There will be moments on your wedding day that can’t be repeated; you want them to be cherished forever. Professionals have experience and know exactly how to capture them.

Anyone can buy a camera, but only an experienced wedding photographer will unlock its full potential. Here are seven reasons why you should hire an expert:.

They’re Professionals

A professional knows the ins and outs of their camera and understands lighting, posing, composition and editing. It’s their superpower and it makes them uniquely capable of delivering the wedding gallery you have always dreamed of.

When looking through a photographer’s portfolio make sure to keep an eye out for consistency in their style. A common red flag is when the skin tone in photos changes, filters are applied to different images or the color of greenery looks a little off in one picture but not in another.

It’s also important to ask about their experience and how they deal with challenging situations. A good pro can remain calm and handle any curveballs that may come their way. It’s an easy way to gauge their personality and confidence.

They Have the Right Equipment

Professional wedding photographers invest thousands of dollars in state-of-the-art equipment that is capable of producing stunning images that will stand the test of time. This includes everything from cameras to lighting and editing software. While it may seem like any fancy camera will do the trick, a skilled photographer understands lighting, posing, and editing better than anyone else.

They also know how to handle situations that can be challenging for everyone involved, such as when the bride runs late or when the weather changes unexpectedly. Choosing someone who has strong communication skills will help keep everyone calm throughout the day and ensure that every important moment is captured.

They’re Creative

Choosing a photographer that is able to capture every moment and make it feel natural is important. You want a pro who will be able to work with your unique personality and help you shine on your wedding day.

You can get a sense for their creativity from their portfolio. But make sure you ask to see full galleries from real weddings rather than just styled shoots or social media highlight reels. Also, ask about their process and approach to ensure that their style aligns with yours.

Another question Forsberg recommends asking is how they handle unforeseen circumstances on the day of. This can give you clarity around whether they will be able to keep you calm and on track when things go wrong.

They Have a Winning Personality

A successful wedding photographer must be comfortable interacting with people. This is especially important when working with brides, grooms and their families. It is important to empathize with them and understand the sentiment behind a glance, hug or handshake – something that will live on in their photos forever.

Wedding photographers often work with a second shooter or assistant and may be on their feet all day, without breaks. It is important that they are able to stay calm and positive under pressure.

Before choosing a wedding photographer, ask for full galleries from real weddings (not just stylized shoots) and testimonials. Also, be sure to consider their brand values and personality. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time with them on one of the most important days of your life.

They’ll Capture Every Moment

The best wedding photos are filled with emotion and evoke a sense of place. A professional photographer will know how to capture the most important moments in a way that makes them truly special.

The right photographer will also understand how lighting nuances affect the look of images, and help you plan your day around natural light. For example, the golden hour (the time just before sunset) is the ideal time to capture romantic and ethereal shots.

A good photographer will make sure to photograph all the intricate details that tell your wedding story, from the delicate lace of your dress to the intricate designs on your cake. They’ll also be able to catch candid interactions between you and your loved ones, as well as capture emotional reactions from your guests.