Prince George photographer's share their reasons to hire a professional photographer for your special day.

So you want to get your wedding photos taken by a professional, but have no idea where to start?

Well, look no further this post will take you through the tips & tricks of your wedding day and the best things you can do to prepare to make your photos incredible!

#1 DO NOT LISTEN TO FAMILY

uhhh....did I hear that right?

yes, yes you did....

We have experienced, many times, the vocalizations of family members that:

-Don't spend money on photos, I will just do it for you -the uncle with a hobby in photography

-You don't need full coverage, just get the ceremony and some family photos done- Grandma (who really just wants some good family photos)

-Book everything first, then find someone to take photos

-I never had a photographer at my wedding, it'll be fine

AND SO MANY MORE. NOOO.

You are completely right to want the biggest, most magical day captured by a pro to last forever. Not only, do photographs last your lifetime, but your prosperity will also see images of your special day.

You are absolutely needing a professional and it is okay to tell your hobby family member OR EVEN your professional photographer family member no.

1) How can they be apart of your wedding and enjoy the events if they are working

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2) Hobby photographers may have great skills, but not the right equipment. Heck, they may have both, but have they worked at a wedding knowing the ins and outs of what has to be done and captured in the right moments.

3) Family members do not carry the liability and licensing required to work at venues.

Hiring a professional photographer is the right move. Photographers have experience with things that may go wrong: Lighting issues, camera setting changes, sun positioning, timeline planning, missing pieces, relationships with your vendors to correct mistakes....and so many more.

Hiring a professional also insures that your memories are safe.

#2 Timeline planning and structure

When planning your wedding, timelines are an absolute necessity. We go further than just providing you with a timeline for your wedding; we also provide day-of coordination services. We will remind vendors where and when you need something or to be somewhere; we keep the day on track. This has saved wedding couples SO MUCH money every wedding we shoot. We ensure they have the plan, we execute the plan and we help if the plan gets derailed.

ps. get your photographer 2nd after your venue so that you have someone to help recommend the services you might need.

#3 Professional Editing Services

Many times Photos will not be shot in the right resolution to be able to edit them. There are multiple settings and file types to work with and your photographer has your back!

Your professional photographer knows how to utilize professional editing software to edit your photos beautifully based on their style.

"Based on their style" is important. Be sure when you choose your photographer that you are choosing someone with:

1) Consistency in their editing style

2) Editing style you are drawn to

3) Ability to edit in Photoshop

4) Ability to do composite Ps editing (editing in another background, editing in and out people, editing in and out items, layering)

5) Photographers have the ability to adapt and adjust to changes in sunshine/weather and adapt their settings and lighting for darker receptions or issues with lights in a hall or rental.

#4 Vision

"Your camera takes such good photos"

This is the bane of every photographer's existence. Great photos do not just happen with a press of a button. Incredible photos come when you hire a professional who know what they are doing and how to adapt.

Vision is so important when it comes to your special day. You put so much thought into your colors, outfits, décor and other details & a professional should do the same.

Before your wedding takes place, there should be consultation meetings to plan out how you want your gallery to turnout.

The best results come when both the couple and the photographer(s) are dedicated to the same vision.

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#5 FREAKING FUN

Your Wedding Day should be a freaking BLAST! If you are not having fun & your day doesn't feel like it is about you, you're doing it wrong!

This day should be filled with huge fantastic belly laughs and big smiles!

We are a couple, working with couples & it makes the day so, incredibly fun. We laugh, we joke, we play and this adds to creating memories that will last you a lifetime. Your happiness and love should jump out from your gallery & take you right back to that day.

Psst- Including video can add to the ability to return to the moment, ask us about what video services can add.

We hope this guides help assure you that working with a photographer is SO worth the value & allows you to see the reasons behind professional photography at weddings!

Have the best day ever,

Ashley & Body Yonk

Photographers

Free West Photography

www.freewestphotography.ca/couples

freewestphotography@gmail.com