Often, we will hear that someone has chosen their friend, aunt, or cousin to photograph their wedding. Sometimes, it is due to a budget constraint or that their friend wants to break into the wedding photography business. We certainly understand these reasons and could hardly ever talk someone out of using a friend or relative.

We do want to tell you that there is a difference in using a professional, full-time photographer to shoot your once-in-a-lifetime event. While it is true that most anyone can point a camera and push a button, it is hardly the case that that same person – unless professionally trained – can create images that are visually stunning. Quite simply, even if you put the best brush in the world in someone’s hand, that doesn’t make them a painter.

Kelli and I are not alone in hearing that someone might be risking their wedding photography to an amateur photographer. We are members of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and they have launched a campaign called “See The Difference.” In this campaign, they offer up images that were purposefully and professionally captured.  They have also posted a series of questions you should ask your photographer.