Why your photographer should actually be the most experienced vendor you hire.

Many years ago, when I was very new to photographing weddings, I got a booking at Graydon Hall. For those that don’t know what that is, it’s a pretty posh venue in the heart of Toronto where high end luxury events take place.

In looking back at that event, I really had NO place being there at that point in my career. But, there I was. I got hired based on a few photos I had in my portfolio, and the couple as well as the planner chose me based on that and our initial meeting that took place in my home. We all got along, they liked the work I had and a contract was signed. And then, a few months later, I had to do the work.

That morning, I was sitting in my car outside of the Manor and I thought I was going to be sick. I was a nervous wreck!

This was a big deal.

And I knew I could f*ck it up if I didn’t pay attention.

The photos turned out okay, but wow there were so many mistakes made!

I’m not sure if anyone really noticed, or cared, but I knew that I was making some big mistakes, but I kept rolling with it and eventually the day ended and I got home. I was really new then. I was shy, not overly confident in my own photography skills, but I hid behind ego and that got me through. What I should have done, as a new photographer was assist and second shoot for at least a year before going out on my own.

The chance to get “in” with that planner and that venue was too good to be true and I jumped in when I should have played it safe a while longer.

I actually reached out to the planner not too long ago thanking her for giving me that job, and others, but said that I wished I had those weddings that she got me then, now. I wish I was twenty years into this career when she booked me with those clients, because things would have gone just so so so much better for everyone involved.

So now, when I say that you should hire someone that has the most experience of all vendors, it’s not just a pitch to hire me.

I say this for you, as advice.

Don’t hire the person that’s new to the business, or for that matter, dramatically cheaper than everyone else, because what often happens, is that the decision to hire the newbie ends up being far more expensive than hiring the pro that has done this a few hundred times.

Photography is expensive.

Experience costs a lot, and lack of experience often costs more.