{"id":12109,"date":"2017-10-14T10:07:00","date_gmt":"2017-10-14T14:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jonnisuperphotography.com\/weddings\/?page_id=12109"},"modified":"2017-10-14T11:19:31","modified_gmt":"2017-10-14T15:19:31","slug":"professionalphotographer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/jonnisuperphotography.com\/weddings\/professionalphotographer\/","title":{"rendered":"Uncle Bob vs. A Professional Wedding\/Mitzvah Photographer"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Uncle Bob vs. A Professional Wedding\/Mitzvah Photographer<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We like Uncle Bob, we really do. He\u2019s a great guy and everyone loves being around him. He tells great jokes and can even do a few magic tricks at parties. He\u2019s the guy we all look forward to seeing at Thanksgiving.\u00a0\u00a0Uncle Bob rocks.\u00a0\u00a0But what do you say if he offers to photograph your wedding?\u00a0It sounds pretty good. He has a really expensive camera, and he says that he won\u2019t even charge you; it will be his wedding present!\u00a0Awesome. It sounds too good to be true! And it\u2019s totally understandable to consider it. After all, who wouldn\u2019t like to shave a few thousand dollars off their wedding budget?<\/p>\n

However\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

The problem with this scenario is that many clients have the\u00a0same expectations\u00a0of Uncle Bob as they do with the professional images<\/strong> they see in the wedding magazines. After all, anybody can be a photographer, right? And if that\u2019s true, why not save the money and put it towards something else?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s true that anyone can press a shutter, but it\u2019s a wholly different thing to have them deliver professional quality images at a wedding. Wedding photographer is considered by many to be one of the most difficult, challenging, and high-pressure photography jobs.<\/strong> You have to be master of multiple photography disciplines, and you have no luxury of a re-shoot if things don\u2019t turn out.<\/p>\n

So what are the REAL differences between Uncle Bob and a professional? Why should you have much lower expectations from hiring Uncle Bob? What advantages does a professional have?\u00a0We decided to outline, in a lighthearted way, the differences between what to expect from\u00a0Uncle Bob vs. a Professional Wedding \/ Mitzvah Photographer:[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Photography Experience<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Uncle Bob<\/span>:<\/strong><\/div>\n

Takes wonderful pictures of flowers and his kids at the playground.<\/p>\n

Brings his camera on vacation.<\/p>\n

Took a community college photography workshop about 5 years ago.<\/p>\n

Favourite camera setting is \u201cAuto<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Enjoys discussing the comparative merits of various cameras on internet message boards.<\/p>\n

Doesn\u2019t see the need to spend $650 for an external flash because his camera has a pop-up flash.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Professional<\/span>:<\/strong><\/div>\n

Averages 1,000 to 3,000 images every week.<\/p>\n

Knows how to shoot in all situations: dark caves, sunny beaches, large synagogues & churches, in the rain, and in the snow.<\/p>\n

Can quickly adjust camera settings blindfolded.<\/p>\n

Adept at using ambient light, bounced flash, fill flash, and off-camera lighting.<\/p>\n

Understands the principles of photojournalism, portrait photography, creative posing, and composition.<\/p>\n

Is up to date on modern wedding photography styles and techniques.<\/p>\n

Enters photography contests.<\/p>\n

Belongs to professional organizations.<\/p>\n

Lives, breathes, and sleeps photography.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Wedding\u00a0or Mitzvah\u00a0Experience<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Uncle Bob<\/span>:<\/strong><\/div>\n

Has attended a few family weddings.<\/p>\n

Loves dancing to \u201cWe Are Family<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tends to takes snapshots only of friends and family that he knows.<\/p>\n

If the wedding pictures don\u2019t turn out, oh well.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Professional<\/span>:<\/strong><\/div>\n

Shoots 30 to 50 weddings or mitzvahs per year.<\/p>\n

Can show you multiple examples of galleries from past clients.<\/p>\n

Has enough experience to help your whole day run smoothly.<\/p>\n

Has dealt with a myriad of scenarios including synagogues and churches, backyards, castles, ballrooms, beaches, and parks.<\/p>\n

Has shot small weddings, large weddings, traditional, modern, unconventional, offbeat, and everything in between.<\/p>\n

Knows the flow of a wedding day and can anticipate where to be, what to capture, and can adjust to the unexpected.<\/p>\n

Can provide valuable advice on your timetable and recommend family group shots.<\/p>\n

Realizes future livelihood relies on delivering high quality images.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Equipment<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Uncle Bob<\/span>:<\/strong><\/div>\n

Oftentimes will have a new top of the line pro camera, but hasn\u2019t fully explored (or understood) all of its features.<\/p>\n

Has one or two consumer grade zoom lenses.<\/p>\n

Might have a flash, but always uses it pointed straight ahead, set to Auto of course.<\/p>\n

Has shot a couple of hundred images with it.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Professional<\/span>:<\/strong><\/div>\n

Has invested $10\u2019s of thousands of dollars in multiple pro camera bodies, an extensive collections of lenses, flashes, battery packs and other peripheral equipment.<\/p>\n

Has shot hundreds of thousands of images and knows the equipment inside and out.<\/p>\n

Refreshes all equipment on an ongoing basis. Has all equipment cleaned, adjusted, and calibrated on an annual basis.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Backup Equipment<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Uncle Bob<\/span>:<\/strong><\/div>\n

Cell phone camera.<\/p>\n

Could borrow a point-and-shoot from another guest in a pinch.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Professional<\/span>:<\/strong><\/div>\n

Carries at LEAST one complete pro-level backup kit (camera\/lenses\/flash) in case of equipment failure.<\/p>\n

Most pros carry triple or more redundant systems because you just never know what could happen.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Post Production<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Uncle Bob<\/span>:<\/strong><\/div>\n

Uploads the images to his Flickr account.<\/p>\n

Some of them are crooked or not exposed properly.<\/p>\n

Burns the images to a CD.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Professional<\/span>:<\/strong><\/div>\n

Has invested thousands of dollars in high end computers and image editing software.<\/p>\n

Through years of experience has mastered the end-to-end workflow including capturing, downloading, culling, editing, uploading, burning, printing and album creation.<\/p>\n

Attended workshops on perfecting the image, removing blemishes, adjusting exposure, enhancing colors and contrast, and final presentation.<\/p>\n

Dedicated to creating heirloom quality images for your family to enjoy for generations.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Insurance<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]Uncle Bob<\/span>:<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Professional<\/span>:<\/strong><\/div>\n

Carries the proper business insurance including liability insurance.<\/p>\n

Some venues will not allow your photographer to shoot without a Certificate of Insurance. Even if they will, should a guest trip over a piece of the photographer\u2019s equipment, without proper liability insurance you could be financially responsible.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Contract<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Uncle Bob<\/span>:<\/strong><\/div>\n
Contract?<\/div>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Professional<\/span>:<\/strong><\/div>\n

Provides a contract which outlines all relevant facts on the services and products provided, and at what cost to the client.<\/p>\n

A good contract will help to reduce any misunderstandings between what the client thinks is included (8 hours, prints, album, etc.), and what the photographer promises to provide.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Prints &\u00a0Albums<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Uncle Bob<\/span>:<\/strong><\/div>\n

Gets his prints from Costco or Walmart.<\/p>\n

Unlikely to provide an album.<\/p>\n

If he does, his selection is limited because most high quality album produces only work with professional photographers.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Professional<\/span>:<\/strong><\/div>\n

Has access to the highest quality professional photo labs. These labs have professionally calibrated machines and use higher quality, thicker paper for their prints. They also offer more options for print finishes and surfaces.<\/p>\n

Works with high-end album manufacturers who only sell to professional photographers.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Some Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

There are NO re-dos in wedding photography<\/strong>. None!! Despite the perceived ease of digital photography, there is no margin for error when shooting a wedding. You have to anticipate moments over and over in uncontrolled lighting situations. You cannot recreate moments<\/strong> after the fact. You have to be alert, react, know your gear inside and out, and be everywhere… and have it all in the bag by midnight, when everyone turns back into pumpkins. Period.\u00a0 Uncle Bob? He\u2019s a nice guy with a good camera, but he\u2019s not a professional photographer. Anyone can buy the most expensive cookware available, that doesn\u2019t make them a Top Chef.<\/div>\n
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They say it takes 10,000 hours<\/strong> of doing something before you become world-class. If an average wedding is\u00a010 hours, that\u2019s 1,000 weddings. Perhaps not many of us have photographed 1,000 weddings, but no matter how many, I\u2019m pretty sure Uncle Bob lags way behind.<\/div>\n
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Based on his\/her experience a professional can handle unexpected situations<\/strong> and can give the couple advice prior to their wedding day regarding timetable, recommended family photos, etc. Uncle Bob (if he\u2019s a friend or relative) isn\u2019t very objective. An \u201coutsider\u201d is able to capture the day in the best objective way. A professional photographer can interact with everybody \u2013 from the small child to grandparents \u2013 often sensibility is required.<\/div>\n
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We’ve all heard stories of\u00a0couples scrambling to find last minute photographers with their weddings just weeks away<\/strong>. Why? Because they hired non-professional photographers who decided at the last minute they had better things to do that shoot their weddings. Professional photographers have contracts and agreements<\/strong> that protect BOTH parties. You are assured your photographer will actually show up for your wedding and not decide that because it\u2019s a sunny weekend, they\u2019d rather be hanging with their friends at a backyard BBQ.<\/div>\n
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The Every Last Detail blog:\u00a0\u201cI Took the Cheap Photographer Route<\/span>\u201d<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n

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\u00a0\u201c\u2026I made a mistake that I hope to prevent other brides from making. I took the cheap photographer route. I attribute this to the fact that when I was planning my wedding, I had no clue. The only resources I used were\u00a0The Knot and\u00a0Brides.com, because that\u2019s all I knew about\u2026Needless to say,\u00a0I\u2019m still pretty heartbroken about my lack of knowledge when I chose my photographer. Now that I look at amazing work from photographers every day, I know that my photos could have been so much better.<\/em>\u201d<\/div>\n
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\u201c\u2026So, while I\u2019d do a few aesthetic things differently if I was planning a wedding today, there\u2019s nothing I\u2019d go back and change \u2026 with one exception: I\u2019d invest half our wedding budget in photography\u2026.Photography was about 10% of our $5k budget, and if I had it all to do over again, I\u2019d make it half. That\u2019s my only regret.<\/em>\u201d<\/div>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Uncle Bob vs. A Professional Wedding\/Mitzvah Photographer We like Uncle Bob, we really do. He\u2019s a great guy and everyone loves being around him. He tells great jokes and can even do a few magic tricks at parties. He\u2019s the guy we all look forward to seeing at Thanksgiving.\u00a0\u00a0Uncle Bob rocks.\u00a0\u00a0But what do you say if he offers to photograph your wedding?\u00a0It sounds pretty good. He has a really expensive camera, and he says that he won\u2019t even charge you; it will be his wedding present!\u00a0Awesome. It sounds too good to be true! And it\u2019s totally understandable to consider it. After all, who wouldn\u2019t like to shave a few thousand dollars off their wedding budget? However\u2026 The problem with this scenario is that many clients have the\u00a0same expectations\u00a0of Uncle Bob as they do with the professional images they see in the wedding magazines. After all, anybody can be a photographer, right? And if that\u2019s true, why not save the money and put it towards something else? It\u2019s true that anyone can press a shutter, but it\u2019s a wholly different thing to have them deliver professional quality images at a wedding. Wedding photographer is considered by many to be one […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-12109","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jonnisuperphotography.com\/weddings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12109","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jonnisuperphotography.com\/weddings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jonnisuperphotography.com\/weddings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jonnisuperphotography.com\/weddings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jonnisuperphotography.com\/weddings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12109"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/jonnisuperphotography.com\/weddings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12109\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12123,"href":"https:\/\/jonnisuperphotography.com\/weddings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12109\/revisions\/12123"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jonnisuperphotography.com\/weddings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12109"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}