The vast majority of photographers in the market are NOT full-time professional photographers; rather, many have other full-time occupations and they make their living elsewhere. They shoot on the side because they have an interest in photography and they may even be amateur photographers (this is particularly true of wedding photography). These photographers are not likely to have the investment of time, training, technique and even equipment, that full-time professional photographers would have invested in their profession.
Sadly, I frequently hear horror stories about people who have been heartbroken by and who have deeply regretted their decision to have their wedding photographed by so-called professional wedding photographers who were chosen solely on the basis of a lower price, only to have their priceless wedding memories lost forever.
On this very sad note, I wish to recount a recent event to you. I was contacted by a client who was inquiring about event photography coverage for a 5-hour anniversary celebration. Upon talking with him, I inquired as to what year anniversary he and his wife were celebrating. His response was their FIRST wedding anniversary. I was very surprised by his response. He paused and then went on to tell me that they had a wedding photographer who wasn’t very good and the pictures from their wedding were horrible. I could hear the tangible sadness and regret in his voice when he told me this. They were trying to make up for their lost wedding memories.
This actually happened to me TWICE in that ONE week. Although I gained two event photography bookings, I would much rather have photographed their weddings properly in the first place, and they would not feel the need to undertake the expense of another wedding celebration so soon after their weddings in an attempt to compensate for their failed wedding photography.
The point that I want to make abundantly clear to you is that your wedding photography is the single most important investment that you will make in your wedding planning and preparations. Without it, you will have nothing to keep to remember your wedding for the rest of your life. That is a very heavy burden indeed to carry. I cannot stress this enough.
According to Weddings Insights, an industry publication of WeddingWire, over 80% of wedding photographers in the Toronto area are part-time photographers. Your wedding is a singular event in your lives that simply cannot be recreated. Do you really want to trust capturing that moment to someone who only works part-time as a photographer?
The reality is this. Because these part-time photographers have full-time jobs elsewhere, they have their primary source of income covered. Because of this, they are able to offer their services to you at a lower price by undercutting the market. However, this lower price actually comes at a real cost to you, as you will not only be receiving an inferior product, you may even lose your precious moments forever. In photography, as in life, you invariably get what you pay for. Remember, you only get one chance to capture the priceless memories of your wedding day; there are no do-overs.
My Difference
My photography has been internationally recognized by Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) and by other photography institutions and publications. I am also a proud member of Nikon Professional Services (NPS), which is a global accreditation program for FULL-TIME professional Nikon photographers. In order to qualify as a member of this program, you must demonstrate that you meet several professional standards. First, the program is only open to full-time professional photographers, no exception. Second, you must demonstrate that you have a consistent and professional body of work. Finally, you must also prove that you have professional quality equipment, including both primary and backup gear. Because of this accreditation, I am able to travel worldwide as a working professional photographer with the full backing of Nikon.
I have been a full-time professional photographer for 5 years and this is how I make my living. Photography is my life. After having studied with some of the best photographers in the world and spending countless hours honing my craft, I have developed a unique style and a large body of consistent, professional level work, which is readily evident in every picture that I take.
When you engage me to photograph your wedding, you can be confident that you will have your special day captured in a professional manner in my unique style for a lifetime of enjoyment and cherished memories by you and your family. That is your investment when you choose me as your wedding photographer. What is that worth to you?
