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Dedicated March 2022

Photographer Help!

Alyssa, on May 5, 2021 at 5:02 PM Posted in Planning 0 11

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We just got our engagement pictures taken (over a year late cause of COVID) by our photographer. He’s pretty old and he’s a friend doing this for free, as a work trade with my fiancée. He’s a famous Route 66 photographer, but my hesitancy is I wasn’t sure if he could do well photographing people. When we got these back, I obviously loved them (we don’t get many photos taken of us), but I’m concerned they aren’t truly professional quality. Am I just being a perfectionist?
Also, he didn’t know how to direct any poses or anything, so I had to direct the entire shoot. I’m just wondering if we should look for someone else to photograph our wedding or do you think this would be manageable?? Photographer Help! 1

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11 Comments

Latest activity by Cool, on May 6, 2021 at 5:21 PM

Master September 2020
Nicole · on May 5, 2021 at 5:06 PM
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They are great pictures of you and your fiancé! However, I would agree that they don't look very professional. If photography is important to you, I think it would be in your best interest to hire a professional photographer for your wedding. This is an event that you won't be able to recreate and you don't want to look back and wish you had spent money on a professional after the fact.
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Dedicated June 2021
Blair · on May 5, 2021 at 5:10 PM
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These are really nice. If you don't mind directing the poses then I would stick with him.
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Champion July 2019
Veronica · on May 5, 2021 at 5:18 PM
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I think they look fine for every day photos, but these aren't every day photos. This is your wedding and you'll hopefully only be married once so I would recommend hiring a professional wedding photographer. You don't want to worry about directing someone on your wedding day or if you will like how they turn out.
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Expert March 2023
Catherine · on May 5, 2021 at 5:39 PM
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They look great, honestly.
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Savvy May 2021
Kreshelle · on May 5, 2021 at 6:13 PM
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These are beautiful pics!!!
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Savvy May 2022
Gc · on May 5, 2021 at 6:14 PM
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I think these are very nice pics, and I think what you feel matters most!! Do what you’re happy with
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Master January 2019
Cassidy · on May 5, 2021 at 8:53 PM
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These are nice. But not fantastic (except that 2nd one, wow!). I would choose someone else for the wedding if photography is important to you. If not, I think you’ll get fine photos. If you stick with him I’d sit down with him before hand and show him poses you like and provide a shot list with as much detail you can. That way he knows ahead of time and isn’t looking to you for direction on your wedding day.
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Champion December 2022
Michelle · on May 5, 2021 at 9:02 PM
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I think they look awesome. Not sure what is bad or mediocre about them. However you don’t want to be one directing the photographer because you will not be in the mindset to do that, so look for someone who is skilled in working with weddings. Take a look at ‘yourcityweddingphotographer’ on Instagram.
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August 2021
Natalie · on May 6, 2021 at 6:01 AM
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Well, these photos are nice but I think you want to be on the safe side, thus looking for another photographer for the wedding really makes sense, just to avoid worrying on the big day. Directing the whole thing is fine at the ordinary photo shoot but not at the wedding. I'm sure this guy is great but I'd go for someone who has a wedding photography skill set, not just some general photography knowledge. Trust me, while everything could easily be fixed in Photoworks afterwards, that's not something you'd want to do after getting the pictures!
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WeddingWire Administrator October 2016
Lynnie · on May 6, 2021 at 2:40 PM
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These photos are really beautiful Alyssa, but I definitely get what you're saying!
It's definitely beneficial to have a wedding photographer who can help guide you through poses, knows all the wedding photography tips & tricks, can help you with your wedding day timeline, and can even help you wrangle your bridal party and family for group shots!! There's a lot of wedding-specific knowledge, and it sounds like you'll feel more at ease with a wedding pro at the helm!
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Super July 2020
Cool · on May 6, 2021 at 5:21 PM
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These are nice photos, but not very professional looking. I’d hire someone who focuses on portraits/weddings.
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