Wedding Photography Myths Debunked: What You Really Need to Know (Part 1)
It’s May which means it’s the beginning of another year’s wedding season. Whether you’re just beginning to plan your big day or you have a detailed vision for your wedding, photography is one of the most important decisions and investments you’ll make. However, there are many misconceptions about wedding photography that can lead to unrealistic expectations. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths so you can be better prepared for your big day!
1. "My friend has a nice camera, so they can take my wedding photos"
A professional photographer isn’t just about having a good camera—it’s about experience, composition, lighting, and knowing how to handle unpredictable moments. A friend may not be prepared for low lighting, fast-paced timelines, or technical issues. He or she may not be ready to capture those “must have” moments, whether it’s a first kiss or the bride’s father seeing his little girl as a bride for the first time. You only get one chance to have many memorable moments on your wedding day. Leaving the documentation of those moments to chance by entrusting a friend with this responsibility is a risk I wouldn’t suggest you take!
Want to give your guests an opportunity to capture your day from their perspective? Consider placing some disposable cameras (yes, they do still sell these!) at each table during your reception. You’re guaranteed to see some unforgettable guest moments you may not have experienced firsthand and smile and laugh when you get the roll of film exposed.
2. "Wedding photographers just work for one day"
In reality, a photographer’s job extends far beyond the wedding day. There’s planning, scouting locations, capturing the event, culling and editing thousands of images, and delivering the final gallery—all of which take dozens of hours. Though the investment may seem like a big number for one day of photography coverage, try to remember a wedding photographer’s job begins with the first consult call and ends well after the final gallery is delivered. A professional photographer will not only capture moments from your big day, but will be there to support you through every step of the process.
3. "That can be photoshopped later”
While minor edits (blemish removal, lighting adjustments) are common, Photoshop is not a magic fix for everything. It’s always best to get things right in-camera, like proper posing, outfit choices, and locations, rather than relying on heavy post-processing. Experienced professionals will keep an eye out for easy fixes in the moment (ie- removal of a cell phone from a front pocket, a loose boutonniere, etc), but significant edits (ie- removing a stain from a tie or editing out a guest’s undergarment strap) in a multitude of images isn’t commonplace. You know yourself and your preferences best. If you anticipate those very detailed edits will be something you desire, ask your photographer if she offers fine edits at an hourly rate after gallery delivery. This is important to know up front as it may affect your selection of a photographer for your big day!
4. "I don’t need an engagement session"
Engagement sessions are valuable because they allow couples to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day. They also help build rapport with the photographer, making the wedding-day experience smoother. Every one of my wedding packages includes an engagement session for these reasons! Your photographer is the vendor you’ll spend the most time with on your wedding day. Having a comfortable working relationship with her is essential to capturing the highest quality images possible.
5. "More hours = more photos"
Quality over quantity! A great photographer captures the best moments, not every second of the day. A well-curated gallery tells a beautiful story without overwhelming couples with thousands of similar images. This is especially important when considering how long and what timeline to hire your photographer for. An experienced professional will be able to make suggestions based on the flow of your day and the moments you most want captured.
Your wedding photos will be one of the few lasting keepsakes from your special day. Understanding the realities of wedding photography helps you make informed decisions and ensures you get images you’ll cherish forever. If you’re ready to book a photographer who truly understands your vision, reach out today!
Want to hear more about what you really need to know about wedding photography? Keep an eye out for Part 2 on the blog next month! :)
