Qualified to do the job
A professional photographer earned a solid piece of paper that makes him/her confidently take on a wedding photo shoot, opposed to a family member with no experience. Besides the fact that they have a technical understanding of photography (angles, positioning etc.), your memories are safe with them – their equipment is not likely to “suddenly” start giving problems, something that can very easily happen to a friend or family member. You are investing so much into this day: Time, money, emotions – why take a risk with the only sure thing that can take you on a trip down memory lane years from now?

A professional service
This professional service includes much more than the “taking of photos” – professional wedding photographers give advice, make suggestions and share their experiences (they know what would work and what would not). Their services include: A meeting prior to the wedding day to exchange ideas and find out exactly what you have in mind; Professionalism and experience that will put you at ease during the photo shoot; Developing and editing of your photos, as well as the end result - your precious, personalised wedding album.

Walking advert
A photographer’s next job is largely based on his/her previous wedding shoot. Word of mouth is a powerful selling tool and if the bride and groom were happy with their photographer's performance, they are likely to recommend him/her to friends that are looking for a wedding photographer. It is therefore in the photographer’s best interest to slave away and produce photos that would leave you breathless.

Extensive experience
Not everyone has the magic to turn a shy bride into a total exhibitionist! Because of their extensive experience they know how to handle different types of people and situations with grace. Weather is also something that professional photographers have experience with - Wind or rainy weather will definitely not leave a professional all flustered!

Equipment
A great shot isn’t just a click away if you are sitting with a tiny digital camera which produces low resolution pics! Yes, your cousin can probably record the whole event faithfully, but there is just no comparison. A professional’s equipment is in excellent condition and of top standard - it’s not just a hobby but his/her bread and butter, they rely on their equipment to produce great photos.

Creative eye
Whilst posing in the garden in front of the bougainvillea (with the Poodle in the background) might do it for some, most couples rely on a professional photographer’s creative eye to get some good shots - they look at a situation and can immediately “see” the end result and the look they would like to capture.

Bag of tricks
A professional is usually up to date with the latest trends and can suggest different techniques and styles that you probably haven’t considered whilst planning for your Big Day. Because they eat, sleep and breathe photography, they are constantly looking for new ways to improve themselves, to learn yet another trick, which of course is all for your benefit.

Editing of photos
Not only do they produce excellent photos, they go a step further by editing some of your masterpieces - the good news is that this is all included in your package! This add-on is something a family member or friend won’t be able to do without the necessary experience. When editing your photos they might change the reality of the photo i.e. enhancing the sky to be cobalt blue, changing the colour of an object or softening a certain feature.

Flexible to suit your pocket
Most photographers are quite flexible and will recommend a package or part thereof to suit your pocket. If you’re working with an extremely tight budget that doesn’t really allow for a professional photographer, but you still want quality photos, they might suggest only covering a certain part of the wedding to cut costs. This way you stay faithful to your budget but still get exactly what you want (yes, it’s all about you!).

Wedding Album
You don’t just get handed a pack of photos with a “there you go” pat on the back - Most wedding photographers supply you with a beautiful wedding album which is something you can treasure forever! They compile your album with creative flair, alternating between sizes and colour, personalising it with love quotes or poems to suit your style and personality.