So you’re getting married! And you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community. If you’re thinking you’d like to hire an LGBTQ+ photographer…read on to find out some reasons why this is a fantastic idea.
For some same sex couples, hiring wedding vendors can be a daunting task. We have all read the news stories about two brides or two grooms being turned away by venues or homophobic bakers and cake makers. And those are just the stories that make it to the news.
Read on to hear my reasons to hire an LGBTQ+ photographer and how it can be a meaningful choice for many reasons.
- Shared Understanding. Been misgendered or pronouned before? Yeah, it sucks. I use she/her pronouns myself, but have watched friends fight to be seen as they identify. LGBTQ+ photographers will have a deeper understanding of the experiences, emotions, and nuances within the community. This shared understanding can lead to a more authentic and empathetic portrayal in your photos. Not only will your photographer understand, they can advocate on your behalf if issues with other vendors come up and gently remind them of your pronouns before you need to.
- Advocacy. LGBTQ+ folks are often marginalized and supporting a queer business is a big deal, especially one in an industry filled with hetero-normativity. The wedding industry has come a long way, but there are still many miles to go. By hiring an LGBTQ+ photographer, you are supporting professionals within the community, helping to create more opportunities and visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals in this industry. It helps their business grow and cater to more queer couples in their community. It helps spread the word to others that there is a safe space vendor who has walked in their shoes and would love to photograph theirC love for reasons other than to just be able to say that they ‘photographed a gay wedding once’.
- Comfort and Trust. LGBTQ+ photographers can create a more comfortable and inclusive environment for their clients, allowing them to be themselves and express their identities freely without fear of judgment or misunderstanding. No one likes to be looked at any differently on their wedding day, and when you hire an LGBTQ+ photographer, they can make sure the jokes are on point and that you feel comfortable every step of the way.
- Representation Matters. Hiring LGBTQ+ photographers contributes to increasing representation in the media and challenging stereotypes, helping to create a more inclusive and diverse society. Times are changing and those who are slow to the punch need to see us out there, loud and proud.
There are many more reasons why hiring an LGBTQ+ photographer or other vendors for your wedding day might just be the thing to do if you’re a part of the community itself. Here are just a few that come to my mind. I absolutely love to photograph my queer community. It brings us closer together, it makes us stronger as a whole and together we can grow.
If you’re ready to get in touch about hiring me for your big gay wedding, head over to my contact form and get in touch! I want to hear all the details.
