Your formal is a significant social event, a night you’ll likely remember fondly. Because of its importance, consider having professional photographs taken. Formal photos are as meaningful as wedding photos, so choosing the right photographer deserves careful consideration.

There are four ways to capture your formal through photography:

• Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
• Low-Quality Professional
• Uninvited Photographer
• High-Quality Professional

Let’s examine each approach to understand the differences.

DIY

This involves relying on attendees to capture moments using their own cameras and phones. While it’s free, the photos may lack creativity and suffer from poor lighting, focus, and clarity. Also, you might not know the people taking the photos, and you may never see the images. While guests will take their own pictures, don’t rely solely on this method for your event’s photography.

Low-Quality Professional

Here, a professional photographer takes posed shots, either at tables during dinner or against a backdrop. While some photos might be good, the photographer may be rushed due to other commitments, leading to hurried photography. The shots may lack creative angles, lighting, and background choices. The photographer might also leave early, missing important parts of the event, and the limited number of shots may mean you only appear in one photo.

Uninvited Photographer

Be cautious of this category. Uninvited photographers find out about your formal and, without permission, take photos outside the venue as guests arrive. While their photos may be creative and appealing, they typically avoid entering the venue to avoid being caught. These photos might then appear on a website with your school’s name, for sale online. This is illegal and unethical and should be avoided.

High-Quality Professional

For your formal, consider a high-quality professional. These photographers use top-quality equipment and creative techniques to capture the entire event. They arrive early and stay late, documenting everything from the arrival to dinner, entertainment, speeches, awards, and dancing.

All images are uploaded to a web gallery, allowing you to choose the photos you want. You’ll likely be in multiple shots, and you can download as many as you like. Usually, the photographer’s fee and the online gallery are included in your ticket price. Printed copies are often available online for a small fee later, due to processing costs.

This approach ensures your photos won’t be lost or damaged, and you can revisit the web gallery months later. It’s the recommended option, combining professionalism, convenience, and quality.

Don’t leave the important photography of your formal to rushed or questionable individuals. Hire a true professional to ensure the best memories.