5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD RECONSIDER USING THE HOTEL PHOTOGRAPHER
~ IMAGINE THIS ~
You awake on your big day and make your way down to get ready with your ladies. You can’t find your wedding coordinator and the salon tells you they don’t allow drinks or food in the spa. Not wanting your bridesmaid’s to have to run around, you volunteer to go grab some sodas because the air conditioning in the salon is broken. You ask the manager about getting moved to a room where you can enjoy some champagne and fruit. The confusion is laughable and has already put a negative spin on your morning. Eventually, you and your girls head up to a room where you await some drinks… which actually never come. So, after consuming a beer from the mini fridge and a couple french fry’s your bridesmaid brought from the 24-hour snack bar, you have now been in your wedding dress for over an hour. Your makeup is starting to melt and you are starting to sweat. You don’t even have a glass of cold water before you walk down the aisle. Finally, you make it to your partner in crime, he slips the ring on your finger while all your close friends and family intensely observe. But whoa ? why is there a fat guy in a speedo scratching his crotch in the background? This is actually a true story. So don’t think it won’t happen to you! With the experience of a professional photographer. Those details will be handled behind the scenes, allowing you to enjoy your day.
Your wedding lasts one day, but the photography is what’s left when everything is packed up and put away. Much like a childhood smell, the photos take you right back to the moment. Often flooding in emotions even years after the day is done. Many brides take big risks with their memories…by simply not knowing what to look for, or deciding to take short cuts during the planning process. I always come across articles telling brides what to ask photographers before booking them. In my opinion, if a photographer cares about the outcome of your important day, chances are they have read that article before you and have already made an effort to show you the strong points of their business. So here are my 5 reasons why you should be seeking a professional photographer rather than using photos from the hotel (package) photographer.
~ YOUR OWN REPRESENTATIVE AT YOUR SIDE ~
When a couple first embarks on deciding which resort to book for their wedding, coordinators (who represent the hotel’s interests) definitely won’t mention the frustrating things that inevitably WILL go wrong during your wedding day/week. Who will you have deal with them?! I’m sure you don’t want a family member having to do that.
My bride had told me, the coordinator had said she was going to be around for the entire wedding day, but didn’t end up showing up until 45 minutes before the ceremony!!!! Her bride’s maids and I were left running around trying to get drinks, snacks, and orchids for the unique bouquets. This was just one of the many issues my lovely bride battled that day. A professional is committed to dealing with these types of problems and making sure the bride and wedding party aren’t subjected.
~ CREATING AN ADVENTURE WILL RESULT IN BEAUTIFUL IMAGES ~
Preparation for your wedding photography goes way beyond pulling out a camera and shooting. Getting to know you and your family is how attention to detail can be executed. Planning appropriate shots that align with you as a couple. Props and editing style should be discussed well before the wedding date. As clients, you may like dark moody images compared to bright angelic ones. Scouting the right setting for intimate sessions, bridal party, and group shots are what gives artistic value to your images. The ultimate photos are born when a photographer and their clients plan adventurous ways to eliminate insecurities and style natural photos. I often see this opportunity missed when the bride risks going with the hotel package photographer. These photographers often work for the resort and have someone to answer to. Being your own boss and depending solely on your skills give you a considerable push into performing professionally.
~ ACCOUNTABILITY ~
What measures can you take if you are not happy with the photographer?
Keep in mind that your relationship continues with your photographer after the big day. This means you have recourse should you not be satisfied. You will not have this with a hotel photographer. Keeping an open dialog with your professional photographer can help you with the collage and printing process. They can also be a life saver if you have questions when it comes to building your own memories through photos.
~ LANGUAGE BARRIER ~
Communication is so important!! How can you get what you want when you haven’t properly discussed what that is? Often the photographer that is included in your wedding package is instructed to shoot only the ceremony. Chances are you haven’t even met with them before your wedding day and if you do communicate, it can be quite difficult when you don’t speak their language. Knowing some Spanish was extremely valuable to my bride when keeping an open discussion with the people assisting her on her big day.
~ POST PROCESSING ~
The photo process goes beyond only taking images. It’s about having a style that attracts clients. Being able to follow your photographers shoots on their website or social media is vital to deciding what wedding photography suits you. Styling and polishing your images with learned programs like Photoshop and lightroom ensure that your images will be taken to the next level. Moments that you can’t wait to get printed and place on your walls.
Leave behind a piece of you with the images of your wedding. I hope that after reading this you will consider hiring a professional photographer. Ask your girlfriends that have been through this process. Find a photographer who’s style you love, and take the time to connect with them. It’s a beautiful relationship and one that will leave you with amazing memories and beautiful photographs to enjoy for a lifetime.
Big thank you to Marie – Lynn and Derek for letting me share the incredible week with them. Here are the highlights of the fun we had.