Hiring a Wedding Photographer: Why It’s Worth It
Professional Wedding Photographer: Tim Nusog
We get it. Expenses add up. Hiring a photographer for your wedding can come with hefty invoices.
Not to mention, with major improvements to cell phone cameras and the invention of GoPros and drones — it may seem like an unnecessary expense to hire a professional photographer to capture your wedding day.
Unfortunately, cell phones and your cousin— the amateur photographer — are not the same as someone who is trained, experienced and has the right equipment.
If you absolutely can’t afford to pay for a photographer then of course, that’s understandable. However, if you can cut back on other expenses to make room in your budget — you won’t regret it.
We asked professional wedding photographer Tim Nusog, who has been in the industry for more than a decade, to tell us why.
“Nusog said one of the most important qualities in a professional photographer is someone who is passionate about the job, and isn’t doing it for the money.”
It’s an investment.
Nusog sees wedding photography as an investment. He said your photos may be special today, but they become a priceless memento when a guest at your wedding passes away.
What sets apart a good photographer from a professional, Nusog said, is that their photos will leave you “reliving your wedding” instead of just reminding you of certain moments.
Also keep in mind that if your photographer’s price seems too good to be true — it probably is. Why risk going with a photographer, who may save you a few hundred dollars, but can’t produce quality photos? You could be out money and wedding photos too.
Cell phones don’t compare.
While cell phones have come a long way, are conveniently pocket-size and can appear professional to the untrained eye — they just don’t compare to the cameras used by professional wedding photographers. Cell phone cameras can’t zoom in for high-quality photos, especially if you’re standing at a distance. Nusog said the difference between the lenses of a camera and cell phone are the multiple layers of glass. DSLR cameras have sensors that allow more light to come in and therefore, produce cleaner, crisper photos. That’s especially important when lighting is an issue. Photographers have more control of exposure and speed.
Nusog added that professional photographers don’t need to use the most expensive DSLR camera as long as they are trained to utilize the camera’s features to its highest potential.
So what should you look for when you’re shopping around for a wedding photographer? A photographer’s portfolio is the most important to review. Does their style of photography fit the style you want to achieve? Candid or more posed? Modern, artistic or dramatic? Don’t hesitate to ask for more pictures if their portfolio still has you undecided.
Nusog said it’s important that photographers have the stamina to shoot for hours on end. He’s all over the place during weddings, following the couple and looking for candid moments that you can’t recreate. He rarely rests during a wedding, and is always scanning the room.
Nusog has heard from couples about nightmare photographers who’ve barely stood up to take pictures; instead, shooting photos while sitting versus snapping shots from different angles.
Nusog said one of the most important qualities in a professional photographer is someone who is passionate about the job, and isn’t doing it for the money.
Vows & Forever is a wedding vows & speech writing service that also specializes in speech coaching. Maria Cid is the founder and owner of Vows & Forever, LLC.
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