Maine & NH Wedding Photographer // Why You Shouldn't Skimp on a Wedding Photographer

Let’s talk about one of the biggest wedding day gambles you can take: hiring the wrong photographer. If you think I’m being dramatic, buckle up because I’ve got stories—some mine, some from fellow photographers, and all of them absolute nightmares.

The Horror Stories You Didn’t Think Could Happen (But Do)

I’ve heard it all. Photographers ghosting on the wedding day. Some cancel the night before, leaving couples scrambling for literally just a body to take pictures. Others show up but deliver photos that look like they were taken with a potato. And then there are the ones who don’t deliver anything at all—poof, gone with your deposit and your memories.

And if you think that’s bad, let me tell you what happened at my wedding.

My Own Wedding Photography Horror Story

Before I became a wedding photographer, I was just a bride trying to do things the "right" way. I hired a photographer, paid the invoice, and assumed everything was set. She ultimately decided to send an associate, which she did tell me was an experienced photographer, so I was ok with it. Prior to my wedding, there was no communication, no heads-up, no talk of timeline or what I was looking for.

Luckily, she did show up, and the day went smoothly (or so I thought). Fast forward to when I received my wedding gallery. Not a single image was in focus. Not. A. Single. One. I had paid good money for what turned out to be a blurry mess of a wedding gallery. At the time, I wasn’t a photographer, so I had no clue what to expect or what questions to ask. But looking back, her sending an associate was a massive red flag.

The Risks of Cutting Corners on Photography

Now, let’s break down the major risks of hiring an underqualified or careless wedding photographer:

1. No Backup Equipment = No Photos

I’ve met photographers who don’t bring backup cameras, extra batteries, or multiple memory cards. That means if their one camera dies mid-ceremony? Tough luck—your wedding goes undocumented.

2. No Insurance = Big Problems

Professional photographers carry liability insurance in case something goes wrong. If a guest trips over their light stand and breaks an ankle, or their camera gets stolen with all your photos on it, an insured photographer has a way to handle the situation. An uninsured one? You’re rolling the dice.

3. Lack of Communication = Surprise Strangers at Your Wedding

A good photographer keeps you in the loop. If they’re sending an associate, you should know prior to signing on the dotted line. It should also be someone that is equal in experience level as the photographer that you were initially talking to.

4. Subpar Quality = Regret for Life

Weddings aren’t do-overs. If your photos come back blurry, poorly edited, or just straight-up bad, there’s no fixing that moment. The money you “saved” by hiring a cheap or inexperienced photographer isn’t worth it when you’re left with disappointing images.

How to Protect Yourself When Hiring a Photographer

If you’re in the early stages of wedding planning, here’s how to make sure you don’t end up with one of these horror stories:

✔ Ask About Backup Gear. If they don’t have a second camera and extra lenses, that’s a no-go.
✔ Confirm They Have Insurance. If they don’t, walk away.
✔ Read the Contract (and Make Sure There Is One). If they can’t put it in writing, that’s a red flag.
✔ Ask Who Will Be Shooting Your Wedding. If they’re sending an associate, you need to meet them beforehand and you should b e able to see their portfolio.
✔ Check Their Portfolio for Consistency. If their website is filled with stunning images but their recent work on social media is meh, be cautious.
✔ Read Reviews (the Real Ones). Look beyond their website—search for real client experiences.
✔ Make Sure They Have a Solid Editing Turnaround. A professional should be able to give you a reasonable timeline for when to expect your photos.

The Bottom Line: Invest in Someone Who Gives a Damn

Weddings are a one-shot deal, and your photos are the only thing (besides your marriage) that lasts beyond the day itself. A good wedding photographer is more than just someone with a camera—they’re your storyteller, your problem solver, and the person making sure your memories don’t end up a blurry mess.

So, don’t skimp. Find someone who knows what they’re doing, respects your investment, and—most importantly—gives a damn about your wedding as much as you do.