Often I hear it, “I have a friend who is going to shoot my wedding.”

Let me press these points to you:

• When you are related to or a friend of people in the wedding party it is very difficult to concentrate on photography. I have photographed weddings for friends and family and I always advise them against it.  Friends and family tend not to listen to you, they interrupt you, they want to talk to you and they want you to drink with them and have a good time. You cannot do this and cover an event as complicated as a wedding. Even with the many weddings I have photographed, I can say that shooting for Family or friends is the most difficult.
• Wedding photography is one of the most challenging types of photography. It is tough work. Ask yourself; if there is a problem with the images is that going to put stress on your relationship with your friend or family member?
• What will you be getting? Often the deal with a family or friend photographing your wedding will only be able to provide a DVD with the images on it. Do you know the average life span of a burned DVD? Supposedly it is 30-50 years but new reports are putting it as low as 5-7. If you get a fingerprint on it it will be even less.A professional has access to the many options for creating a wonderful album to showcase the story of your day. Professionally created images should also be professionally printed and finished.

Let friends and family enjoy your day too. Let them celebrate with you.