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When it comes to wedding photography, there’s a lot of information out there. Let’s face it… These days we’re inundated with details, opinions and advice, and it’s up to us to decipher what’s fact vs. fiction, and what’s perfect for us. But who has time for that? You have a wedding to plan! So read on for my take on some of the biggest misconceptions about wedding photography, and why these myths are easily debunked with the right photographer.
1. “The price is too much for one day of work.”
This one couldn’t be farther from the truth! The wedding day itself is just one of the many parts of an investment in wedding photography. Sure, the wedding is the only day you see us working, but my job really starts from the moment we meet! Getting to know the happy couple, communicating the vision, engagement sessions, event scheduling and task management, image selection, shot list finalization, editing, previews, deliverables and designs are just a few of the many “unseen” tasks that go into this process—and what makes professional wedding photography a worthwhile investment.
2. “It’s just taking pictures. Anyone can do it!”
I know everyone has a digital camera in the palm of their hand these days, and odds are you have a friend or relative who has even picked up a professional camera a time or two. But trust me. Wedding photography is an entire industry of professionals for a reason! It takes more than a camera to capture a wedding, and it certainly isn’t something you want to risk missing the mark on. Afterall, this day only happens once! While most of us only attend a handful of weddings in our lives, a professional wedding photographer probably shoots every weekend during busy summer months every single year. We know the ins and outs, the moments to watch for, and the rundown of how the event schedule typically works. Leave it to us. We know the drill!
3. “Hiring a professional photographer isn’t worth the investment.”
Once upon a time, this misconception was everywhere. Nowadays we want to capture and share even the quietest moments of our everyday lives, but still—shouldn’t your wedding day be different? This is a huge day in anyone’s life. It should be celebrated and preserved (and it shouldn’t live inside your phone)! When you invest in professional wedding photography, you’re getting more than just pictures. You’re getting the knowledge and experience of someone who knows exactly what they’re doing. You’re getting high-quality products and images worthy of the time and effort you put into the details of the day. And most importantly, you’re getting peace of mind in knowing this detail will be taken care of, off your plate and mind, and done well. We can focus on getting the best images so you can focus on saying “I do.”
4. “All wedding photographers have the same style.”
We all fall into this trap sometimes… A wedding photo is a wedding photo, so why does it matter who I ask to photograph it, right? Nope! This is another myth that’s easy to debunk. Just like every wedding is different, every photographer brings a unique style to the table. Before you book, follow these important steps, and ask these important questions. If you put just anyone behind the lens, you probably will get run-of-the-mill photos. But if you find someone who shares your vision, captures your creativity and showcases your style in a way that you love, your wedding photos can shine as brightly as the day itself—and last a whole lot longer!
5. “Wedding photographers only photograph weddings.”
Love your images? Why stop at wedding photography? We photographers shoot a whole lot more than brides and grooms, and we love keeping up with our clients by celebrating births, anniversaries, graduates, family sessions and so much more. Browse through a photographer’s social media to see their specialties, and to get a feel for their style. One of my favorite things about being a photographer is getting to know people and share their stories. Your lives don’t stop at “I do,” and your photo albums shouldn’t either!
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Let’s talk wedding traditions! Ever wondered why brides wear white? Or where the wedding party got started? These days there’s more trends than traditions, but there are still a few tried and true gestures that remain staples among wedding ceremonies. Here are five wedding traditions still popular today… and why you should definitely photograph them!
Carrying a Bouquet
Origin: The roots of floral wedding traditions date back all the way to ancient times. While the earliest brides carried bundles of herbs and garlic to ward off evil spirits, others carried floral garlands as a symbol of their fertility. Plants in bloom also symbolized new beginnings, such as the new union between partners.
Today: Today’s brides use their bouquets and floral arrangements to enhance their theme. A bouquet can compliment the other colors and decor, and add elements of personality in a classic and traditional way.
Why Take the Photo? A bride’s bouquet is not only pleasing to the eye, it represents all the hard work and details that made the day especially yours. Shots of your floral selection serve as a memory without any distractions. They allow the unique details to shine, and break up any redundant photos in your wedding galleries or social media posts.
Photo captured The Oaks at Plum Creek (Castle Rock, CO)
Exchanging Rings
Origin: Wedding/engagement bands date all the way back to ancient Egypt, where the circle symbolized never-ending or eternal love. Sicilians took this wedding tradition to the next step, adding diamonds to represent dedication. Rings are traditionally worn on the left third finger, as the Romans believed there was a vein that ran from that finger directly to the heart.
Today: Some couples opt for other jewelry pieces. Some get finger tattoos. Some choose something else entirely to represent their love. But the gesture of exchange remains intact, with rings holding on to their traditional popularity. Today, they continue to be worn as a statement of dedication and a symbol of enduring love that lasts long after the ceremony.
Why Take the Photo? Much like their origins, ring shots are an important part of your wedding photography shot list because of their significance as a symbol of union. That, and odds are you paid a lot of money for them! And since they were chosen to last, these pieces tend to show off your personal styles and personalities much better than most of the other details of your day.
Photo captured The Oaks at Plum Creek (Castle Rock, CO)
Wearing a White Dress
Origin: White wedding gowns came into history during the Victorian era, and have yet to leave American wedding traditions. Queen Elizabeth herself started the trend at her wedding to Prince Albert in 1864, choosing white to best display the lace that adorned her gown. (And the English lace makers who crafted it.) Since then, white wedding gowns have served as a symbol of wealth,
Today: While fashion has changed over the years, it seems deep down, we still want to feel like royalty on our big day. Afterall, it’s what we grew up seeing in movies and television shows, and how we imagine a bride to be. Colored sashes and accessories can be added, even today, it’s a popular choice to feel like a traditional bride.
Why Take the Photo? Yes, you’ll have plenty of photos wearing your gown (especially if you schedule a bridal shoot), but be sure your photographer takes a few of the garment on its hanger, too. Why? Besides it being dramatic, “the dress shot” serves as a way to let your gown speak for itself. Your gown is a thing of beauty that deserves to be highlighted and documented all on its own!
Photo captured The Oaks at Plum Creek (Castle Rock, CO)
Eating a Wedding Cake
Origin: Cakes have been a component of wedding feasts since medieval times, where they represented good fortune, fertility and prosperity. The ceremonial cutting of the cake was meant to display the happy couple’s first task as a union, and the feeding was meant to represent their commitment to serving each other in love.
Today: What once began as simple, humble cakes and breads, today’s desserts have become multi-tiered baking extravaganzas. Now adorned with customized cake toppers and colorful touches, it’s a wedding tradition your guests have come to expect. Couples today even keep a piece to freeze and eat on their first anniversary to celebrate the continued good fortune in their union.
Why Take the Photo? Okay, this one’s personal. Photographing your cake is a GREAT way for your wedding photographer to show off their creativity. AND the images celebrate the details your guests will be talking about long after you say “I do.” It’s a snapshot of your day your guests likely won’t also snap on their phones, likely shared by your bakers, planners and venue.
Photo captured The Oaks at Plum Creek (Castle Rock, CO)
Having a Bridal Party
Origin: While bridesmaids started with members of the royal court, they were also used as decoys to confuse evil spirits that might spoil the bride’s happiness on her wedding day. Groomsmen, on the other hand, began as a testament to the groom’s swordsmanship, ready and waiting by his side in the case of a runaway bride or attendees with any objections to the union. In both cases, this wedding tradition goes way back.
Today: Nowadays wedding parties serve as a way to include your family, friends and loved ones in your wedding day. They can assist with tasks leading up to the ceremony, on the day itself, and even getting you both on your way to your honeymoon. Who doesn’t love to celebrate life’s biggest moments with their besties?
Why Take the Photo? Your big day is a moment in time. Not just for you, but for the tribe you chose to stand by your side! They’ll want to capture this memory just as much as you do! You could have a group of 2 or 20. But trust me. You’re going to want to remember these friendships (and their attire!) exactly as they were on that day.
Whether you’re a traditional bride or prefer something a little more modern, photographing the sentimental details that make your day unique is as special as it is nostalgic. Your wedding will be timeless. Your photos should be, too!
