Good photographers always do this ...

(1.) Good photographers do much more than simply take good photographs.

(2.) Good photographers arrive early and give it 110%. Good photographers enjoy pressure. Good photographers are reliably upbeat and positive. Good photographers are polite and unassuming. Good photographers deliver work on time. Good photographers have seen it all, and done it all. Very little catches them by surprise.

(3.) Good photographers help plan the schedule with their clients. Good photographers know exactly what needs to be happening at any given moment. If unexpected things should happen, good photographers calmly assess the situation, and move to Plan B quickly and seamlessly. Which means you can sit back and enjoy the day, while they do the heavy lifting.

(4.) Good photographers make the process of being photographed enjoyable, even if you’re shy. Good photographers make good locations look great, and great locations look spectacular. Good photographers are passionate about all aspects of their profession. Good photographers enjoy sharing their knowledge with clients, and can refer you to excellent videographers, DJs, bands, officiants, venues, planners, and so on.

(5.) Good photographers know how incredibly uplifting and affirming it is for clients to love the way they look in photographs. Good photographers send you ‘‘sneak peaks’’ soon after your event because they know how excited you are. Good photographers use quality lenses, cameras, software, and back-up procedures. They spend time and money honing and developing their skills. They buy art books and study them. They give back to the artistic community.

(6.) Good photographers know that in some ways the most important work begins AFTER they leave the reception. Back in the editing studio, good photographers spend hour after hour carefully perfecting your photographs in Lightroom, Photoshop and Topaz so that you’ll cherish them forever.

(7.) Good photographers know that in recent years, many new ‘‘photographers’’ have arrived on the scene, offering clients prices that seem too good to be true. If someone tries to entice you with cheap wedding photography packages, please consider this a red flag. The basic rule in life is you get what you pay for. This is particularly true of weddings.

(8.) Good photographers know that weddings are expensive. Even if you try to keep costs down, the numbers find a way to keep rising. The good news is our prices are in the MIDDLE, but the quality is HIGH END. This combination ensures you’ll get excellent VALUE for your money.

(9.) Good photographers know that when the wedding is over, and the guests have gone home, the only thing remaining is you, your spouse, and your photography. Sure, you’ll always have memories of the event, but even those fade with time. Good photography will preserve the most important day of your life with style and beauty — forever.

(10.) Please email or call/text us for an individual quote. (609-502-4185, todes@verizon.net.) Destination weddings are always welcome, too.

Now that you know all this, is it really worth choosing an amateur photographer to capture your special day, when for a few dollars more you can get a seasoned professional — and peace of mind?