TEN REASONS NOT TO HIRE A FRIEND FOR A PHOTOGRAPHER
Hiring a photographer can typically range to be an expensive part of any wedding experience because it is memorializing a once in a lifetime moment. It can be intimidating and it may feel less intimidating to go for a family friend or a cheaper alternative. There's nothing wrong with going with that route however remember cheap isn't always great, and great isn't always cheap. Saving money can at times cost you more by not being able to rectify the decision made.
I once had a friend choose a friend over booking myself or another photographer to save money. In doing so the change in professionalism was night and day. I attended to protect my friend because initially I was going to gift my services if they had reached out to me. Time progressed and I attended their wedding and I saw their hired photographer sitting in the audience with a camera in hand in the back. That alone raised a lot of red flags because a photographer should be dynamic and always moving to capture multiple angles in a wedding. His camera was ill equipped for the lighting, nor did he have the lens that could get the perfect angle so thankfully I was able to save their wedding experience by providing myself as backup. Sometimes a friend is only a friend that has no photography experience. That doesn't mean that there are groomsmen or brides that have friends that are professionals. This is only in reference to anyone thinking to hire a non professional. Lets get started now.
Equipment
1. Do they have the right gear?
Photographing a wedding involves dynamic changes in light, weather, and most importantly movement. If you don't have the right equipment you can fall short of capturing what is necessary. Do they have a full frame camera that works well in daylight and nighttime? Do they have at least a 24-70 lens and 70-200 mm lens for wide and close ups which is the staple for most weddings? Do they have back up gear in case gear fails? Planning is vital in success.
Friend Vs Employee
2. Professionalism
You are working with someone that you hired which means they have a job to do. Often times when friends are hired, their work ethic goes out the window. This affects time for delivery, priority on paid work vs free work, and lastly awkward tension because now the friendship is at risk. I once saw a friend of the groom make the groom work for him while preparing shots by making him carry heavy equipment instead of his employees and to me that is unacceptable. Your day is to be magical.
Worth
3. Is MONEY involved?
Friends want to be hired in good faith to save you money. The issue here is that although the intentions are pure the result can become a disaster. A clear conversation needs to be held if you are hiring a friend. When you hire a professional you agree to a package, whereas when you work with a friend the answer can be vague such as "pay me what you can" or the photos are unedited or the friend realizes that taking hundreds of photos requires a lot more time than they signed up for affecting delivery time.
Peace of Mind
4. Contracts Provide Peace
Talking with friends can be vague and ambiguous however when working with a professional you have clear set expectations of the process. What if before the shoot is over you get into a disagreement and now your photos are held ransom? Or he has another priority and has to cancel for various reasons? Sign a professional contract and reserve a date with a professional to provide peace of mind during the planning of your shoot.
Quality vs Quantity
5. Do you like their photos?
Taking pictures is more than just snapping every second hoping for the best. There is composition involved. Depth of field, lighting, creativity as well as professional expertise of the dynamic range a camera can or can't do. A kodak camera vs a full frame DSLR. You may not like the images your friend did. They might be blurry, lack composition, dark, white balance is off or just grainy. Some clients prefer 100 solid images over 5 thousand disasters.
Pressure
6. How well do they work under pressure?
A long wedding can affect performance depending on what time slot you booked your friend for. Have they been exposed to a 6 to 10 hour wedding? Do they have the stamina? Do they have plans for failures? Weather changes? Equipment failure? Reliable form of transportation? (not everyone drives, some would risk ubering when time is sensitive). Do they have other engagements? Someone gets in the way during the ceremony are they vocal?
New Vision
7. Can you fire them?
When you book a friend often times you don't want to have the conversation that you actually decided to go with someone else. Maybe you saw their potential work and realized it may be a mistake. Maybe you decided not to go with a photographer. You pay for reservation fees with most professionals so if there were any changes it should be outlined in the contract. One again clear guidelines and direction are there.
Money or Friendship
8. Is your friendship worth risking?
When you hire a friend they will not be able to really consume the experience. They will be tackled with the responsibility of working through it so they don't have time for your usual conversations or pictures. Do you want to separate one friend to save money? I had a friend purposely not hire me so I can experience his wedding as one of his best friends and I'd have to say it was a memorable experience not having to shoot another friends wedding and instead be an attendee.
Liability
9. Insurance
Friends don't typically have insurance on their belongings. A professional should have insurance on his gear. What if gear was stolen? Protect yourself so that way the cost doesn't affect your pocket any more than it needs to. If items were stolen a professional will have insurance to cover the loss where as from a friend it will have to come out of pocket.