Professional Photographer vs. Hobbyist
Hiring a Professional Wedding Photographer vs. a hobbyist Matters More Than Ever
In a world where everyone seems to own a "nice camera" and offers photography on the side, it can be overwhelming for engaged couples to figure out who they can actually trust with one of the most important days of their lives. But here’s the truth: your wedding photographer isn’t just someone with a camera they’re the person responsible for preserving the memories, emotions, and story of your day for generations to come.
Not All Photographers Are Created Equal
The wedding photography industry has seen a huge influx of part-time hobbyists and gig photographers in recent years. These are people who may enjoy photography as a side hustle or passion project, but they don’t operate as full-time professionals—and that distinction matters more than most couples realize.
A hobbyist may have a decent camera (often referred to as a prosumer or consumer-grade camera), but that doesn’t make them a professional. A true professional has professional quality cameras, lenses, & lighting. They also bring much more than just gear to the table. They bring experience, preparation, professionalism, and the ability to handle any situation that arises, whether it’s unpredictable lighting, a sudden timeline change, or high-pressure moments.
What Sets a Professional Apart
A full-time professional wedding photographer with years of experience has likely photographed well over 150-300+ weddings. They’ve dealt with rainstorms, last-minute ceremony changes, dimly lit venues, chaotic family dynamics—you name it, they’ve seen it. That experience is critical to making sure your wedding day runs smoothly and your images are everything you hoped for.
Professionals also come prepared with:
Backup equipment (because things can break!)
Contracts and liability insurance to protect both you and them
Second photographers or assistants for added coverage
Proper workflows and backups to ensure your images are delivered safely and on time
In short, a true professional's livelihood depends on consistently delivering great service and results. They have real accountability - unlike hobbyists, who often have no true consequences if they don’t show up, underdeliver, or disappear entirely after the wedding.
The Risk of “Too Good to Be True” Pricing
We completely understand that budget is always a consideration, and it’s tempting to go with someone who offers a crazy low price. But ask yourself: why is their price so low? In most cases, it’s because they’re inexperienced, under-equipped, or not running a legitimate business.
Sadly, we’ve heard far too many stories of couples who never received their photos, received blurry or poorly edited images, or were ghosted entirely after their wedding day. By the time you realize the mistake, the moment is gone forever.
Your Wedding Deserves More
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event. There simply are no do-overs. Your photographer isn’t just taking pictures. Aside from often managing the entire flow of the day they’re capturing the story of your love, your emotions, your people, your once-in-a-lifetime memories. This is one of the most important days of your life and you deserve the best!
That’s why we recommend working with a professional photographer who has at least 5–10 years of wedding experience and a proven track record of 100+ weddings. Someone whose entire business is built around serving couples, preserving memories, and delivering not just beautiful images—but an exceptional experience from start to finish.
Final Thought
You’re investing in more than just photos. You’re investing in peace of mind, in professionalism, in someone who will show up early, stay late, and do everything they can to make your day unforgettable. Don’t leave something so important in the hands of someone who treats it like a side hustle or doesn’t care about you.
If you’re currently planning your wedding and unsure what to look for in a photographer, we’d love to talk with you about how we approach the wedding day experience and what sets our studio apart. Reach out to Brodie Ledford Studios anytime—we’re here to answer your questions, share our work, and help you feel completely confident in one of the biggest decisions you’ll make during the wedding planning process.
We look forward to chatting!
Brodie & Dara
Brodie Ledford Studios