There is a growing trend in the wedding photography industry. Amateurs with professional grade equipment are everywhere, claiming to be a professional photographer. Some are trying to build up their portfolio and gain exposure while others are trying to make a few extra bucks. They will offer you a deal that seems too good to be true. And it is.

It’s not that we have anything against amateur photographers, because hey, everyone needs to start somewhere. But this is your wedding day. There are no retakes. None. This is not a time to take a chance on the best friend of your mom’s first cousin twice removed who just bought a high-end camera. You need a photographer that can anticipate moments and capture them in an instant, in any lighting situation. We all know how unpredictable Nebraska weather is, so a good photographer expects the unexpected, and delivers on their promises. They have to be alert and able to react quickly and objectively.

Anyone can buy the most expensive cookware, but that doesn’t make them a Top Chef. If you are considering a newcomer to the photography scene, or even someone working part time as a hobby, to save a few bucks, consider the following:

Amateur   Ekeler Photography
Philosophy Philosophy  
  • ♦ Believes that photography is a great side hobby to make some extra cash, but isn’t going to quit their day job.
  • ♦ Does not think outside the box.  Thinks that a perfectly centered subject makes the best photo.
  • ♦ Does their best to meet their clients’ needs, but if they fall short…oh well.
  
  • ♥ Understands that their livelihood depends on providing clients with the highest quality images and is committed to doing so.
  • ♥ Captures the atmosphere, the mood and the emotions of that priceless moment.
  • ♥ Wants to be your photographer for life…
    •    • the engagement
    •    • bridal trousseau
    •    • the wedding
    •    • the pregnancy
    •    • the birth
    •    • the first birthday
    •    • annual family photos
    •    • and everything in-between!
  • ♥ Considers the images they capture as works of art by using a variety of lighting techniques and  distinctive composition.
Experience Experience  
  • ♦ Took some cute shots of their nephew at the park.
  • ♦ Took a beginner photography course at a community college a few years ago.
  • ♦ Shoots everything  on the “Auto” setting.
  • ♦ Thinks that anyone who can press a shutter button can call themselves a professional photographer.
  
  • ♥ Is a member in good standing of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) association.
  • ♥ Keeps up-to-date on the latest photography trends and techniques.
  • ♥ Understands and appreciates the principles of portrait photography, photojournalism and composition.
  • ♥ Ensures that all photographers meet Ekeler’s meticulous photography standards.
 Wedding Experience    Wedding Experience
  • ♦ Has attended several weddings as a guest.
  • ♦Takes candid snapshots at the reception.
  • ♦ If it is a wedding of a relative or friend, they may tend to take more photos of people they know.
  • ♦ May have to rent lighting equipment that they are unfamiliar with.
  
  • ♥ Has photographed more than 500 weddings.
  • ♥ Has enough experience to help your wedding day running smoothly, including advice on the timeline of your wedding day.
  • ♥ Has captured a wide range of weddings, from traditional services in chapels, large modern ceremonies in cathedrals, laidback rituals in the park, and everything in-between.
  • ♥ Has an extensive collection of wedding galleries from past clients for you to browse through.
  • ♥ Is familiar with modern wedding photography styles and techniques.
  • ♥ Recognizes a photo op and knows where to be, what to capture and can adjust to the unexpected.
  • ♥ Can recommend “must have” shots, but also encourages you to bring your own unique ideas to the table.
Equipment Equipment  
  • ♦ A top of the line professional camera with more bells and whistles than they know what to do with.
  • ♦ The factory lens that was included with the camera.
  • ♦ Finds no need for an external flash, there’s a pop-up already built right in!
  
  • ♥ Has invested in top of the line equipment…and knows how to use it.
  • ♥ Has an extensive collection of lenses, flashes, battery packs and lighting equipment.
  • ♥ Often upgrades equipment…and knows how to use it.
  • ♥ Has equipment inspected, cleaned and adjusted annually.
 Backup Equipment    Backup Equipment
  • ♦ Cell phone camera
  • ♦ Disposable camera on the reception hall table.
  
  • ♥ Brings pretty much everything but the kitchen sink – including, but not limited to, 6 flash units, 5 camera bodies and 10 lenses.
  • ♥ Has back-up photographers on call in case of an emergency.
 Post-Production    Post-Production
  • ♦ Uploads photos to a photo sharing web site, such as Flickr.
  • ♦ Makes a few basic corrections, such as red eye, using a low-quality online editor.
  • ♦ Burns all images to a CD, even the ones where you have your eyes half closed or the best man is mid-sneeze. This wastes your time, not to mention overwhelms you when reviewing the proofs. And really, who wants to see themselves in embarrassing situations?
  
  • ♥ Uses high-end computers and image editing software.
  • ♥ Through years of experience, has developed an efficient end-to-end process: capturing, downloading, editing, burning, printing and album creation.
  • ♥ Dedicated to creating heirloom quality images for you and your family to enjoy for generations.
 Insurance    Insurance
  • ♦ Insurance? I’m supposed to have insurance?
  
  • ♥ Carries the proper business insurance including liability insurance.
  • ♥ Some venues will not allow your photographer to shoot without proper insurance. If they do not require insurance, should a guest trip over a piece of equipment, you could be financially responsible.
Contract Contract  
  • ♦ Contract? What contract?
  
  • ♥ Schedules a consultation to sit down with you to discuss expectations.
  • ♥ Provides a contract which outlines all relevant facts on the services and products provided and the investment required.
 Prints and Albums    Prints and Albums
  • ♦ Selects a discount chain photo lab with the best weekly special on prints and uses low-quality ink and paper.
  • ♦ Might not even provide you with any prints.  They might just hand you a CD with all of your images and expect you to print the images you want.
  
  • ♥ Exclusively does business with a professional photo lab with which they have established a close rapport and can always expect quality results.
  • ♥ This photo lab uses archival quality photofinishing materials and offers more options for the print finishes.
  • ♥ Presents your precious memories in an album crafted of heirloom quality materials that will stand the test of time.

Still not convinced? Click here  to check out what our clients have to say.

Interested in booking Ekeler Photography for your upcoming wedding? Give us a call at 402-420-6697 or shoot us an e-mail at info@ekelerphoto.com to schedule an initial consultation to: