I Love Pinterest Too, But...

Have you ever had someone ask you to do something and then tell you it wasn't good enough because it wasn't done the way someone else they know did it? Isn't that frustrating? Now imagine you're a photographer who worked hard to capture unique memories for a client, but they are disappointed with the result because they wanted something that looked exactly how they saw on Pinterest...

I really do love Pinterest, don't get me wrong. With millions of photos in one place it's easy to look for inspiration whether it be for wedding or engagement photos or family or maternity photos, and that's ok! Pinterest is a great why for you to find out what style photography you prefer. Do you prefer photojournalistic photos? Highly processed photos? Candid? Posed? Carefree? Dramatic? Black and White? Knowing what you like is a great start to being happy with your photos, and this is something your photographer needs to know. But you should really stop there.

Here are a few reasons why:

1. Copying other people's photos is plagiarism

Photographers ethically can't copy another photographer's work without written permission. Just like a writer can't copy someone else's essay. Similarities are ok, every once in a while you're bound to pose someone in a pose someone else used, but to use a photograph and try to copy it in every way is not only insulting to the first photographer, but also highly illegal. 

2. Most of those wedding photos aren't actually taken on their wedding day

There are some drop dead stunning wedding pictures on Pinterest, pictures we all wish were of us. But, unfortunately, most of those posed photos aren't actually taken the day of anyone's wedding. Most are actually stylized photo shoots, basically practice and portfolio shots for the photographer, hair and makeup artist, floral designer, and even the venue. Those two probably aren't even a couple. Others are taken on a completely different day when the bride and groom get all dressed up again and take even more wedding photos in a more relaxed, artistic photoshoot. You must remember that on your wedding day you're not going to have that kind of time, and people will probably be rushing you to finish up so they can go party.

3. Focusing too much on someone else's memories takes away from your own.

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What a sweet, wonderful photo. Every bride wants a picture like this of their dad seeing them for the first time. But these are the types of memories you can't stage, they are great because they are organic. So, yes, definitely get a photo of your dad seeing you for the first time, but don't focus so much on making it look exactly like this photo. Instead enjoy the memories captured specially for you on your day!