What’s a Guest Portrait Photographer?
What is a guest portrait photographer?
A Guest Portrait Photographer (or “cocktail hour photographer”, or “wedding day portrait photographer”, or even just “portrait photographer”) is a photographer that is hired specifically for the purpose of taking posed formal portraits of wedding guests during cocktail/social hour, or receptions. They are not typically present and acting in this role for the full wedding day, and are often treated as a fun experience for guests.
Do I need a guest portrait photographer?
These additions are an amazing option for anyone who wants to gift an elevated photo experience to their guests, for couples who want to ensure that all of their loved ones are photographed, or for couples who want something a bit more personalized than a simple photo booth during cocktail hour.
Though many of us have been doing some version of this for a while, especially when a second photographer is part of the wedding day, it’s been fun to see a new trend of couples hiring a photographer just for the sake of these portraits! It’s a more dedicated, more intentional version of something that naturally happens anyway - which means it can be seamlessly integrated into your wedding gallery and photography experience.
These guest photos can be casual, formal, or even include full backdrop and/or styled lounge set-up! The main thing they all have in common is that the photographer taking these is solely focused on your wedding guests, and making sure all of your loved ones leave with photos of themselves looking extra fabulous.
Note! I highly recommend talking to your main photographer about options of adding a portrait photographer as a second, instead of hiring a separate photo company yourself. Read more about exclusivity clauses here!
