Photography and the Importance of a Professional
As a new venue opening in the fall of 2024, SpringHaus Farm, Madison County's newest wedding & event venue located 15 miles from Athens, Georgia in Comer, we sit and learn more and more about the wedding business every day. One of the biggest things we overhear from wedding venue owners, brides, couples, and families, is photography and the importance of a professional.
![SpringHaus Farm an outdoor and rustic barn wedding venue near Athens Georgia](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_a80ab79687d34847956f31f7fa919700~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_653,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/11062b_a80ab79687d34847956f31f7fa919700~mv2.jpg)
Photography and the Importance of a Professional
Photography and the Importance of a Professional: Professional photographers can add a wide range of very important skill sets and experiences that have molded them to be at a different level on your special day. While the importance of those stunning photos can be important, professional wedding photographers understand the flow of your special day, and frankly way more skilled in wrangling members of the wedding party and family for photos. Professional photographers also assist in keeping your photo schedule on time and arriving with all of the tools in their camera bag for nearly any situation. At SpringHaus Farm we value the professionalism an actual wedding photographer can hold.
![SpringHaus Farm wedding & event venue near Athens Georgia](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_0093c69cbffd41fdb442a64f47752b08~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_980,h_653,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/11062b_0093c69cbffd41fdb442a64f47752b08~mv2.jpeg)
Side Note: Did you catch my reference to wedding photographers, not just photographers? Someone who primarily photographs kids and/or families may take great photos, but also may not have the experience needed to efficiently capture all of the elements of your special day. There is an obvious difference between 'wedding photographers' and family, landscape, etc. photographers on a wedding day in our experience.
The Reality Of A Budget and a Professional Photographer
I find myself saying and hearing this too often, "It doesn't matter what your wedding budget is - there is never enough." And in that, SpringHaus Farm recommends prioritizing your budget based on what is most important to YOU. For some SpringHaus Farm couples photography may not be at the top of the priority list, or based on other budget constraints, hiring a professional just might not be possible.
Aspiring photographers learn the ropes by taking lots of second-shooting opportunities with seasoned professionals (and they are honest about their intentions to go out on their own). The last thing you want is for a photographer to "practice on your wedding." Your wedding day is hopefully a one-and-done event. You shouldn't have a do-over, and after the day has come and gone, photos and video (along with your memories), are what will remain.
Selecting a photographer is about more than pricing and portfolio. Here we will share some questions you can ask your potential photographer if you are considering hiring someone who isn't a seasoned wedding photographer for your wedding at SpringHaus Farm.
![SpringHaus Farm outdoor and rustic barn wedding venue](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f76fba_9852418170904328a07d903b300757b0~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_713,h_413,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/f76fba_9852418170904328a07d903b300757b0~mv2.png)
Questions To Ask Any Wedding Photographer:
Do you provide a second person?
There is a lot of value in hiring a photographer who comes as a team (2 shooters). Two professionals carrying an additional camera generally means you have the chance at twice as many photos, and twice as many angles, and let's face it, no single person can be in two places at once. It also means that in the case that something happens with one of your photographers (like at our wedding, our photographer's flight was delayed and she never made our destination wedding) if another qualified person is covering, hopefully this doesn't happen to you. Professional photographers can capture your day without a second shooter, but I wouldn't take that chance with someone with less experience.
Who are your second shooters?
Photography and the Importance of a Professional: Your professional photographer often works with the same second shooters as a team and they feed off each other and know exactly where the other shooter is located at all times. There is value in pairs who work together frequently. They are more likely to have a similar style, know who generally gets what shot (like your rings or dress), and have a good working relationship.
![SpringHaus Farm values professional photographers](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0881c5d03be44890a24e6b492a0dd3d5.jpg/v1/fill/w_927,h_618,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/0881c5d03be44890a24e6b492a0dd3d5.jpg)
Do you use flash indoors? In what situations?
"Natural light photography" is great, but let's face it, there are situations that require additional lighting (like reception photos inside on a rainy day.) Luckily at SpringHaus Farm, the natural light and white with a mirage of windows allow for the light to beam in, however, on a rainy day this may not be possible. A photographer who uses flash indoors all the time very likely doesn't have a full understanding of their camera and lighting situations. There are many situations indoors that don't require flash photography (such as areas with lots of natural light). A professional photographer should understand when and when not to use flash due to washout.
![SpringHaus Farm has a to of natural light inside their barn.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_25e218a68cae48e98a21198d1280a6bd~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_652,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/11062b_25e218a68cae48e98a21198d1280a6bd~mv2.jpg)
How many backup cameras do you bring?
I'll keep this simple - the answer should always be at least one.
What camera mode do you usually shoot in?
Most photographers have a favorite "mode". If the answer is auto, you are likely talking with an amateur photographer and it will show in your special day photos. Shooting in auto mode means that the camera is making all of the decisions about the outcome of your photo instead of your photographer making those decisions based on their knowledge and experience.
How many weddings have you been the primary shooter?
In my professional opinion, I would prefer to hear "At least 10 weddings as the primary shooter."
Request to see several FULL albums? Including indoor photos, rainy day photos, and images in less-than-ideal lighting.
Before hiring a wedding photographer of any kind, I would ask to see some examples of complete wedding day albums. Professionals should wow you with their work all day long. Specifically ask for wedding day examples in the rain, a dimly lit church or event center, etc. If you are checking them out you've already seen their work in the most ideal environments. You need to see it in all lighting and weather situations.
![Photographers at SpringHaus Farm are important vendors](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_b1d09915588e4951890f20ca1b5e7f06~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_980,h_649,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/11062b_b1d09915588e4951890f20ca1b5e7f06~mv2.jpeg)
Additionally, when you see a full collection or several wedding collections does their work look cohesive? Is the editing consistent? New photographers often have a less consistent editing style and while you might have loved some light and airy photos you saw, they might edit your collection with bold and bright colors. If you notice inconsistency, ask more questions before signing on the dotted line. Whatever you do, don't just look at their website or social media presence. They will only post their best, you want to see it all before you sign. At SpringHaus Farm we see the importance of having a professional photographer.
![SpringHaus Farm values professional photography](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_1502d92c726f49dca1d4cccbe71594fc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_653,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/11062b_1502d92c726f49dca1d4cccbe71594fc~mv2.jpg)
Don't forget - in addition to all the technical stuff that is important, you'll spend more time on your wedding day with your photographer than almost anyone else here at SpringHaus Farm. Make sure you like THEM and not just their work!
A thorough review of a professional website will tell you a lot. Not only will you find their work, but you'll also likely find out some details about them as a person. Read reviews, and before you spend your time in an in-person meet & greet, do your homework online and you'll save yourself time and stress in the planning process.
And finally, don't rule out hiring a pro so fast. Skip the expensive wedding gifts for your wedding party, skip the personalized koozies and really expensive set of linens, and instead capture the best photos and videos you can with a professional photographer.
Did you know...when you choose a locally-owned wedding venue like SpringHaus Farm you are helping to develop and improve the local economy? It’s true, that your locally-owned wedding venues are small business owners who not only create hundreds of jobs for the local wedding industry every year, but we actively support our local economy. Please consider a locally-owned venue, you can find locally-owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
![SpringHaus Farm Wedding & Event Venue located 15 miles from Athens](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f76fba_0bfb31cde7a54e41bc32789c9f04fe8f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_800,h_533,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/f76fba_0bfb31cde7a54e41bc32789c9f04fe8f~mv2.jpg)
Some great photographers we love at SpringHaus Farm:
Everwood Photos: Danielle Williams Everwood Photos
Golda Davis Photography: Golda Davis Golda Davis Photography
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