When it comes to wedding photography, some 91% of couples choose to hire the services of a professional photographer, while 8% will choose an amateur – relative or family friend. The other 1% don’t bother with wedding photographs at all, perhaps just having a quick ceremony at the register office and then all heading for the pub afterwards.

Some people believe that, as long as you have a good camera, anybody can take wedding photos, and it’s true. You could even take wedding photos with a phone, but you probably won’t get many that are worth keeping in the album.

Professional wedding photographers spend years honing their skills so that they can produce a stunning set of photos every time. One thing that many couples want is a photographer who can help them to keep calm. When you are the centre of attention for the day, having someone taking photos of you can be stressful because there is always that doubt at the back of your mind.

Maybe your tie isn’t quite straight, or maybe that necklace isn’t showing as it should? A photographer who is not only great at taking pictures but has a relaxed and friendly approach can be a great asset on such a big day. This is why you need to meet with your chosen photographer before the day itself and have a friendly chat so that you can get to know each other. A good wedding photographer will also want to see the venue in order to plan ahead.

Many couples want a mix of posed pictures and candid wedding photography in Hertfordshire or any other county. The word "candid" is described by the dictionary as "truthful" and "frank". Candid photography is those photos which are taken with the subject often being unaware that it is happening. The photographer will mingle with the guests and use his training and instincts to spot something unusual or something that looks as though it may happen and be ready to take the shot when it does. This gives the photograph a natural and relaxed look.

Technology plays a more important part in wedding photographs today. Some photographers are now using a drone to take aerial shots, and these can make a huge difference to the wedding album. Taking photographs with a drone is yet another skill that has to be learned – first of all how to fly the drone, and secondly how to use it to get the best shots. The photographer will also have to be licenced by the Civil Aviation Authority to pilot a drone and will need to have insurance cover as well.

Something to consider is the cost of hiring a wedding photographer for the day, which is why some couples cut corners and have their Uncle Jeffrey take the photos. However, the vast majority of couples would rather not take any risks: after all it is a day that is never going to be repeated. Even so, you may wonder why a professional quotes you a price that may be greater than you were expecting.

To begin with, the photographer should meet with you before the day itself and will also want to travel to inspect the venue, so there is time involved there just to begin with. On the actual day itself, he may be with you for as much as 12 hours – which is a long working day in anybody’s language. But it is not just that. After the day there is a lot of work to be done on editing images and adding any necessary effects. Any minor imperfections have to be edited out, and all of this takes much longer than being present on the day itself.

Then, of course, there is the cost of all the necessary equipment which runs into many thousand of pounds. Cameras and lenses and other equipment has to be kept up to date, and USB’s and hard drives purchased. A DRI Mavic 2 Zoom 4K Drone costs about £1,100 as well.

Then all the costs of learning to fly the drone and how to get the best shots with it has to be factored in, along with courses and workshops which the photographer will attend in order to keep up to date with the latest trends and advances in photography.

So, as you can see, there is a lot more that goes on behind the scenes than there ever is on your big day itself.