As a fellow female photographer, I often find myself in conversations where the topic of weddings inevitably comes up. When people discover that I’m a photographer, their first question is almost always, “Do you shoot weddings?” It’s a common assumption that if you’re a photographer, you must be willing and eager to capture weddings. This perception seems to persist regardless of the specific genre or specialty a photographer might focus on.

I understand where this belief comes from. After all, weddings are one of the most visible and celebrated types of photography, often showcased in portfolios and social media feeds. However, the reality is that not all photographers are inclined to, or even interested in, photographing weddings.

Wedding photography by NY based photographer MFFPHOTOGRAPHY.

Wedding photography by NY based photographer MFFPHOTOGRAPHY.

Wedding photography by NY based photographer MFFPHOTOGRAPHY.

Wedding photography by NY based photographer MFFPHOTOGRAPHY.

During family shoots, it’s not uncommon for people to be surprised when they learn that wedding photography isn’t part of my offerings. It’s not because I doubt my ability to handle a wedding shoot—I actually think my relaxed and informal approach might suit the occasion quite well. Rather, it boils down to personal and family time. Weekends are precious to me; they are dedicated to my personal life and family, and the extended commitment that weddings entail just doesn’t fit into that equation. I do make exceptions on rare occasions, but generally, I prefer to keep weekends for family sessions and personal time.

There’s a widespread misconception that wedding photography is an easy gig. Many imagine that it involves simply showing up, snapping a few happy moments, and then enjoying a lucrative payout for a few hours’ work. The truth is far from this. Wedding photography is one of the most demanding fields in photography. It involves long hours, intricate planning, and the ability to remain composed and professional amidst the whirlwind of emotions and activities.

The exceptional wedding photographers I know dedicate themselves exclusively to this genre because it demands so much effort and skill. To be successful, a wedding photographer needs to be prepared for long days, deal with a diverse range of personalities, and always maintain a positive demeanor. The work doesn’t end with just capturing the images; it includes multiple meetings with the couple, a full day of shooting, and the meticulous process of creating a beautiful album.

My expertise lies in portrait photography, which allows me to use studio lighting to create the effects and ambiance I love. While I am well-versed in natural light and flash photography, which could theoretically be applied to a wedding, the genre’s need for formal shots and staged moments contrasts sharply with my preferred style. Wedding photography often requires a mix of candid and posed shots, and while some photographers excel at blending these elements seamlessly, it’s not my forte.

Wedding photography by NY based photographer MFFPHOTOGRAPHY.

Wedding photography by NY based photographer MFFPHOTOGRAPHY.

Wedding photography by NY based photographer MFFPHOTOGRAPHY.

Wedding photography by NY based photographer MFFPHOTOGRAPHY.

Wedding photography by NY based photographer MFFPHOTOGRAPHY.

There are several reasons why some photographers, including myself, might choose not to pursue wedding photography:

1. Stress and Pressure: Weddings come with high expectations and significant pressure to capture every moment perfectly. The stress of this responsibility is a significant factor.

2. Time Commitment: A wedding involves extensive planning and long hours, which might not fit into every photographer’s schedule or lifestyle.

3. Specialization: Many photographers prefer to focus on their particular areas of expertise where they feel more comfortable and proficient.

4. Client Relationships: Building rapport with clients and their families can be challenging and might not be suitable for every photographer.

5. Creative Control: Weddings can be unpredictable, and some photographers might find they have less control over the creative aspects compared to other photography genres.

6. Market Saturation: In some areas, the wedding photography market is highly competitive, making it difficult to stand out or achieve a sustainable income.

7. Personal Preference: Ultimately, some photographers simply find other types of photography more fulfilling or enjoyable.

As someone who has tried photographing weddings, I can attest to the unique challenges they present. The intense pressure and responsibility involved in capturing a wedding day can be overwhelming, and it’s not a feeling I particularly enjoy.

I hold a deep respect for those who choose to specialize in wedding photography and am grateful for their dedication and skill. For those who wonder why a photographer might not offer wedding services, I hope this sheds light on the many factors that influence such a decision. At the end of the day, you’re not just paying for a photographer’s technical skills but for their ability to thrive in a high-pressure environment and still deliver stunning results.

For me, I’ll continue to focus on the photography I love, and weddings will remain a rare exception in my portfolio. The beauty of photography is that it offers a vast array of niches and specializations, each with its own set of rewards and challenges. It’s this diversity that makes our field so rich and varied, and I’m proud to contribute to it in my own way.

*I’ve included a few images from the only two weddings I’ve ever photographed. While I think they turned out well, I’ve never promoted these images before and this is actually the first time I’m sharing them online, at least on my end.*

MFFPHOTOGRAPHY

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Why Being a Photographer Doesn’t Mean You Shoot All Types of Photography—Especially Wedding Photography.