There is a lot of social media noise out there, and I can only imagine how difficult it must be to navigate all of it while planning a wedding, making decisions about vendors, and more.

I will cut to the chase and answer a few things that may be on your mind or, perhaps, should be on your mind.

This will primarily focus on why to hire a professional wedding photographer, but it could also apply to other vendors.

Quality and Price:

While I consider my images to be a cut above the average, my “superpower” is that I consistently deliver high quality throughout an entire wedding day, every single week, every single wedding, every single year.

It took quite a few years of shooting to accomplish this, and I can now truly and honestly call myself a professional wedding photographer. Keep in mind that being a pro isn’t just about the quality of work delivered either; consider the following:

• Do you value when a photographer responds to your inquiry promptly?

• Do you value when a photographer can consistently get stunning images for you, no matter the circumstances (weather, timelines that go awry, and more), so you can enjoy your wedding day stress free and be with friends and family?

• Do you value a photographer delivering images after the wedding in a timely manner?

• Do you value a photographer who has transparent pricing listed on their website?

• Do you value a photographer who will meet with you before the wedding, help with planning, provide you with a group list to fill out, and develop a photo timeline with you?

• Do you value a photographer who is invested in their art and business to the point that they have a blog such as this one with over ten years’ worth of articles and client weddings?

I’m proud to say that I do all of this and more.

Short Films vs Feature Films:

My Short Films are known as hybrid photo/video coverage in the industry. The Feature Films have a dedicated videographer in addition to myself throughout the day.

• Short Films are handheld footage done in a documentary style as I do the photography throughout the day. The clips are then edited into a 3-minute short film set to music.

• Feature Films are made by a dedicated videographer in a smoother, cinematic style with multiple cameras and angles. They also feature audio from the vows, speeches, vow readings, and more.

• Feature Films offer the option to have Ceremony and Reception edits in addition to the 6-8 minute and 1-minute social media videos.

View samples to see these differences on the Video page here.

Random Tips and Observations

• Ignore advice from publications such as The Knot and Wedding Wire. These are advertising platforms set to maximize clicks, and the articles there are often outdated. As long as a vendor places an ad, they become an “award winner.” The currently working vendors you hire will be your best advocate when seeking advice on your big day.

• Ensure the person you meet with is the same person showing up to capture your wedding day. Big box photography companies send random, unqualified people not invested in ensuring you receive the best quality of work or service.

• I work seamlessly with many vendors and venues in the Midwest and beyond. Please reach out for recommendations, including HMUAs, DJs, and more. As always, if I’m not the right photographer for you, just let me know, and I’ll send some trustworthy people your way.