The Differences Between A Non-Professional Photographer and A Professional Wedding Photographer Are Important When Planning Your Wedding

It sometimes seems like there is at least one family member in every family that owns a digital single-lens reflex camera. This camera separates the user from the point and shoot digital camera you can buy at any shopping center.  Thus, the term “photographer” gets thrown around rather loosely. This by no means is meant to discredit anyone who does photography as a hobby – and does it well– or is pursuing dreams of having their own photography business one day. Rather, it ultimately boils down to who you are going to trust to capture the best images on your big day.  Leesburg, Virginia wedding photographer, Anne Lord, has years of experience capturing beautiful engagement and wedding photographs. With this experience she shares a few points to help differentiate the everyday photographer from a wedding photographer.

1.  Varying Skill Set

With many types of photography, from portraits to product photographers, typically most photographers specialize in one area. However, a wedding photographer needs to be able to understand a variety of forms of photography and perform them all in one day. For example, a wedding photographer must understand how to shoot the bride in any type of light or room while she is getting her hair and makeup ready while also photographing the finer details of the wedding day like the dress, the flowers, shoes, jewelry. One minute it’s a portrait of people and the next a shot of still life.

A wedding photographer must also be savvy about timelines to keep up with the schedule (or lack of) and roll with the higher stress levels of the day. At the same time, a good wedding photographer goes along with the flow of the wedding to capture those special moments and play along with the fun of the day.

2.  Client Focused

You are unique, and every wedding client is different. Each wedding client requires a special type of relationship. You are not just hiring a wedding photographer for a portrait shoot, you want someone to document one of the most amazing days of your life, and there are no do-overs. You are not looking for just a few images, or to capture that “money shot”. Most brides are going to have a vision for their big day, a wedding story to be told, and as a Leesburg, Virginia wedding photographer, Anne Lord can take your vision and give you realistic expectations for what you want!

3.  Industry Knowledge

Anyone can pick up a camera and figure out how to point and shoot, but wedding photographers know how to collaborate and communicate with other industry professionals. With 19 years as an experienced Leesburg, Virginia photographer and wedding photographer, Anne Lord has been involved in many weddings and knows the surrounding area’s wedding industry. With this knowledge, she can point you in the right directions to other wedding vendors who fit your style (DJ’s, cake decorators, florists, etc.).

When it comes to entrusting someone to photograph your wedding, make sure you are choosing someone who also knows weddings. It is a lot more than portraits, details, or photojournalism. It means being able to handle all different facets of photography and creating a cohesive story using images to communicate who the bride and groom are and what makes this day so special to them.

Capture once-in-a-lifetime-moments with Anne Lord

Your wedding day is going to fly by quickly. With years of experience as a wedding photographer, Anne Lord goes above and beyond to prepare for the big day and to capture the unique story of every wedding. Browse her wedding portfolio to get a better idea of her work. Are you ready to discuss your big day? Contact Anne at 703-435-5292 or anne@annelordphotography.com and let’s talk about it.