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Do I really need a wedding photographer?
- Mayou Gagnon-Larivière
- Aug 18
- 3 min read
Well, obviously, as a wedding photographer, I'm a little biased in my opinion, you might say. However, with the quality of cell phone cameras or the automatic mode of cameras in general, the question really arises. Moreover, it is completely normal for individuals who are not involved in the wedding world to not see the work of the professional photographer in its entirety.
A question of priority
Weddings are, in most cases, a huge investment of time and money. So, unless you have a large budget, it's perfectly normal to make certain choices and prioritize certain expenses based on what's important to you as a couple. For example, if you're both foodies, you might place a lot of importance on choosing your caterer and menu. And this may be to the detriment of the centerpieces.
So, your budget, but also your desires and values, will play a role in planning your wedding day. As with any other aspect of your wedding, I can therefore understand that for some people, photography services may not be a priority.
Although it is a personal choice that I respect, let me show you why, in my opinion, wedding photos are an undeniable must (undeniable, certain, indisputable and all possible synonyms!)
A concrete and timeless memory
This argument is certainly not a surprise to your ears (or rather to your eyes, I should say). But it cannot be refuted. Besides a video service, photos are truly the only investment that will last over time! Even if you taste the best meal of your life (and I hope so!), it will only last for the duration of the meal, and if your bouquet of flowers wows your guests, they will unfortunately end up wilting.
Your photographs, however, will last and you will be able to return to them again and again to remember the highlights of your day, but also the little details that made it so unique. As much for you as for your guests, your loved ones and perhaps even your children and grandchildren!
A precious opportunity
On the one hand, we usually only get married once, so this is already an extremely precious event. However, I want to highlight a reasoning that, in my experience, few people consider. Your wedding is a golden opportunity to have photos of all the people who matter most to you, at no extra cost.
Indeed, having photographed families or large groups of people outside of weddings, I know how difficult it is to plan a photoshoot that fits everyone's schedule and obligations. A wedding is therefore an incredible opportunity to bring all these beautiful people together for hassle-free family photos (plus everyone is already dressed to the nines).
Also, it's an opportunity to capture the comforting smile of your great-aunt who doesn't get out much or the chance to have tangible memories with your distant family who traveled for the occasion!
Much more than photos
I can't speak for all photographers, but for me and many other professional photographers being a wedding photographer is much more than taking and editing images!
Indeed, as much as I love more than anything being behind the camera and documenting every aspect of your day, it is important for me to offer a more complete, but above all more human experience. As a professional who has attended dozens of weddings, I have seen many situations and I am equipped to face them and ensure that your day goes smoothly, without additional stress! I also accompany you in the planning of your day and am there to give you advice and answer your questions whether it is a year before your big day or in the 24 hours preceding it.
No regrets
I repeat myself, but I know, from seeing it in each of my couples, how much wedding planning is an exciting process, but also very intense and demanding. And when the time comes for the wedding, I see the bride and groom being so moved by the result of their efforts and facing this celebration of their love! I find it so important to keep an authentic and concrete memory of the result of all your investments and thus not to regret not having magnificent images of this very important day!
Hoping that my opinion as a photographer can complement yours and allow you to make an informed choice regarding the importance you give to your wedding photos!
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