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This was one of those topics that I was asked to blog about. It’s also a topic that can be quite debatable.

I will honestly say the one thing I hear from people is their desire to have hired a professional photographer over their friend who volunteered. I immediately feel for these former brides because there is nothing left from a wedding besides the wedding dress they will most likely outgrow and their wedding pictures. And although I commend those friends who so selflessly give of themselves to do that for their friends, this is honestly an area best left to professionals and I’ll tell you why.

Also remember that in most instances you should think of this list as a “most professionals” list. This is what I would expect from people calling themselves wedding photographers. Of course, there are always exceptions to all of this. There have been people who’ve hired professionals and HATED the result, so know there are exceptions for sure!

1. Professional photographers spend years and thousands of hours on their craft. Seriously if you knew how much time goes into what we learn, you would be shocked. Even when we aren’t shooting, we are researching, reading, critiquing, taking classes, going to workshops, etc.

2. We know our cameras. You won’t find a lot of professionals photographers who use their cameras in auto mode. As a matter of fact, mine doesn’t even have an auto mode! This is crucial to good photographer. Yes, your friend can get good pictures in auto mode, but it you get into a tough situation with lighting or angles, you may be in trouble. Professionals also understand aperture, ISO and camera speed which are crucial for weddings.

3. We understand lighting. Lighting is not something that beginners know a lot about. As a matter of fact, I would say it’s something that takes a lot of time and practice. If your wedding is your friend’s first photography gig, they will not understand lighting and may miss some incredibly important shots. Most professionals also understand creative lighting like off camera flash, rear curtain flash, boucing flash and so much more. These things will surely be missed by your friend. We also understand what time of day is best, and if you missed by post about that, see it HERE.

4. We’ll make your day go by more smoothly. Most professionals understand how to schedule the day and even how to interact with your other vendors. I do this A LOT. I am constantly in contacts with my brides vendors. I make sure I understand their do’s and do nots of their venues. Your friend may have no experience with issues like this and it can be quite challenging.

5. Professionals do their best to deliver exactly what you want and you don’t need to worry about our relationship. With photographers you generally know what you are getting. You can see from their portfolio what they are capable of and when you get your pictures, there are generally no surprises. However, what if your friend really does a bad job? Then what? You may be angry with them and your relationship strained. To avoid this, hire a professional and let your friend enjoy the day with you.

Photographers aren’t the only professionals you should hire.

Florists-they understand what flowers last through extreme heat or cold. They are able to make you a bouquet that will last through your reception and doesn’t fall apart on the way to your venue.

Bakers-Not only are there usually health code issues that go into baking cakes for people, there are other advantages of hiring a professional. Cakes melt! Did you know that? Different icing will do different things and most professionals understand that. They know how long your cake can be left out and know how to transport it so it doesn’t end up in your trunk instead of your reception.

Make-up artists-Yes, your friend may apply amazing makeup, but does she understand how photographers want it to look for pictures or what shows up best? Makeup artists have spent a ton time learning about this very thing. Use their knowledge to look amazing on your big day!

Now after all this, I want to say that I have dome some AMAZING weddings that were completey DIY and they went off without a hitch. These are mearly suggestions for what I’ve seen more than the former. I understand being on a budget and sometimes you can’t afford to go all out and get a makeup artist. But if money were no object, this is why professionals usually can make your life easier.