Over the last decade of doing wedding photography and sifting through inquiry emails there is always the one set of “friend-tographer” emails that worry me the most. You know the

“Thank you for your time, we have decided to have a friend photograph the wedding.”

The reason why I say one set is because that is the newly optimistic emails. The other friend-tographer emails are more so like ….

“I have found myself in a bit of a dilemma as my photographer for my wedding this Saturday had an emergency, she was doing this as a gift…”

“I made the biggest mistake!, can you edit any of these photos my friend took at our wedding.”

The issue I have is how do I as a warn people without looking like I just want their money or sounding like i’m putting them down!? After all, the friend might be a professional or it might be Aunt Karen who took a class once upon a time and dabbles… either way let’s look at the Pros and Cons like good Ol’ Ben Franklin would have done.

Pros

Saves Money

This is an obvious reason as to why so many would go down this route. But, why were they messaging photographers in the first place? So many see a style they love and message them to inquire, but once they get the price, the firentographer pops into their head as a way to save the total wedding budget. After all it’s just a fancy camera, right!?

Ask yourself, What is the point in spending most of your wedding budget on the venue, food, flowers, DJ, etc. if it isn’t going to be properly documented. With sub-par photography those things only last the day. With Professional photography those things will last for generations.

Cons

It’s a friend

What if something does go wrong… will they still be your friend!? DO you want your friends working on your big day? Why not leave it to a professional and let them sit and enjoy the day.

Lighting

Are they prepared for any lighting situation? Light changes constantly and even some “professionals” can’t properly cover a wedding under certain circumstances. Some photography business go under the title of “natural light photography” meaning after dark or in some venues they are relying solely on the ambient light available and in many cases are limited in what they can do to modify the light.

Back Up

Professionals bring backups. Every time something changes at a wedding; details, first look, portraits, etc. I change memory cards to mitigate the possibility of a bad card and loss of photos. Is this something that “friend” has even thought of?

Insurance

Professionals are insured. We happen to carry a General Liability and a Indemnification policy.

Time

Professionals know how to maximize your wedding day. They know how to get you back on track and come prepared for disaster some with “Just In-Case kits!” With a friendtographer you might miss opportunities to have wanted photos.

Trust, Reliability and Peace of Mind

With a professional you know what you’re getting into. You can read their reviews and see what other couple’s have said about their experiences. This relieves stress and gives you that peace of mind that everything will turn out.

Contract

Professionals have a contract!!! This goes back to the first Con “It’s a Friend” What is in place to protect you, legally! Would you take your friend to court if it came down to it? Is there anything spelled out that if they become ill they will find a replacement, etc.

I understand wedding photography, especially a proven professional, isn’t a cheap expense. But, I hope this helps shine a little light on what all you are paying for. When you look for a photographer, shop for their style and personality as they will be with you all day and those will the your memories of the day for generations. If the price is out of budget, let them know. Perhaps they know someone that can do it for less or they can create a custom package within your budget.