Do many amateur photographers underestimate how important wedding pictures are?

Answer 1

I think everyone underestimates pro photographers importance and skill.

That is until:
a) You are a pro photographer
b) Paid the lowest bidding photographer and got the lowest quality in return.

Answer 2

Every yahoo walking around with a digital camera is calling himself a Photographer. Looking at someones website isn't enough research because the pics on there can be copied and pasted from some place else. You can barely trust a portfolio you can put your hands on. You're better off using someone who has pics of a person you actually know. That way you know the pics are real. Why should amateurs care? They get most (or all) of the money up front, and the customer cant do much about it. And just because someone is expensive, it doesn't mean that they'll be good.

Answer 3

I think some amateur photogs over estimate their abilitys, and the non-sense that goes along with some weddings.

As a hotel manager, hosting ceremonys and receptions, I dont think most pros are that much better than good amateurs, when it comes to recording these events.

The more pros you throw into these events, ie photogs, coordinators, entertainers, etc..., everyone thinking they are in charge, the closer a wedding comes to imploding.

Little girls, even in this day and age of social equality, grow up dreaming of their wedding day, and see nothing but high end treatments in the news and magazines. They plan for the best, and throw tantrums if they dont get everything. Parents seem to feel OK catering to the whims of their little girls "special" day, many spending a years salary on the "event". Quality doesnt seem to mean much, but its got to be "BIG" and pricey seems to be "BEST".

And after all of that, how many have the social and personal skills to get thru 5 years of marriage.

Weddings are not important. Commitment is. Family developement is. Weddings are no more important than a birthday, even if that marriage lasts 65 years. The wedding is not going to make the commitment successful.

Sorry if I got off topic a bit.

Answer 4

Keep in mind, 60% of all wedding end in divorce, so memories at best are going to be devalued when one or more parties have been through the wedding experience previously.

The biggest issue is how the bride and groom value the visual component of their wedding day. Some people are all about the one-time experience, others are about the preservation of the event and sharing it with those who couldn't attend or who have placed a high value on the images (i.e. parents, relatives).

The only ones you need to please is the person who is paying for the photographic coverage of the event, so listen carefully to what they have to say and provide them with what they want to see. If it is less than what you want to provide, don't even accept the assignment.

Answer 5

I think it's the BRIDES who underestimate the value of wedding photographs, that is until they get crappy ones because they went cheap. Then they realize that the dress is in storage, the food and drink are down the crapper, the music and dancing is a memory and what they have left is their photos and they got what they paid for.

Answer 6

Most do. I don't. I shot a few weddings for friends attheir request but I always suggest a pro. My stepson hired a pro for his recent wedding and that was a smart move.

The definition of pro to me is getting the shot every time, regardless of difficulties. If a person can't do that they're not a real pro. Getting paid for your work is not enough to make a pro.

Answer 7

Not this one. So important were my wedding photos that I decided there was no way i was going to sign them away to some stranger to keep my memories in his or her vault. I got friends to take as many pictures as possible. Good photography friends that is, and the negs, and prints are all mine, forever.

Answer 8

Yes

Answer 9

I'm sure they do but that's what my Family dose so I don't. also photo editing is good to go with it!