7 Reasons to Not Hire Your Little Cousin with a Camera for Your Wedding Photography
Weddings are one of life’s most precious and fleeting moments, so it’s only natural to want to preserve those memories in the most beautiful and timeless way possible. Many couples, however, make the mistake of saving a few dollars by hiring a friend or family member with a camera, believing that their amateur skills will be good enough for the big day. While it may seem like a budget-friendly solution, hiring your little cousin with a camera often leads to more stress and disappointment than it’s worth.
At Wyld Story, we’ve seen it all — from blurry shots to forgotten moments — and we know how critical it is to have an experienced team of professionals capturing every detail. Here are 7 reasons to not hire your little cousin with a camera for your wedding photography, along with how Wyld Story can offer the professional solutions you deserve.
1. There’s a Huge Chance That Some (or All) Photos May Be Lost Due to Poor File Management
When your cousin is the photographer, they might think they can manage files on the fly or use random storage devices. The problem? Without a solid file management system, there’s a huge risk of losing photos. After all, digital files can easily become corrupted, erased, or misplaced.
Wyld Story’s Solution: At Wyld Story, we understand how precious your wedding photos are. That's why we use a highly organized, foolproof file management system that includes 7 different copies of every single photo by the end of the day. From backup hard drives to cloud storage, we ensure your priceless images are safe and sound. You can rest easy knowing your memories are protected.
2. Little to No Prep Work Will Force the Bride and Groom to Make a Lot of Decisions on Their Day
A wedding day is stressful enough without having to make snap decisions about where to stand for photos or what kind of shots to take next. Without proper preparation, you might end up feeling like you have to direct the shoot, or worse, you’ll be left waiting for your photographer to figure out what comes next.
Wyld Story’s Solution: We pride ourselves on our meticulous pre-production process. Wyld Story is an expert in wedding prep, and we guide you through the day so that your mind stays unplugged and free to enjoy the moment. From timeline creation to shot lists, we’ll ensure everything is planned in advance so you can focus on what matters — celebrating your love.
3. No Confidence to Direct or Prompt Will Cause Awkward "Fly on the Wall" Photos
When your cousin is behind the camera, they may not have the experience or confidence to guide you into the best poses or prompt natural interactions. This can lead to stiff, awkward, or “fly-on-the-wall” shots, where you’re just standing there, unsure of what to do.
Wyld Story’s Solution: Our photographers are experts at creating a relaxed and fun environment. Not only do we masterfully offer prompts that feel natural and easy, but every Wyld Story couple gets a free engagement session before the wedding. This allows you to practice in front of the camera, building confidence with us so that on your big day, you can simply enjoy the moments instead of worrying about how to pose.
4. The Inexperienced Photographer Makes the Day About Themselves, Not the Couple
It’s common for inexperienced photographers to be more focused on showcasing their personal style than on what the couple truly wants. They may push trendy or overly posed shots that don’t reflect the couple’s true story or vibe, just to build their own portfolio.
Wyld Story’s Solution: Story comes first at Wyld Story. We know that your wedding day is uniquely yours, and our goal is to tell that story through timeless imagery that reflects who you are as a couple. We pride ourselves on capturing clean, classic, and genuine photos that will look just as beautiful decades from now as they do today. You’ll get a gallery that your children and grandchildren will cherish, because it’s more than just a trend — it’s your legacy.
5. Cheap Gear Leads to Low-Quality Images (and Malfunctions During Key Moments)
Your cousin might have a nice DSLR camera, but does it have the right lenses, flashes, and backup equipment? Cheap gear can result in subpar photos, or worse, fail at crucial moments. If your photographer isn’t prepared with the right lighting or backup gear, key moments — like your first kiss or the toast — could be ruined forever.
Wyld Story’s Solution: We only use professional-grade equipment — from high-end cameras and lenses to state-of-the-art lighting and audio gear. We understand that lighting is everything, especially during low-light reception photos, which is why we come fully equipped with lighting tools to capture beautiful, well-lit images every time. Our reliable gear ensures that every special moment is documented in stunning quality.
6. You Might Not Get Your Photos for Months, or Ever
One of the biggest nightmares couples face when hiring an amateur photographer is the long wait for their photos — sometimes up to a year! And unfortunately, we've seen couples who never get their photos at all. Without clear communication, your cousin may drop the ball on delivery timelines, leaving you anxious and disappointed.
Wyld Story’s Solution: At Wyld Story, we prioritize fast turnarounds and exceptional communication. You’ll know exactly when to expect your gallery, and to tide you over, we even provide a small slideshow of photos for you to view on an iPad on the day of your wedding! You won’t have to wait long to relive your beautiful memories.
7. Hiring Family or Friends Can Create Awkwardness in the Relationship If Things Go Wrong
There’s something inherently tricky about hiring a friend or family member to photograph your wedding. If anything goes wrong — bad photos, missed moments, or even a lack of professionalism — the tension can last long after the wedding day is over. It can sour relationships and create awkwardness where there was once closeness.
Wyld Story’s Solution: Hiring a professional means you won’t have to worry about your relationships being affected by a less-than-ideal photography experience. Allow your friends and family to be guests at your wedding — fully immersed in the celebration — while we handle the professional photography. That way, you’ll have no regrets and you can cherish your memories without any awkwardness later.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Professional Photography for Timeless Memories
Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Don’t gamble with your memories by relying on someone who may not have the experience, equipment, or professionalism to do it justice. At Wyld Story, we’re dedicated to capturing every special moment with the care and skill you deserve. From preparation to delivery, we make sure your day is documented beautifully — with no stress, no regrets, and no awkwardness.
Let us help you tell your unique love story. Contact Wyld Story today and let’s make your wedding photography the one thing you never have to worry about.
Have you considered hiring a family member or friend to photograph your wedding? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
