507 Van Buren Street Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450
(201) 500-8330
You may have relatives, friends or co-workers with the best of intentions. They offer to take your wedding photography. Of course the price is right (free in many cases), and they want to show their love and generosity by taking images of your once in a lifetime event. We suggest that you do not take them up on their offer.
For starters, there are many distractions at affairs that usually result in numerous missed shots. From being caught up in the moment, to socializing with friends, dancing, eating and having a few drinks at the reception etc., your well intentioned friend will most likely want to mix it up and enjoy your special day too. I've heard many horror stories over the years where the happy couple had arranged to have their friend or relative take their wedding photographs. They were distracted, and simply overlooked key images. This was disastrous. It also became a personal issue because they did not get the required photographs - no shots of the Groom's family, solo shots of the bride alone, missing sibling images or other friends and relatives. These are just some of the stories I've heard over the years. The common thread in all of them? The Brides and Grooms always wish they could do it all over again and have a professional take their wedding pictures.
There are probably 70 or 80 absolutely key shots that you have to get during the day, as well as hundreds of other images. If the person is distracted, if they don’t keep a mental check list, if they don't have the experience, they're not going to get them. In turn you'll be upset yet there will be nothing you will be able do after the fact. Does your friend know about posing, dealing with lighting under adverse conditions (very harsh mid-day sun, dark shadows, or dimly lit twighlight) perhaps all in the same day? Are they familiar with locations to take pictures, timing of the events during the day, how much time that’s required for family and bridal pictures? What if you don't want to see your fiancee’ before the ceremony - then what? What if the clergy demands that the photographer take pictures from the back of the ceremony location, 100 feet from the Bride and Groom? Do they realize there can be massive pressure to get all of the pictures in a very short span of time? Do they he have numerous backup pieces of equipment? What if it rains? Do they know where to set up for pictures? Are they familiar with the grounds, knowing exactly where to go to quickly in order to get the best images? Will they be double lighting the room - it can be tricky getting images when it's very dark during the reception. Do they know how to to deal with the numerous reflections from large windows and mirrors. Shooting with flash is not so easy in that scenario. What if it's a bright afternoon and the sun is streaming in to the room? What if their camera dies during the day, or they don’t bring enough battery power? What happens if they drop their flash and it no longer works? Or they forget a wire that allows the camera to sync with the flash? Or accidentally delete some or all of your images? Will they be editing all of the pictures after the event? Will they be doing any retouching on the images that require it? Do they have experience making albums, designing layouts and working with reputable photo labs and album companies? Will they be making numerous backups of all of your images? Can they deliver in a timely fashion?
Can they make all of the above adjustments on the fly and still get the job done? It's a huge, pressure packed responsibility. Remember, they will no longer be guests at your wedding. They will be working under pressure to get the pictures for you.
In general that's the way the wedding day goes for the photographer. There are lots of time constraints and different, fast changing environments. Yet in the end, the photographer has to get those pictures no matter what the situation, with poise and a calming demeanor. Above all, the first priority is to do all of the above while making the Bride and Groom experience as stress free a day as possible. In no way should they feel anything but the pampered happy couple they deserve to be on their special day.
We highly suggest that wedding couples hire a professional photographer who has the experience, training and equipment to handle these scenarios. That way your friends can take some snaps, yet still enjoy the awesome spectacle of the wedding all the while with no pressure to get the job done right. They can casually hang with friends, have something to eat, dance the night away, have some champagne, and take in the ambiance of the affair.
Our advice? Let the professional photographer take on the enormous responsibility of getting all of the wonderful wedding images. The seasoned professional will know what to take while being discreet at the right moment. They will be able to handle situations like poor lighting, a bridal party running late, or an uncooperative camera, giving you gorgeous images of your special day. Allow your well intentioned family member to enjoy the wedding as a loved family member or friend should, not someone shouldering the task of capturing your wedding images. You're only going to do this once. Be sure to hire a professional photographer. Your memories and images are the only thing you take away from your wedding day. It’s totally worth it!
Lawrence
Ambassador Video and Photography
507 Van Buren Street
Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450
(201) 500-8330
