The Overlooked Importance
of Wedding Photographers
by Lee Mandrell
eddings. Each of us has probably been to at least one wedding at some time or another, and no two people remember one exactly the same way. Most people consider a wedding to be a once in a lifetime event to be enjoyed and shared. Family, friends, associates, co-workers, the cat, anyone we can think of is invited to the big day. Every single detail is painstakingly fussed over, checked, and rechecked. This day has to be just perfect. The church, the dress, the gowns, the suits, the tuxes, the cake, the food, the music, the limo or carriage, etc.
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Every aspect of it, every detail. People do tremendous amounts of research and go out of their way to find the best of everything that they can for each of these facets so that this day is as perfect as can be. So let me ask you this, with all this preparation and attention to detail at stake, why is it that most people skimp on wedding photography? After all, when the day is done and over, and all that time and effort that was put into it is over, all you have left are the photos and the memories, and memories fade over time. Do people see it as not being important enough to properly document the day's events? So I ask again, why do so many people cut corners on the photography? It is one of the single most important events in most people's lives… right?
I have seen too many times where a relative, friend, or friend of a friend who just happens to own a camera, is asked (or volunteers) to take the photos of one of the most important events of someone's life, for the sake of saving a few dollars or out of the desire to not step on anyone's feelings. The unthinkable can and usually does happen: the photos don't turn out very well, or at all. The shots are overly crooked, too dark, too light, out of focus, the flash burned out half the people, the only group shot is bad, the formals are soft or off center, heads are cut off, or have background objects sprouting from them,
or key moments during the day and ceremony are missed entirely. Once it's happened, it's over, there are no second chances during a wedding ceremony. Many times these kinds of photos are un-savable, not even if you have exceptional Photoshop skills. Sadly, you are essentially stuck with what you are given at this point. Seasoned wedding photographers have to be on their toes at all times. Their "A" game is a must. Nothing less is acceptable. The days are long, there are usually no breaks, and no time to eat. They are the first one there, and often times the last to leave.
While Uncle Bill or Aunt Beth or even Bobby from down the street would probably enjoy doing you this greatest of favors on your big day, you aren't doing the bridal party or yourself any favors by going this route, and all for the sake of saving a few dollars, or from fear of hurting someone's feelings. Think of the reaction and the stress, particularly from the bride, upon seeing poor quality photos of a wedding, her wedding, ruined, and unusable, and knowing there are no do overs. This day will never happen again and it affects every person that was involved with it. Give this some serious thought and let that scenario sink in. Do you want that responsibility? Can you live with and accept that you made a poor decision that allows for no do overs and will be forever remembered as being most likely one of the biggest mistakes you ever made? Do you
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