Professional Photographer Vs. No Photographer!

For me, photos are super important. That is how you're going to remember your special day. I think you should hire someone. When you look back at your photos, your going to want to make sure you have the best, high quality photos.

I am sorry to hear this is happening and that is so sad for your photographer. Does the photographer ever use someone as a second photographer that they can recommend. Or are there any colleges around you that has photography as a major? Maybe you can contact the head of the department and see if there are any students they would recommend to hire.

My aunt didn't have a professional photographer, she just put a disposable camera on each table. She told me she regrets not having a professional photographer because now she doesn't have any real nice wedding pictures to look back on.

Although we are cutting corners on some things, a photographer is the one thing we don't mind spending more money on. I'm also not sure if they can still develop disposable cameras. Agree with pp.

I'm sorry to hear this. Did your photographer give you contacts? I would still go with a pro.

Keep looking! Contact as many photographers in your area as possible, some may have had last minute cancellations. Can you ask your previous photographer for any recommendations she has? Did you check the vendor tab here to find more photographers you didn't contact before? Even look a little further away from your area to find more photographers that might be available.

I don't like recommending Thumbtack.com, because as a vendor, Thumbtack sucks, but as a customer, if you're in a crunch, it could be worth it. If you submit a request for a photography quote, you'll get up to 5 responses. If you consider any of them, research them thoroughly! Look at a lot of their work (ask to see full galleries), check and cross reference reviews on other websites, ask for previous references, etc. Please respond to any quotes you get (vendors have to pay a ridiculous amount of money to send quotes on there, so the least you can do is respond (even if it's to say thanks, but I decided on someone else)).

If you search and contact as many photographers as you can, you're bound to find someone (with hopefully great work that you love) who's available in a couple weeks. Good luck!

In November, you should be able to find someone good who is not booked. Ask your venue, your other vendors and your photographer. I'm surprised she didn't offer to help you find someone else; surely she knows all her competition in the area. If I had to drop out of a wedding in less than three weeks, you can bet I'd take responsibility for finding a replacement. IMHO, that's unprofessional.

Disposable cameras are a waste, and having 50 people taking photos is distracting at best.

Worst case scenario, if you can't find a pro, look for someone who photographs as a hobby or is in school for it. It'll probably be better than people who have no idea what they're doing and without pro equipment. Sorry you're having to adjust something big so late!

I have been to two weddings were they put out disposable cameras. It literally turn them the kids taking them and snapping pictures on night the Bride groom got nothing that they wanted. Honestly I know it's a month before your wedding you may have to stretch your budget a little bit not every photography in your area can be booked.

I understand your photographer has a good reason for needing to back out, but she should 100% have helped to find a replacement, or at least given you suggestions of who to talk to.

Disposable cameras take pictures that are really poor quality compared to smart phone cameras. It also costs money to develop the film, only to find very few good, usuable photos. I don't think it's worth it.

Either do as PPs are advising, or create a hashtag and encourage guests to take pictures. I vote the former.

I think you should at least attempt to find a photographer in your area, even if it is a student. You might be able to get a steep discount booking so close to the event, since they probably wouldn't be able to book that day otherwise.

If you can't find anyone, I would designate a friend or family member to be the photographer for all the special events (ceremony, first dace, posed photos, etc.).

I know it sucks to ask someone to work the day of your wedding but I think this is a special case.

For me no pictures would have been absolutely unacceptable. I would continue to keep hunting.

With it being Thanksgiving weekend, that will limit the number of photographers who are available. But, ask your venue and other vendors for recommendations. Search the Vendors tab here on WW. Don't bother with disposable cameras. They are an expensive (to buy & process) waste and you'll be lucky to get a dozen good photos.

I would definitely try and get a professional. I'm from Iowa as well. I would join the Iowa Facebook Wedding Groups and post that you are looking for a photographer for Thanksgiving weekend and that your other photographer cancelled. People seem to be able to find last minute vendors on there.

Definitely look for a photographer if you can and I second a student photographer in a pinch or someone who does commercial/other photography instead of weddings.

I'm just going to leave this here and hope that everyone considering an unprofessional photographer sees it:

http://petapixel.com/2016/11/03/chicago-tribune-sun-times-covers-world-series/

ETA: Photo

Hire a photographer

I wouldn't want to frame an iPhone photo with uncle bob in the background chugging a beer

I would hire a photographer, and agree with others to see if you can at the very least find someone who pursues photography as a hobby, or look for people who are just starting and need to build their portfolio.

I think you'd regret not getting a photographer