“Why Being a Wedding Photographer Might Just Be the Hardest Job Ever (And What Your Photographer Wishes You Knew)”
Let’s set the record straight: being a wedding photographer is definitely not a walk in the park. Sure, everyone loves the gorgeous photos that magically appear after the big day, but behind every stunning shot is a whirlwind of chaos, stress, and, let’s be honest, a few borderline dramatic moments. You might think your photographer is just there to snap some pretty pictures, but let’s get real—they’re doing so much more than that.
Picture this: your photographer shows up at 8 AM to capture the bride putting on her dress. But wait—before they can even start, they’ve already been hit by a flurry of questions from your aunt asking where the bathrooms are, your cousin wondering if they can really wear flip-flops, and your uncle Bob (you know the one) asking if they’ve "got a good lens for sunsets"—as if that’s the most important thing happening right now.
And that’s just before the ceremony. After they’ve survived the family portrait marathon (no, they can’t just "squeeze in" one more shot of Aunt Carol and her weirdly large hat), they still need to sprint to the reception hall for those first dance photos, all while trying not to step on the flower girl who’s currently in the middle of a full-blown meltdown because she refuses to "walk down the aisle with THAT flower basket."
And don’t even get us started on the reception. Your photographer is working overtime while you’re sipping champagne and cutting cake. They’re darting through the crowd, avoiding Aunt Judy’s questionable dance moves, and somehow still managing to get that perfect shot of you and your partner under the twinkling lights—while you’re wondering how in the world they’re not tripping over their own feet while sprinting between tables.
But here’s the kicker: all of that is just the beginning. Because after the wedding is over and the last guest stumbles out (or is dragged out by their best friend), your photographer still has hundreds of hours of editing ahead of them. So, the next time you want to email them about "just one more shot of the cake," take a moment to remember they’ve already been working 12 hours straight, dodging elbows, and trying to make sure they’re not the next target of an accidental wine spill.
If you think wedding photography is all about just showing up and clicking a button—grab a seat, because you're about to be taken on a wild ride through the real behind-the-scenes world of wedding photography. And trust me, after this, you might just want to add “You’re a hero!” to your thank you card.
1. Your Photographer Is Like a Ninja with a Camera... But Less Stealthy
Ever noticed how your photographer is always in the right place at the right time? It’s like they have a sixth sense for photo ops. One second, they’re standing at the altar, capturing your vows. The next, they’re crouching in the grass, stealthily taking candid shots of your best friend wiping away a tear during the ceremony. You didn’t even see them move. They’re like the photo ninjas of the wedding world—sneaky, swift, and absolutely indispensable.
But here’s the thing: they’re not just ninjas—they’re also emotional support counselors, equipment jugglers, and sometimes, even part-time therapists. Your photographer will be there when your veil won’t stay on or when the flower girl has a meltdown because her tutu is "too fluffy." They’ll literally be there through it all, armed with a camera and a smile (even if the smile is hiding a bit of stress). They’re not just taking pictures, they’re capturing your day—your story—while also dealing with all the chaos around them.
2. Wedding Photography: The 12-Hour Endurance Race You Didn't Sign Up For
A wedding day can be LONG. Really long. Like, the kind of long where you forget what day it is and might even confuse your photographer with a member of your family (don’t worry, we’ve all been there). While you and your guests are enjoying cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, your photographer is sprinting around trying to get every important shot, every candid moment, and every little detail. And by the time you hit the reception, they’re already 8 hours into the grind and still going strong.
But that’s not all. After the big day ends, the photographer has even more work. There’s editing to do, albums to curate, and hundreds (maybe thousands) of photos to organize. So when you see them later that evening with a glass of champagne in hand, know they earned it.
3. That Camera? It’s More Than a Fashion Accessory, It’s a Weapon
Wedding photographers don’t carry around cameras because they’re fashionable. (Though, let’s be honest, they do look cool.) That hefty camera is their lifeline. It’s their tool for capturing your precious moments, and trust me, it’s heavy. They’ll haul around that thing for hours—through crowded receptions, uneven terrain, and sometimes even unexpected rain.
But wait, there's more! They don’t just carry one camera—they carry backups. And backups of those backups. Because heaven forbid one piece of equipment malfunctions during your first dance. (You’ll thank them later when your iPhone is full of blurry reception photos from Aunt Sally, and you realize why you hired the pros.)
4. Uncle Bob: The Phantom Menace of Wedding Photography
Now, let’s talk about Uncle Bob. We all love him. He’s probably your second uncle (by marriage), and he’s “just here for the food.” But for some reason, every wedding has that one relative who thinks they’re a professional photographer. They’ve got a DSLR, a zoom lens, and way too much confidence. They’re ready to capture every moment—because clearly, they’re the next Ansel Adams.
Now, let me tell you about my encounter with Uncle Bob. You see, my clients were a wonderful couple, just brimming with love (and maybe a little overzealous about their wedding photos). At the ceremony, Uncle Bob decided that, instead of enjoying the moment, he was going to get that perfect shot of the bride walking down the aisle. And how did he choose to do this? By standing right in front of the wedding photographer. Not to the side. Not from a discreet angle. Nope. Dead center in their frame.
Naturally, she tried to maneuver around him. A little sidestep here, a tiny sidestep there. But every time she moved, Uncle Bob moved. Like a human game of chess. At one point, she had to physically backpedal because he was trying to capture the exact same photo as her. He was blocking her shot, but she was blocking his, and it turned into a full-on wedding dance battle for the best position. I think they both gave up at the same time and ended up taking shots of the ceiling instead. The bride and groom couldn’t stop laughing, and I silently vowed never to let Uncle Bob near an altar again.
Moral of the story: please leave the professional photography to the professional photographers. Trust me, Uncle Bob’s not going to capture those candid moments the way your photographer will, no matter how many lenses he has in his bag.
5. Wedding Photography Is an Investment, Not a "Line Item"—Don't Be Cheap!
Let’s talk about the “I want to spend less on the photographer so I can have a bigger cake” mindset. First off, the cake is important (no argument here), but your wedding photos? They’ll last forever. They’re not something you eat in one sitting and forget about. These are memories you’ll look back on for years to come.
Wedding photography is an investment in preserving the moments that matter the most. Those candid shots of you laughing with your parents? Worth every penny. The photos of you dancing with your new spouse under a twinkling sky? Priceless. But, just like with anything of value, quality comes at a price. The photographer who’s been honing their craft for years? They’ve earned their fee. The photographer who shows up with a camera and no experience? Not so much.
Think of it this way: your wedding photos are your time capsule. In 20 years, when you’re showing your kids your wedding album, the memories you make will be even more valuable than that extra slice of cake you almost passed on.
6. Your Photographer Isn’t Just a Picture-Taker—They're Your Wedding Day Storyteller
A wedding photographer is much more than someone snapping a few photos here and there. They’re the ones who tell the story of your day. From the excitement of getting ready to the heartfelt speeches and the wild dance party at the end of the night, your photographer is there to capture it all.
And it’s not just about getting the pretty shots (though, trust me, there will be plenty of those). It’s about capturing the essence of your love and your celebration. They’re telling the story of your wedding, one shot at a time, and that story will be what you cherish for years to come.
Our Wedding Photography Tips: How to Avoid Becoming a Pinterest Disaster
While we’re on the topic of wedding photography, here are some of our top picks for things to keep in mind to make sure your photos turn out amazing:
Trust Your Photographer's Vision: You hired them for a reason—let them work their magic! Give them creative freedom to capture the moments that mean the most. Remember, they’re experts in framing and timing.
Don't Forget the Details: It’s easy to focus on the big picture, but the little details are what make your wedding truly unique. Have your photographer snap those gorgeous shoes, that custom invitation, or that special family heirloom. You’ll thank us later!
Take Advantage of Golden Hour: The best wedding photos are often taken in soft, natural light, especially during the "golden hour" (just before sunset). If possible, sneak away for a few minutes to catch that dreamy glow.
Embrace the Candid Shots: We know you love the posed ones, but some of the most beautiful moments are the ones you didn’t expect—like that spontaneous laugh between you and your best friend, or your parents tearing up during the ceremony. Don’t be afraid to let go and have fun!
Pre-Wedding Chat: Have a heart-to-heart with your photographer before the wedding day. Share your must-have shots and any special moments or family dynamics that might come up. This helps your photographer plan out the day and ensure they capture what’s most important to you.
Get the Bride Tribe on Board: Ensure your bridal party knows they’ll be photographed throughout the day, so they’re ready for those group shots. Bonus points if they come prepared with their best smiles and not-so-great dance moves!
And Now, Some of Our Favorite Photographers Who Are Killing It in the Wedding Photography Game
While you’ve got Uncle Bob out there trying to get that perfect shot, the real heroes of the wedding world are the professionals who bring their A-game to every wedding. Here are some of our absolute favorite wedding photographers who are total rock stars:
Brittany Sharday Photo: www.brittanyshardayphoto.com
Here Today Photography: www.heretodayphoto.com
Marcela Pulido Photography: www.mgpulido.co
Elissa Deline: www.elissadelinephotography.com
Emily Skye Photography: www.emilyskyephotography.com
Till Death Do We Adventure: www.tilldeathdoweadventure.com
Mikaylamikk Photo: www.mikaylamikk.com
In Conclusion:
Being a wedding photographer is, without a doubt, one of the hardest (and most rewarding) jobs out there. From dealing with equipment malfunctions to blocking out the chaos of a wedding day, they’re doing everything to make sure you have those perfect moments frozen in time. So next time you see your photographer running around trying to get the best shot, remember they’re working hard for you—and that your Uncle Bob should probably stick to his amazing karaoke performances rather than taking photos during the ceremony.
And to all the photographers out there: you’re the real MVPs. Thank you for making sure our client’s memories last a lifetime—even when we accidentally create a mini wrestling match with Uncle Bob.
