Thanks to the popularity of social media, some couples may overlook the importance of hiring a professional photographer for their weddings. Although there is something to be said for candid images captured on phones and personal cameras, the pictures a couple will cherish and look back on for decades are best supplied by a professional photographer.

Even if you will be hiring a videographer and having photos snapped by loving friends and family, professional wedding photography is an ideal way to immortalize this special day.

Most couples say “I do” with the hopes of staying together forever, giving them only one chance to capture the magic of the wedding day on film. Leaving photos to chance by hiring an amateur photographer may be something couples regret down the road.

Professional photographers use high-quality equipment that will produce much better results than photos snapped on the average digital camera. Plus, the photographer has experience with posing, placement of arms and legs, head tilting, and lighting, each of which ensures that the photos come out looking as good as possible.

While a friend may not notice an eyesore in the rear of a photo composition when taking a picture, a professional may notice something that will stand out and make adjustments. Furthermore, professional photographers tend to have an eye for interesting angles to capture images that may be overlooked.

Rather than a series of portraits at one level, he or she may climb high for aerial shots or lie on the floor for a different perspective. The results may be unique vantage points that set your wedding photos apart from those of the masses.

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Price alone should not dictate which photographer to hire. Although wedding budgets are often stretched, skimping on a photography allotment may result in subpar results. That doesn’t mean you need to hire the most expensive photographer, but couples should realize the value of experience and professional equipment, both of which tend to come at a premium price.

Do not expect to pay package prices that would be offered at department or discount stores. Many photographers are artists who take their work very seriously. A photographer will be spending all day with you capturing hundreds of photos. Each image will then need to be reviewed, repositioned and potentially enhanced or retouched. This time-consuming attention to detail is often what dictates the higher costs of a very good photographer.

Keep in mind that photographers are unique individuals and not all the visions and styles of particular artists will meld with your own perception of how you want the wedding to look. Expressing your expectations and comparing your goals with the portfolios of photographers will help you find the best fit.

Do not feel shy about asking for testimonials from past customers or talking to couples you know who have recently gotten married and asking for a recommendation. While couples are making wedding day magic, photographers are behind the scenes capturing all of the memories couples can relive for years and years to come.


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