Why Wedding Photographers Take 5000 Photos but Deliver 700
A full-day wedding photographer typically captures between 4000 to 5000 images—yet, at the end of the process, couples receive only 700 to 1000 final photos. This often leads to a common question: Is the photographer keeping the best shots to sell later? The answer is a resounding NO! Let’s break down why photographers take thousands of photos but deliver only the best ones. Capturing Every Moment – And Every Detail Wedding photography is all about perfection. A photographer doesn’t just take one shot and hope for the best. Instead, they take multiple images of every moment to ensure they capture: The perfect expression Sharp focus and proper lighting No blinking, awkward faces, or distractions The most flattering angles For example, during a bride’s preparation, a photographer might take 50+ images of her looking out the window to ensure they get the best light, expression, and composition. Similarly, during group photos, they might take 100+ shots just to make sure no one is blinking or looking away. Sorting Through Thousands of Images Once the wedding is over, the real work begins—culling (sorting and selecting images). Photographers carefully go through all 5000 images and eliminate: Duplicates (dozens of shots of the same pose) Blurry or out-of-focus images Unflattering expressions (blinked eyes, mid-speech faces) Test shots or misfires Only the best, most meaningful, and storytelling images make it to the final gallery. Quality Over Quantity Imagine receiving 5000 unedited photos, including all the test shots, duplicates, and out-of-focus images. It would be overwhelming and unnecessary. Instead, photographers deliver a refined, storytelling gallery of carefully selected images that capture the essence of the day. So, next time you wonder why your photographer took thousands of images but delivered only a fraction, remember—it’s not about keeping photos from you. It’s about making sure every image you receive is the absolute best version of your wedding day, a collection of memories that truly matter.
5 Essential Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Photographer
Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting journeys you’ll ever take, but let’s face it—it’s also one of the most challenging! Among the sea of decisions to make, choosing the perfect wedding photographer is arguably one of the most important. After all, long after the cake is eaten and the dance floor is cleared, your wedding photos are what remain to tell the story of your big day. To help you make the right choice, we’ve compiled five essential tips for choosing the perfect wedding photographer. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, these tips will ensure your memories are in the best hands. 1. Know Your Style: What’s Your Vision? Every wedding photographer has their unique style, and finding one that matches your vision is crucial. Do you love photos with a natural, candid feel? Or are you drawn to a more editorial, posed aesthetic? Perhaps you adore the romantic drama of slightly dark and shadowed storytelling (like the signature style we specialize in). Tip: Browse portfolios online and on social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. Create a mood board of the styles you love. If you find yourself consistently drawn to a particular look, that’s your starting point! 2. Personality Matters: Find Your Photo Friend Your photographer will be with you for most of your wedding day, capturing everything from your nervous pre-ceremony moments to your wild dance floor moves. That’s why their personality matters just as much as their skills. Look for someone who makes you feel comfortable and can blend seamlessly into your day. Your photographer should feel like a friend who happens to have a camera—a really good one! Tip: Schedule a consultation or video call to see if you “click.” Feeling at ease with your photographer will reflect in your photos. 3. Check Their Experience and Portfolio Experience counts when it comes to wedding photography. Each wedding is unique and comes with its own challenges—unpredictable weather, tight timelines, and emotional moments that pass in a flash. A seasoned photographer will know how to navigate these with ease. Review their portfolio to ensure they’ve captured weddings similar to yours, whether it’s a cozy backyard affair or a grand ballroom celebration. Tip: Don’t just look at their highlight reel—ask to see a full wedding gallery. This gives you a better idea of their storytelling ability throughout the day. 4. Discuss the Packages: What’s Included? Wedding photography packages vary widely, so it’s important to understand what’s included before signing a contract. Do you need coverage for a few hours or the entire day? Are you dreaming of a custom photo album or digital files? At our studio, we offer packages like “Blissful Beginnings” for intimate weddings or “Majestic Memories” for full-day coverage—tailored to fit your unique needs. Tip: Ask about add-ons like second photographers, engagement shoots, or videography options. These can enhance your wedding experience and ensure no moment is missed. 5. Read Reviews and Testimonials What better way to know what you’re getting than by hearing from couples who’ve been in your shoes? Reviews and testimonials offer valuable insight into what it’s like to work with a photographer. Look for feedback on their professionalism, communication, and ability to capture moments beautifully. Sites like Google, Facebook, or even wedding-specific platforms like Hitched or WeddingWire are great resources. Tip: If you can, ask for a reference and speak directly with a past client. It’s the ultimate reassurance! Conclusion Choosing the perfect wedding photographer is about more than just stunning pictures—it’s about finding someone who can tell your love story in a way that feels authentic to you. At Manosphotography, we specialize in capturing those candid, heartfelt moments that make your wedding unique. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, we’d love to help you preserve the magic of your day. Ready to find out if we’re the perfect match? Contact us today to book a consultation and start your journey toward breathtaking wedding photos you’ll treasure forever.
