First of all, just because you have a friend/family member with a nice camera, that doesn’t mean they can take nice photos for you! There is more to taking a good photo than having the right equipment. It is similar to how a professional chef can take the same ingredients as I can, but create something way better. The person behind the camera, not the gear they’re using, is what makes or breaks the photo.

But even if you know a very talented photographer who does know how to use the equipment and takes fantastic landscape/senior/family/baby/architecture photos, please do not hire them for your wedding. While I’m proud of my very first weddings, my work has visibly improved with experience. Photographing weddings requires skills that any other type of photography simply does not. And experience with these niche events is indispensable.

Having a wedding professional give you more than great images. They give you peace of mind on a hectic day. Here’s a few reasons why:

1. Weddings involve all your emotional, sweet, drunk, wild, excited friends and family

Not only does your photography need to be great at taking pictures, he/she needs to be great at dealing with people. Your wedding is the one chance you have to bring together everyone you care about most. That’s awesome, but it definitely means there will be a lot going on! You want a vendor who is great at hoarding and directing large groups, managing tricky people situations, providing emotional support, and just treating everyone you love well!

You cousin may take great nature photos, but a mountain doesn’t require posing or directions!

2. Wedding Photographers can thrive in all lighting situations

Some photographers can create great artwork when the conditions are all just right! But on a wedding day, you can’t control the weather. If you have an experienced wedding photographer, they’ll know how to make the best out of any situation!

Be sure that your photographer can handle low-light situations beautifully. Likely, the lights will be down for a large part of your reception, and it’s incredibly tricky for less experienced photographers to take good images! Speaking from first-hand experience.

3. A professional wedding photographer has backup

There are rarely situations like weddings where there are no possible do-overs. Other niches of photographers have no need to have multiple cameras, multiple lenses, second shooters, and a backup plan for the worst! A professional wedding photographer knows how to prepare and deliver great images no matter what. No excuses.

4. You only have one chance

You’re only getting married once. The events will happen so quickly and there are no do-overs. You have one chance so please have trust and confidence in your photographer. After the wedding day, your photos are the only thing you keep from your wedding. Your photos will help you talk about your life to your future generations. Make sure they do your love story justice.

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming! But I gotchu 😉 After going to so many events as a photographer, I’ve got plenty of recommendations and experience with everything wedding-related. Click here to learn more about the Caili Chung Photography Wedding Experience <3