(...but here’s why you probably should)
In today’s world, almost everyone has a smartphone with a decent camera that can take thousands of photos. Why would you hire a professional wedding photographer when your friends and family can capture your big day with their phones? Sure, a professional might capture stunning, timeless memories, but think of all the money you could save by relying on Uncle Bob’s skills, after all he has his own Instagram profile with heaps of photos. Well, here are a few reasons you why you should consider skipping the pros.
1. Your friend’s new phone will definitely capture that special moment
Your friends will definitely worry about angles, lighting and timing, they will not be busy enjoying your amazing Big Day. But hey, who needs perfectly framed photos when you can have dark, grainy shots of your first kiss? You could spend your money on your honeymoon instead! Those fleeting moments like your entrance down the aisle might be a bit blurry, but isn’t that more authentic, you know - rustic charm? Bad is the new good, right?
Real Talk: While your guests may be lucky enough and snap some decent shots, a professional wedding photographer knows exactly how to be in the right place at the right time, capturing every moment without you even noticing.
2. Posed group shots are overrated
Let’s be honest, wrangling all your family and friends into organized group photos is a hassle. Your friends won’t have to worry about getting everyone in focus or making sure no one is blinking because… well, who really cares if half the bridal party is out of frame? Embrace the chaos—after all, it’s part of the fun, right? Besides, posing is "not us", we prefer to get natural looking photos.
Real Talk: Those carefully crafted family photos that look effortless require skill. A professional photographer not only ensures everyone looks their best, but they also know how to manage tricky group dynamics. And since they’ve done it plenty times, it doesn’t take them that long to set up a shot. When you look back in a few years, those perfectly framed images will feel more valuable than you think.
3. Spontaneity is key, forget about composition and lighting - booooring techy stuff!
One of the best things about having friends take your photos is the freedom to ignore things like composition, lighting, and exposure. Forget the golden hour or finding the right spot at the venue you paid so much for! Just embrace harsh lighting, awkward shadows, and washed-out colours. It’s all part of the charm of DIY wedding photography. There is no difference between an amateur and a pro when it comes to catching the moment, it's the moment that makes the photo anyway.
Real Talk: With the right photographer, you can get those amazing spontaneous moments captured with a style. The pro photographer knows what they are looking for, with experience they can almost predict when the magic moment is going to happen. Many photographers specialise only in documentary style wedding photography providing some amazing photos of unexpected moments.
4. Your friends’ phones are fine for action shots, they got the latest Iphone!
When it comes to the dance floor, nothing says "good times" like a streaky, blurry mess of colours – it’s creative and avant-garde right?. Sure, your professional photographer might have the experience to freeze the action in crystal-clear quality, but that’s what memories are for, right? You’ll remember who was there, even if the photos don’t show it.
Real Talk: Action shots at a wedding, like those epic dance moves, are tricky to get right. A pro uses the right settings and equipment to capture those moments without losing the atmosphere, making sure your memories are as sharp as they are fun.
5. Editing? Who needs it? DIY wedding photography is instant
Editing takes weeks, and who has that kind of time? Just stick with the raw snaps your friends took, straight out of their phones. I'm sure they will be fine when printed because your friends definitely didn't forget to set their phone camera to take high quality photos. Yes, you’ll probably have some awkwardly angled photos or strange colour tints, but it’s the thought that counts, those are “the real moments”… right? You don’t need those professionally edited photos with consistent tones and attention to detail. Money saved!
Real Talk: Post-processing is where the magic happens. Professional photographers don’t just snap photos; they craft a cohesive, beautiful album that tells the story of your day in a way that’s consistent, timeless, and polished. Without this step, you’re missing out on half the value.
From Gordon Baxter Photography:
"I was going to put a small photo gallery here too... but if I haven't convinced you so far, then maybe it's better you take the risk? Save some money, hope for the best. I truly hope it will work out for you. I really would rather work with someone who can appreciate the craft, then someone who had to spend the money on photographer." :)
Conclusion
While it’s tempting to save some money by asking friends to take your wedding photos, there’s a reason professional wedding photographers are worth the investment. Sure, you might end up with a few decent shots from your friends’ phones, but do you really want to risk your wedding day memories? You could also have best of both worlds – hire a pro and let people take photos during your wedding too. However consider asking your guests not to take photos during key moments - I will do it, trust me.
In the end, your wedding photos are one of the few things that last long after the big day is over. Investing in Gordon Baxter Photography who is a Bedfordshire wedding photographer ensures you get a beautifully curated album that you’ll treasure forever. Because when it comes down to it, those blurry, poorly lit photos might not look as charming in a few years.
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