Dawn and Mike recently had me do a 20th anniversary photoshoot at the site of their wedding, Rainbow Springs State Park. We often offer to recreate some of the wedding poses during an anniversary shoot, but Dawn and Mike have no photos from their wedding.
Dawn and Mike approached me about a year before their 20th wedding anniversary to start planning a photoshoot to commemorate the occasion. As we talked, Dawn suggested that we have their session at Rainbow Springs State Park because that was where they married. My immediate thought was that we could recreate some of the photos from their wedding day.
Well, it was just a thought. Dawn and Mike did not have any photos from their wedding day. They had a “friend” take the photos, and they didn’t turn out. If you know Dawn, she is the sweetest person! It made me really sad that she did not have any photos from her wedding day. I asked a few more questions to see if maybe there was some type of photo and maybe it could be fixed with modern technology. So maybe they could have something. But I quickly learned that there was nothing that could be done.
So here’s how to avoid being in the same situation of having no good photos from your wedding.
How many weddings have they photographed?
Ask to see photos from their previous weddings.
Do they have liability insurance, if your venue requires it?
Will they be shooting your wedding in RAW?
Do they have the lighting necessary to properly expose your reception venue?
How will they handle it if the entire wedding party is drunk and can’t follow directions?
Are they prepared to pivot if there’s bad weather?
If the friend or uncle is not experienced enough in wedding photography, don’t be afraid to tell them that they’re welcome to take photos, but that you want them to have a good time, so you’re hiring a professional.
A professional photographer, no matter how many hours you hire them for, will do the best they can to tell the story of your special day!