Professional Photographer Vs. No Photographer!

I would still look for a professional photographer or at the very least a student photographer. I once saw on here two pictures side by side, the same wedding, same camera, same moment, but one was shot by a professional while the other was not. The difference is just incredible. It really does make a difference. I wouldn't want to go without photographs either.

I think you will regret it if you don't. Even if you find a student photographer that would be better than nothing

Celia read my mind. Although your photographer's personal situation is tragic, she is a businesswoman and you can't just leave clients hanging a month before the event. They invested their trust and money in your business/professionalism, and I think she should give you a few names to contact. We have a reciprocal relationship with another local florist, and while we're technically each other's competition, we've both agreed to cover for each other if an emergency arises and we're temporarily out of the game. I can't imagine she doesn't know someone she can call.

In the meantime, use that refund to find a professional. You will seriously regret amateur photos.

Hire a professional - to me photos are so important

I think you will regret not hiring a photographer. Ask your photographer for recommendations. I don't like the idea of disposable cameras. The picture quality won't be as great and what if you don't get good shots? You will have mostly random shots and pictures of just the guests.

Professional photos were very important to me because you only have one shot to capture the day. I would suggest trying to hire someone else. Most non-photographers do not take good enough photos.

Not sure if you purchased wedding insurance but if you find a photographer that is a little more expensive than who you booked, it covers the difference (up to a certain price depending on policy) so your photographer dropping out would be covered.

But I definitely would keep looking! I'm sure there is someone who is available.

Don't give up hope of finding someone. I literally booked my videographer the week before the wedding because I had to have one and I decided last minute! You may get lucky. I agree with pp, your photographer should have some people she regularly works with. My photographer always pays a second shooter to help her out so no shots get missed.

Keep looking and ask for recommendations, don't even think of having guests work, tacky...and shitty snapshots are all you'd have left.

At minimum, put an ad on CL looking for one and open it up to college students majoring in photography looking to boost their portfolio. You'll be surprised at how many responses you get, then you get your pick in photographer. Ask that they include a link to their portfolio or samples of their work!!

A professional photographer will absolutely guarantee you get the shots you want.

While it's nice to see photos guests took with their own cameras or camera phones, the quality is not up to par with professional photography and you will not be guaranteed to receive the shots you want. Also, while I think the disposable camera route is cute (my mother did this for her second marriage), you have to keep track of those cameras and have them all developed. Again, you're also not guaranteeing quality photos or the photos you want; if I remember correctly, my mom's guests used those cameras seriously 30% of the time and took silly photos of each other for the remaining 70%. She enjoyed seeing their goofiness, but there weren't many photos of her and my step-father for her to enjoy; just a bunch of photos to laugh about when her friends came over for drinks.

I would definitely book a professional photographer.

Definitely find a replacement professional. I would not rely on your guests to take the pictures that you will frame in your household for years to come.

I really don't care about photography (probably only put up one or two favorites and the rest will just collect dust) but I would still say try to find a professional/student like pp's have mentioned.

Omg, no. Is this even a question??? Yes, you need a professional photographer!!! I think the photographer is the MOST important vendor at a wedding.

I would contact photographers now and tell them your situation and see if they can make it happen for you.

Sorry you are dealing with this. I would definitely try to hire another professional. I think this is super important to have memories of your day that are good quality.

I would try and find a photographer. This is a very important day and I would def want some high quality photos to remember such day.

Try a local college and ask if they have a program where students work at a discount.

We are doing that for our musicians in the ceremony and would have done their photography dept, but they are all booked up for a special event with the school. Wouldn't hurt to try.