Small Business Photographer VS Big Time Company Photographer

Posted on March 25th, 2023.

I recently had an incredible couple who decided to cancel their contract with a larger photography company and hire me for their big day instead. I was literally speechless that someone would make such a drastic change just a few months before their wedding because it felt RIGHT to them. EVERYTHING my amazing bride was telling me about why she was feeling so unsure about the company she had hired just hit the nail on the head as to why I always recommend couples search for small business photographers asopposed to larger photography companies. Here’s the difference:

Larger Photography Companies tend to be a good deal, which is awesome when trying to stick to a budget and not totally break the bank. However, what you seem to get in return is a lack of connection, uncertainty, and that icky feeling of being ‘just a number or ‘just another wedding’ to the company. Typically, you contact the company and they will hire one of their many photographers to show up on your wedding day and shoot with you. There’s very little communication between you and the photographer during the planning, as they’re simply there to provide you with a service and that is just about it. It’s not a bad thing, but knowing that you could have an epic and amazing experience elsewhere makes me thinkmaybe that ‘good deal’ isn’t always worth it!

A Small Business Photographer is typically a one-man or one-woman show; aka what I do! You’re getting someone whose name you know, whose work you adore, and whose experience is tailored to you. This is a boutique experience versus a department store. When you’re choosing to invest in a small business, you’re not just a number to them. You’re VALUED, you’re SO cared for, you get so much personal interaction and connection with the person who will be there with you on your wedding day, and you will truly gain a friend in the process. The KEY to not feeling 100000% awkward in your photos is to have a photographer who you connect with! 

Having someone you’ve barely ever spoken to is freaking WEIRD, but having a friend show up and feel more like an honorary bridesmaid or groomsman will make you feel SO much more comfortable. The entire experience from the first inquiry to the final hugs goodbye is just that – an experience! I personally am in contact with my couples so often, from grabbing coffee together to video chats, emails, texts, and just following along with life on social media. Those connection builders are what help make you feel so comfortable in front of the camera and what make you ADORE your images for generations to come. I could ramble on forever, but it’s just night and day when it comes to the experience and value you’re getting from a small biz versus a big company!

Your Wedding Photography Is Important

Wedding days can be expensive, let’s just say it how it is. I am all about my couples doing everything they can to save and be smart when planning by sticking to budgets and not losing sight of what is really most important on a wedding day – your marriage! However, I LOVE a wedding day with stunning details and unique decor just as much as the next person, so I am always majorly excited when my couples spice up their day with fun and unexpected touches!

Keep in mind though, that the only thing that truly lasts from your wedding day are your photos. Your flowers wilt, your music ends, your food is gone, your dress gets hidden away, your venue is just for the day, and so on. And yes, post-wedding blues are totally a thing! You’re going to MISS everything from planning to celebrating and more, but again, the ONE thing that truly stays with you from your day is the tangible memories that we capture. Your photos. So, why cut corners on one of the most valuable aspects of your day?

My heart breaks for all the couples who have received their wedding gallery and been in tears because they regret who they chose to document their day. It literally crushes me to know that couples feel like they don’t have all the memories captured or feel like their images are generic or don’t show off their personality. I don’t want that for you. I want you to cry tears of HAPPINESS at your insanely abundant gallery full of laughter, love, joy, and all of the hilarious and meaningful moments of your day. I want you to be excited to share tons of images because you feel like they reflect your personality and the way that your day felt. I want that ONE thing that lasts beyond your wedding day to be so insanely special to you.

You are not just another couple and you deserve to FEEL like that from each and every one of your vendors. At the end of the day, I just want you to LOVE your photos, regardless of who you choose. I truly think photography and videography are worth spending money on and that you shouldn’t take this decision lightly! Again, these photos and videos are pretty much the only things that last beyond your wedding day. Those are your memories for years to come, so I just feel so strongly about making sure couples feel so solid in that choice!

Thank You,

Joe Goetz Photography LLC