Wedding Photography Myths Debunked: What You Really Need to Know (Part II)
Hello, friends!
It’s finally summer! I could not be more excited to hang up my teaching heels and grab my camera to capture all of your special occasions. Did you catch my blog last month debunking 5 wedding photography myths? This month I’m sharing the truth about a few more common wedding photography myths.
1. “I want all the raw photos"
Raw images are like a photographer’s rough draft. You didn’t turn your rough draft into your teacher. You turned in your final copy. Similarly, photographers don’t typically provide RAW (unedited) files because they are unfinished work. The final images you receive are carefully selected, color-corrected, and artistically edited to match the photographer’s style. Trust your photographer to give you their very best final draft!
2. “It’s better to have multiple photographers"
While a second shooter can be beneficial for certain wedding scenarios, adding too many photographers can be distracting. A well-trained single photographer can often capture all key moments efficiently. Unsure whether a second photographer makes sense for your wedding? Let’s have a conversation about the specifics of your day. As a seasoned professional, I’m happy to offer insight as to whether a second photographer should be a line item in your wedding budget or if a single photographer is all you need.
3. “The photographer will capture every single moment"
While photographers do their best to document everything, weddings are fast-paced, and it’s impossible to catch every interaction. And, let’s be honest, we use the bathroom and get a drink or a bite to eat every once in awhile throughout your day, too! This is why a well-planned timeline and communication about must-have shots are important, especially if you are hiring a single photographer. If photos of the inside of your venue space are essential for you, your photographer will be sure to pencil in time before the ceremony to capture those details before guests enter the space. If a first look with a grandparent is a moment you want to be sure is captured, your photographer will build that specific interaction into the timeline so it’s a focus in the day. While we may only be one person, communication about your priorities helps us know what to prioritize as well so that everyone leaves the day knowing the must haves were captured.
4. “Wedding photography isn’t that expensive"
Wedding photography involves expensive equipment, years of experience, hours of work, and editing. The cost reflects the photographer’s skill, time, and the final product’s value. Last month I debunked the myth that wedding photographers only work on the day of the wedding. For this reason, as well as those listed above, wedding photographers charge their worth for the time spent working! Additionally, many wedding photographers make a living from their photography business. Charging a living wage is essential to them keeping the doors of the business open so they can continue to do what they love and do well.
5. “All wedding photographers are the same"
I saved the best for last because, in my opinion, this is the biggest myth of them all! Every photographer has a unique style—some focus on light and airy photos, others on dark and moody tones. Some are detail and timeline oriented, others prefer to let their artistic eye drive the day. Some welcome your list of must-have photos, others ask you to entrust them with capturing your day as they see it through their lens. It’s important to choose a photographer whose storytelling, editing, and organizational style matches what you’re looking for.
Don’t know where to start? Check out a few photographer’s portfolios online to get a sense for what you like and what you don’t. This will be a great jumping off point to better guide your search for the perfect person to capture your day.
…and that’s a wrap! 10 wedding photography myths debunked! Which have you heard before? Which was most surprising to you? Ready to discuss your wedding day vision? Reach out today. I can’t wait to chat with you!
