So, you’re planning your wedding, and after you’ve recovered from the shock of what flowers, cakes, and chair covers cost, you take a look at wedding photographers and think, "Wait…what!? For a few hours of pictures?!" But before you pop that Prosecco and start asking your cousin with the iPhone if they’re “any good with portrait mode,” let me explain why wedding photography is an investment you won’t regret.

1. You're Not Just Paying for a Button-Pusher

If you think wedding photographers just show up, snap a few pics, and call it a day, then my friend, you've been misled. Professional wedding photographers are basically time-traveling ninjas with cameras, capturing moments you didn’t even realize were happening. That romantic glance? Snap. Grandma grooving on the dance floor? Snap. The flower girl deciding she’s had enough and face-planting into her flower basket? Snap.

Years of experience and an eagle-eye for those blink-and-you-miss-it moments are what you're really paying for. And trust me, your cousin Steve isn’t going to nail it like a pro.

2. The "One Day Myth"

Sure, the wedding lasts one day, but the photographer’s work doesn’t. Oh no, no, no. After we’ve shot your big day, we head home, crack open the energy drinks, and begin The Great Edit. It’s a marathon of going through thousands (yes, thousands) of photos, picking the absolute best ones, then working our editing magic so you don’t look like a sweaty mess during the speeches, takes hours upon hours to go through and polish these gems, so when you look back at your photos, you’ll see nothing but perfection—and probably be glad that one uncle’s questionable dance moves didn’t make the final cut.

3. The Gear is Expensive. Like, Really Expensive

You know how people say “the best camera is the one you have with you”? That’s adorable, but also wildly inaccurate. The best camera is actually the one that costs as much as a small car. And then there are the lenses, lighting, memory cards, backups, and enough spare batteries to power a small village. All this high-tech wizardry means your photographer can handle anything your wedding throws at them—from dimly lit venues to Uncle Bob’s “no flash, no problem” demands.

4. Insurance and Backups, Because Life Happens

You know who loves a good disaster? No one. Except maybe a wedding photographer, because we come prepared. We’ve got backup cameras, extra lenses, spare batteries, and probably a small first aid kit for when the best man inevitably hurts himself showing off his dance moves. We also have insurance in case some wedding shenanigans take out a camera (or two).

You’re paying for peace of mind, so that no matter what happens, you’ll have gorgeous photos. Trust me, we’ve seen it all—yes, even when the cake was supposed to be gluten-free.

5. It’s Not Just Photos, It’s Art

Sure, anyone can take a photo, but it takes skill and creativity to capture that golden hour kiss or that epic shot of your ring bearer mid-run like he’s in an action movie. Wedding photography is a blend of art, science, and straight-up magic. We’re not just documenting the day; we’re turning it into a visual story you’ll want to relive again and again—without your nan asking why you didn’t invite Aunt Sue.

6. We’re Your Day’s Ultimate Wingman

Need someone to fluff your dress? We’ve got you. Bouquet drooping? We’ll fix it. Groom looking a little too nervous? We’ll crack a joke to lighten the mood. Wedding photographers are more than just silent observers—we’re basically your extra bridesmaid (or groomsman), capturing all the fun and stepping in to make sure everything looks picture-perfect.

7. Your Photos Are Forever

Let’s be real: the cake gets eaten, the flowers wilt, and you’ll eventually wonder why you spent so much on those monogrammed napkins. But your photos? They’re going to live on for generations. Your wedding album will be the thing you pass down to your kids, your grandkids, and maybe even a museum (hey, dream big!).

Hiring a professional photographer means you're investing in capturing the moments that matter most—so when you look back, you're reminded of all the laughter, love, and happy tears from your special day.

Final thoughts

Sure, wedding photography may seem pricey, but when you break it down, you're investing in way more than just some pictures. You're hiring someone who will turn your day into a masterpiece, someone who’ll make sure all the best moments are captured and all the weird moments are (lovingly) edited out. So, before you start browsing for a “cheap alternative,” remember: you don’t want to spend your first wedding anniversary scrolling through blurry shots from Aunt Linda’s old digital camera. Get yourself a pro—it’s worth it.And hey, if you want a photographer who’ll blend in with your guests, capture the magic, and maybe even do a little dance while doing it, give me a shout. I promise, it'll be worth every penny!

Available in the UK but local to Leeds, Manchester, Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire