Susan Southerland, president of Just Marry!, recently contacted me to ask a few questions that might help brides understand the importance of hiring a professional photographer for their big day. I was more than happy to offer my feedback:
Q: What will the couple lose by not having a professional photographer?
A: Let me first start off by defining the word "professional" when referring to a photographer. Unfortunately, since there is no license required to claim the title of "professional photographer," this term is used very loosely these days to describe anyone with an above-average camera and a business card. This is not only a detriment to the industry, but a frightening, and some times catastrophic experience, for the bride and groom as well. While Uncle Harry may have just bought a new camera, and has taken some great pictures of flowers, or a best friend of a friend is "starting out" as a professional and is anxious to get some images for her portfolio, why trust your most important day to someone who may or may not capture the treasured moments that will be passed down for generations?
My definition of a professional wedding photographer is someone with the following qualities:
• Because of much past experience, can anticipate the moments and be ready to capture them.
• Has a definite knowledge of their equipment, and carries back-ups just in case.
• Is able to interact with the couple and their guests in a professional manner.
• Can identify the couple's style and personalities and incorporate those elements into their images.
• Is responsible with deadlines and keeping in contact with the couple.
• Can work with the other wedding vendors as a team to create a seamless experience for the couple on their wedding day.
• Understands the business side of photography.
I have witnessed the unfortunate experiences of couples that decided to cut corners with their photography. They have come to me with their images, asking if anything can be done to salvage what they have. I recently had a bride ask me to design an album for her since her photographer had recently gone bankrupt, even though she had already paid him for one. My guess is that he wasn't charging enough to stay afloat. What will the couple lose by not hiring a true professional photographer for their day? A lot.
Q: If you have a potential client come to you that has a small budget, what is the best way they can work with you?
A: Everyone has a budget. I understand this since I got married two years ago and had to go through what every other bride I meet with is going through. It all adds up, and before you know it, the "budget" is gone. I have found that not all couples have the same priorities. As I get to know the couples I work with, I find out that some spent 5 times more on the bar tab than they did with me. Others have felt so strongly about the importance of capturing their day, they end up cutting back in other areas of their budget. There certainly is no right or wrong, just differing ideas of what they see as the best wedding they can afford. The way I keep my packages to a minimum is by keeping them fairly simple. I don't include 8x10s, wall portraits, and other items in the packages that the couple may not be interested in purchasing. I can work a little with the prices by altering the hours of coverage and engagement session, but most of the prices are pretty set. I know what I need to make to stay in business. Since I limit the number of weddings to 35 per year in order to maintain quality products and service, I'm not always within everyone's budget, and that's okay.
Q: How flexible are you with midweek weddings, will you charge a lower rate?
A: I am currently working on a separate price list for Monday through Thursdays. I have a list for what are known as "intimate weddings," usually 2-3 hours of coverage. I understand the upcoming trend, however, is to move the same kind of wedding days I am used to covering on the weekends to the weekdays. I'm definitely up for that and will give a price break for those days.
Q: What do you think are the most essential things to have covered by a professional photographer? What parts of the wedding day could be done without a professional photographer if that were necessary to cut in the interest of keeping within their budget?
A: I am there to tell the story of the couple's special day, but I have found parts of the day that can be covered in a shorter period of time, or even finished by, dare I say, a friend or family member. This special time of the day is known as the reception. I do think it is important for a professional to photograph all the beautiful details that went into creating the ambiance of the reception. I also see why it would be nice to capture the initial moments of the reception, such as the first dance, toast, etc. But I'm not sure it is quite necessary for a professional photographer to stick around the entire evening in order to capture 500 dance photos. I have recently been encouraging my couples to consider using the time they have with me to do more at the beginning of the day. Getting the moments of the bride getting ready for her big day as she nervously laughs with her bridesmaids, or the guys doing, well, what guys do. These are moments, I feel, that tell more of a story about the couple's day than a drunken "YMCA" pose out on the dance floor. But I always leave it up to the couple. It is, after all, their day and their memories.
Q: What other thoughts would you like to convey?
A: I would encourage the couple to look around at several photographers before deciding on who they want to work with. While I offer incentives for the couple to sign within 24 hours of meeting with me, I never pressure them to make that important decision. I usually get to know the couples pretty well, and they become life-long clients as their family grows. It's important that they feel comfortable with me.
