Photography - Pros and Cons

Posted by: Dan on Sep 21, 2007

Brooke and I were discussing the Pros and Cons of what we feel are the two choices for photographers. You have either the option of going with a larger company with many photographers, or you can go with what I’d call a “freelance company” (even if that means just one person with their camera).

Larger Studio
Pros:

1. They’re big for a reason. Great reputation. High quality of work. Whatever. There’s a reason they’ve been doing this for year.

2. You know you’re getting a professional. Someone who will act like it. If not you can at least raise a stink with the company.

3. They’ll probably have a lot more options for everything.

4. You’re almost guaranteed a back-up photographer in case the person you booked gets ill, hurt, or can’t make it for whatever reason.

5. Overall you feel like you’re not taking a risk with the pictures you want to last a life time.

6. Most likely working with the most up to date equipment.

Cons:

1. Usually higher prices.

2. You may not get “assigned” a photographer until close to your wedding date.

3. You may not have the option to meet the photographer face to face.

4. They may fill dates faster than smaller places so you may have to act fast.

Freelancer or Smaller Studio
Pros:

1. You may have an easier time finding someone more your style.

2. While every place should let you put in your own picture ideas, I get the feeling it would be easier to talk these people into crazier ideas (if that’s your style).

3. May be more willing to bend over backwards for you in order to make you happy. Being a former freelancer (web design) I know word of mouth can be a big influence. They’ll want you happy so you recommend them to others.

Cons:

1. May not have the most up to date equipment.

2. They may not have someone to back them up in case they get ill, hurt or can’t make your wedding date. (Even though I highly doubt this would happen – but always check!)

3. They may not have a ton of references like other places.

4. There could be a reason they aren’t working at a large studio – they may say it’s that they like their freedom or it could be because of quality of work (that’s for you to decide).

I want to make it clear that I do lean towards the side of the larger studio for wedding pictures. The reason being that I just feel more comfortable with them. This isn’t to say there aren’t great freelancers out there that would be perfect for you.

With that said, take what I’ve said here with a grain of salt. Know that I have nothing against the freelancers out there, it’s just a personal choice. It’s really up to you, your budget, and what your gut is telling you.