using cameras with on camera flash. 

• A wedding photographer will scout all locations (either with you or by themselves) prior to wedding day making sure they understand the scene prior to shooting. 
• A photographer will have many backups of equipment, 2-3 flash units, 1-2 extra cameras that if one fails they can use them quickly. 
• Wedding photographers don't shoot JPEG. Most phones only save to jpeg and that can cause issues latter on when wanting photos put into albums. 
• Having off camera flash changes the mood and look of a photo, the built-in flash on phones are too harsh for nice fill light for formal photos. 
• And finally, when you get to the reception they will not be taking photos while drunk, as a professional it's either water or soft drink that should be consumed. Just like you they have had a long day and are on the final part of the day as professionals they must stay sober. 

We all understand that most couples have a budget in mind, many of us have also got married and know the stress involved in choosing photographers, just remember to ask a lot of questions regarding coverage and added options to wedding packages.  
I know many photographers don't mind customizing packages to suit every couples wedding photography needs all you need to do is ask. 
 
Regards 
Nick Schulz

Long after your wedding day, your memories also starting to fade. Wedding photos are what left to remind you of your happiest day. But you most certainly have to blow all your budget on it. There are many affordable photographers, even ones who starting out. Be sure to check out their works and feel comfortable with it. 

But I wouldn't "trust" a friend to do this job. What if he turns up on the day forgetting his battery at home? what if he misses out the critical shots that you would never get back? There's a risk you take and it does pay to hire a professional photographers. 

Hope that helps :)

Tuan Nguyen

www.twentyonephotos.com.au

If photography is important to you, you will spend more money on it.  But I will also say that after all the celebrating is over your photos are what will help you to bring all the memories flooding back from your magical wedding day and all the details that went into the day...