I've been asked a lot why newly engaged couples should hire a professional wedding photographer. There is always someone there who is willing to take the shots during your big day so why make the investment? I've got to thinking and here are my reasons:

1. A professional photographer knows the shots to take.  There a certain shots that just make the moment shine and with years of experience a professional photog knows exactly when and how to take them.

2. A professional photographer knows posing.  After many sessions, practice, and even being taught themselves professional photographers know how to make you comfortable in this uncomfortable situation.  The dress is heavy, it may be hot or too cold, and yet your shots will still come out great! Taking the photos should be fun and the poses should be comfortable.

3. One word:light. Light can be the greatest challenge to a photographer. It will make or break your lasting wedding photographs and a professional has the training and experience to make light work for you. I have photographed in the darkest halls and the brightest Las Vegas days and every time I've had to judge my shots carefully.

4. My favourite skill is the special moments. A professional photographer needs to know how to anticipate those tender moments and capture them on film.  I not only take traditional wedding pose photos but I also take the spur of the moment cute shots. A professional knows where they need to be to take that amazing shot, you know, the one of you and your new spouse laughing with the little niece getting cake all over.  It's the spontaneous moments that you remember and it's those moments you want on film.

5. And finally #5: editing. Professional photographers have training in not only taking the shot but what to do when the day is done. The wedding was great, memorable, and finally over...now the work begins.  A professional spends hours creating the images making them exactly how you dreamed they would be.  Not only must a professional edit the images but they must make sure those images are safe and not going to escape into the digital black hole. 

Being a wedding photographer is the best job in the world! I get to enjoy that special day with you and eat cake...magical! I figured these top 5 reasons would answer some questions so have at it, while planning your wedding don;t forget the photographer!