Why investing in a professional photographer is worth it over the "budget" option
As a photographer, I understand that we all have to start somewhere. I never went balls to the wall straight into weddings. I have been practicing portrait photographer for nearly seven years, and only started to get my feet wet in 2020.
I am blessed for that opportunity, but in that instance, I was the budget option. Having hired a professional for my wedding in April 2024, I completely understand the value in that, and have incorporated certain aspects of other parts of the industry into my workflow. With that being said, here’s five reasons why it’s better to spend just a little more for a professional over someone just starting out.
These are subjective, and completely up to you how you would like to hire someone. Just keep these in mind when hiring your vendors
1 - Confidence
When you hire a vendor, you want the confidence of knowing they can deliver what they’ve promised. For a professional, executing their work accurately and professionally is second nature. But true confidence comes from more than just technical skill—it’s about working with clients in a way that is attentive to their unique needs and mindful of their vision.
When you hire a professional photographer, you’re entrusting someone with the responsibility of capturing one of the most important days of your life. You deserve to feel assured that they have your day in mind from start to finish. Speaking honestly, when my couples hire me, they expect more than just someone with a camera—they expect someone who knows exactly what they’re doing, with no guesswork involved. That’s the difference a professional brings to the table.
2 - Experience
Experience is key, but it’s worth acknowledging that everyone starts somewhere—I certainly did. My journey into wedding photography began after years of honing my skills in automotive and portrait photography, and I’m grateful for the couples who gave me the chance to grow. That said, experience in wedding photography goes beyond technical skills; it’s about consistently delivering exceptional results and striving to improve with each shoot.
When I talk about experience, I mean having the ability to work with couples professionally, adapt to the unique dynamics of each wedding, and deliver consistent quality. An experienced photographer knows how to take charge of a situation, whether it’s organizing group shots or finding creative solutions for tricky lighting. They understand how to work with what’s in front of them while keeping your vision and the day’s flow in mind.
3 - Quality
Let’s be honest—quality in a photographer’s work is highly subjective. As a couple, you have your own unique tastes when it comes to editing and shooting styles, just as we photographers have our own creative approaches. Whether our styles align with your vision is entirely up to you to decide!
When it comes to quality, the most important question I ask my couples is: “Did you check out my website, and if so, did you enjoy my work?” If the answer to that second part is no, that’s okay! I’d much rather you feel confident and excited about the photographer you choose than settle for someone whose style doesn’t match your preferences. Choosing the right photographer ensures you get exactly what you’re looking for, without surprises or unmet expectations.
4 - Reliability
It’s surprising how often I still hear stories from brides about vendors who didn’t show up or canceled last minute due to an emergency. While life happens—and sometimes unpredictably—professional photographers have contingency plans in place to handle even the worst-case scenarios.
I’ll be honest: no one can guarantee that emergencies won’t happen, even me. For example, I’m about to welcome a child into my life this year, which adds a new variable! But what I can guarantee is that I have a solid plan in place to ensure your wedding day goes as smoothly as possible, no matter what. It’s part of what being a professional means—anticipating the unexpected and being prepared.
Make sure your vendors are equally prepared. Contracts are a great starting point! I provide contracts to all my couples to outline exactly what they can expect from me, so there’s no guesswork. Reliability isn’t just about showing up; it’s about having the systems in place to deliver on every promise.
5 - Reliability
Your wedding photographer isn’t just someone with a camera—they’re someone who’s deeply involved in the most intimate moments of your big day. A professional photographer understands the importance of building a connection with you, so they can capture your story in a way that feels authentic and personal.
From the nervous excitement before the ceremony to the joyous celebration on the dance floor, a professional photographer knows how to blend into the background while still being present for every emotional moment. They don’t just see poses or backdrops—they see your love, your laughter, and the little details that make your day uniquely yours.
When you hire a professional, you’re not just hiring a service; you’re hiring someone who takes the time to get to know you, your story, and what matters most to you. This connection allows them to document your wedding day in a way that truly reflects who you are as a couple.
There are many reasons we choose to hire different vendors and professionals to collaborate on the events we plan, and a wedding is no exception. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime celebration where settling for “good enough” simply isn’t an option. The decisions you make can feel overwhelming, but they’re also an opportunity to create the day you’ve always envisioned.
I hope this list not only helps you feel confident about hiring a professional photographer but also guides you as you evaluate other vendors for your wedding. Choosing the right professionals ensures your day is as seamless and memorable as possible, leaving you free to focus on what truly matters—celebrating your love.
www.redline.photography/wedding-and-elopement
