Do or Don’t? Hiring A Friend/Relative As Your Wedding Photographer
Your friend as your photographer? You better think twice! While I know it’s a budget-friendly option, it may not be the best option for your wedding and most importantly, your relationship. If you’re going to have a friend or relative as your wedding photographer, keep these points in mind:
• Wedding photographer OR guest, they can’t be both. If you both understand this concept, you might determine up front that you rather them enjoy him/herself at your wedding instead of working at it. If you do hire your friend as your photographer, make sure they understand their role in your wedding. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard a bride complain that their photographer spent more time at the bar or on the dance floor mingling with guests than capturing their special moments. They were hired to do a job, so make sure they understand that they are welcome to join the party after the job is complete.
• Make sure you have a signed contract. Just like you would have a signed and binding contract with any professional photographer, you need to do the same with a friend or relative. There’s a clear understanding of what’s expected from each party, payment, times and when the finished product should be completed once the wedding is over. Managing everyone’s expectations beforehand is HUGE in preventing a possible disaster.
• When hiring a friend who is a photographer, realize not every photographer is a wedding photographer. I know this because I am a rare breed and am both a commercial and wedding photographer. Honestly, it took me some time to know all the intricacies of covering a wedding, figuring out timing, getting all the details… The sheer volume of shots I take at a wedding far surpasses any commercial or editorial job I have ever done. It is a different kind of pressure that you have to be prepared to handle as well. Most wedding photogs have to be great at taking beauty, candid, detail, landscape, portrait and lifestyle shots. Most professional photographers specialize in a certain genre. So just because they are a great fashion photog doesn’t mean they will be able to capture all of the other elements of your day that are just as important.
• If you do choose a friend or relative, have them take photos of you before your big day to make sure that you are both on the same page. Consider this a trial run for both of you. You get to see how they direct you, comfort level, and if you like the images. That is why I include complimentary engagement sessions in all of my packages. Looking at those photos will help you see if their style matches your style.
• Remember, there is no do-over. So really think long and hard before entrusting one of the most important days in your life to someone other then a professional wedding photographer. Poor planning in this area could cost you more than your wedding photos. It could cost you a friend or a relationship with a loved one if they don’t perform up to your expectations.
There’s a reason why there are photographers and wedding photographers. My production, art direction, contemporary fashion background helps me direct you so that your finished photos tell your romantic story in the best way possible, capturing the love and happiness of that day while incorporating it into the location of your event – whether it be Newport, RI, Palm Beach, FL, New York, or any other wedding destination location.
