Test of a Professional Photographer

I'm getting ready to launch a new blog (thanks Laura Lyday - my favorite designer in the world) - so I haven't been posting on this blog much. But after meeting with a prospective client this past weekend, I have a story on my heart that just needs to be told.

The couple I met with was truly lovely. I really, really liked them. They have a fantastic venue, beautiful church and seem like a very nice couple. The bride to be had her list of questions ready for me to answer - and as she went down her list asking the questions one by one, there was one question that really stood out. She asked, "Has your equipment ever malfunctioned at a wedding you have photographed?" I laughed and answered, "Well, yes, of course - all the time." I wasn't telling a lie. This was the truth.

WHAT? Her eyes opened wide. She must have thought she landed in the land of a photographic crazy lady. Was I nuts to tell her that? I don't know. Maybe. But, you tell me, photographer who is reading this blog - when was the last time something went wrong at a wedding you photographed? Did your flash over heat? Did you drop a lens? Did your hot shoe mount bend? Did your batteries die? Did you forget your reflector? There isn't a photographer that I know who has never had anything go wrong at a wedding.

The test of a true professional isn't what goes wrong - because it will go wrong. The test of a professional is knowing your gear, having back ups, and getting the job done so the bride and groom and everyone else is none the wiser. This is a true professional photographer. This is the test that I pass with flying colors. This is why I can say proudly, heck ya - stuff goes wrong. But you know what - you'll never know. Because I've got it under control. This is why every bride reading this should make sure they hire a professional photographer.

Cheers - and hopefully soon I will have a new blog with a fabulous design... thanks to Laura (who is also one of my June brides by the way). Kellie