Famous Last Words of an Amateur

“I've got a camera.” Famous last words of an amateur, and with the decline in the cost of DSLRs, a phrase that is becoming more and more common. “Yeah, I think I could do it,” to which you should respond, “no, no you can't do it. This is my wedding day, let's leave it to the professionals.” Its harsh, but worth every breath spent to say it.

We are at a time in our life where wedding photography and technology have met face to face posing the question, is it the camera that takes a great picture, or the eye behind the lens? I'm here to let you know, its far more complex than that. Photography is about the synergy between the camera and the photographers imagination melding into one, to frame the perfect shot. Its about thinking on your toes and furiously changing settings to capture the perfect bokeh, the glint in the eyes. 

Being a professional is about crawling around on the floor to get the right angle, but staying out of the way. Its about sore thumbs and a blackened index finger from changing the aperture. It about knowing the balance between science and art, light and dark, focal points and white balance. Its about finding order in the chaos of what is potentially the most important day of your life!

This is a once in a lifetime event, and every single guest should be enjoying themselves as such. No one but the photographer should be worried about getting the perfect shot of cake being smeared across your face, or the look on your face as you hurl your bouquet through the air behind your back. 

“I might just bring my camera along as well.” Take a deep breath and say, “I'd rather you just enjoy yourself.” Harsh I know, but after the ceremony ends and you see all your friends and relatives making a mad dash to the reception, and subsequently the bar, you will understand. There's a years anxiety thats been building inside you and now that it has ended, you just want to calm down, but now you have to pose for pictures and in the moment it feels like an eternity. Now, here's the important part, the more people standing around taking pictures, the longer it takes. As each person calls out your name, you turn to their cameras. Your throat becomes parched and the dress gets heavier standing in the same spot. Your feet hurt. But it doesn't have to be that way. With a professional at your side, like a quick draw, you'll be shaking your tail feathers to the Chicken Dance in no time flat.

Having spent so much time, and so much energy on this momentous day, you want someone capable of freezing time and space just as it was meant to be, not a person who lacks vision. Just remember if you find yourself even remotely considering a friend to document this important day, you might save some money immediately, but in the long run, it is sure to cost you.

Blog Post by William of Sleeping Owl Photography

Photography Credits:

Kiss -William

Bouquet Toss - Annie

Jump - William