KODAK Professional: The Best Reasons to use a Professional

Wedding Photographer Comparison
Your Uncle Bob...	A Professional Photographer...
Has a nice camera.	Has specialized equipment, with back-ups.
Knows you well.	Knows how to make you look your best.
Takes pictures.	Poses formal shots; anticipates candids.
You can ask.	You can tell.
Is also a guest.	Is there to work.
May feel pressure.	Is accustomed to the responsibilities.
Will do his best.	Knows how to solve unexpected problems.
Develops film where you do.	Uses a pro lab experienced in retouching and custom printing.
Will hand you a pile of prints.	Will create the album that you want.
Is inexpensive.	Is priceless.
Find a POE Photographer Near You

Should I Hire a Professional Photographer?

Your wedding photos are a precious keepsake of an event that can't be repeated. As you make plans for the big day, perhaps you're wondering: "Who should be responsible for taking the pictures? After all, Uncle Bob (or whoever) takes nice snapshots at our family gatherings. He might be willing to give it a try." Well, maybe he would. And it's great to have friends and family members taking pictures at the wedding,too. But before you call on Uncle Bob to be your official photographer, give some thought to how his efforts may stack up against those of a professional photographer.

Finding Out What You Want

Uncle Bob is doing you a favor, so how demanding can you be? You might give him a general idea of what you want, such as loose-and-candid vs. formal-and-posed. Then you hang up the phone and hope your picture-taking is in good hands.

The professional photographer is an experienced advisor, who can help explore what you really want. And then do it. Not just candid vs. posed, but indoor vs. outdoor portraiture, color vs. black-and-white, finding the right portrait location and capturing the most important moments including pre-wedding activities and family traditions. Every variation you can think of, and maybe a few that you never imagined.


Shooting with the Good Stuff Uncle Bob will probably use the photo gear he already has. That might be a 35 mm SLR (single-lens-reflex) camera with a couple of lenses. Or maybe a point-and-shoot model with hopefully a new set of batteries for the flash. His favorite film may or may not be appropriate for a wedding. In fact, he may just buy whatever brand is on sale that week.
The pro has a set of professional cameras, lenses, flash units, and accessories, including back-ups. He knows which lens to use for a romantic close-up, and which one is right for the whole dance floor. He knows how to light a scene. And he uses professional film that's perfect for the occasion. White gown, black tux, pink bridesmaids' dresses, red flowers, delicate skin tones -- whatever the subject or the light, the images will look great.
Staying Focused Uncle Bob may be your photographer, but he's also your guest. At the beginning he's sure to be full of enthusiasm. After a while, however, his attention may wander. Perhaps he'll forget to take a group shot of Table 9 (the in-laws he's never liked). Or be loading his camera when the first dance begins. Bob has taken on a lot of responsibility, and even if he volunteered for the job he may be burdened by it.
	The professional knows what you want, and knows how to get it. He is attuned to the rhythms of the event, including the absolutely essential highlights and the more relaxed, revealing moments. He knows how to gather people for group shots, and make them all look good. He knows when to get close and when to back off. The bottom line is that the pro is a knowledgeable outsider at the wedding, who is there to fulfill your desires without spoiling your fun.
What Comes Next? Uncle Bob will take your wedding film to his local processing lab. Maybe at a discount store or drug mart. Almost certainly not a professional lab, which makes prints to the demanding specifications of pro photographers. If all goes well, Uncle Bob will hand you the packets of negatives and prints. Then you're on your own. The professional takes his film to a professional lab, which specializes in the type of film he uses. The lab's printer is optimized for this film as well, so color and exposure are right on. Depending on how the photographer works, he may show you proof prints, finished prints, slides or video projected images. You sit down together to review your pictures. With the photographer's advice, you pick the images for your album, and those for your parents and other relatives. You choose a size and style for each album. Maybe you even order enlargements of the best shots, for framing on your wall. The photographer, working with the same professional lab, arranges and takes care of everything. Your wedding takes only a few hours, but you will enjoy the photographs for a lifetime. Why not use a photographer who will make them as memorable as the event itself? Click here to find the right professional photographer in your area. Photo Credits: Bride's Face: Stewart and Susan Powers, copyright 1997 Bridesmaids: Stewart and Susan Powers, copyright 1997 Bride & Groom: Roy Madearis, copyright 1997