When planning a wedding, one of the most enduring decisions you’ll make is choosing your photographer. After all, when the last slice of cake is gone and the guests have left, your photos are what preserve your day. But wedding photographers like Jamal and Lashana Burley, a husband-wife duo featured on the Hue I Do podcast, know that many couples misunderstand what their job really involves.
To help future newlyweds avoid confusion—and stress—we’re busting five of the most common wedding photographer myths that Jamal and Lashana encounter in their work.
Myth 1: “Photographers handle the entire wedding schedule.”
Reality: They manage the photography timeline—not your event.
Lashana makes this distinction clear: “When it comes to the timeline, I am only working on our photography timeline. I am not doing the venue timeline.” While photographers help plan around lighting and logistics for photos, they’re not responsible for coordinating your event’s flow or handling delays in makeup or music. That’s a job for the wedding planner or coordinator.
Without one? Lashana admits she often steps in, but emphasizes, “I am not the coordinator. My job is to take your pictures.”
Myth 2: “Wedding photographers can shoot video too.”
Reality: Unless explicitly stated, they don’t.
“We don’t offer video at all,” Lashana says. While couples sometimes assume photography and videography come as a package, they are distinct services. Though the Burleys recommend videographers they trust, they make it clear in the booking process to avoid confusion.
As Jamal puts it, not every videographer is collaborative either, so it’s crucial that couples do their research to ensure both teams can work together smoothly.
Myth 3: “They’ll know who’s who in your family.”
Reality: Without guidance, important shots can be missed.
According to Jamal, one major responsibility that falls to the couple is providing a shot list and a helper. “We don’t know who we don’t know. Only you do,” he explains. Lashana adds that a well-organized list helps their process: “Jamal shoots, I set up… that’s what makes everything a lot faster for us too.” However, know that not every wedding photographer will request a shot list. Your wedding planner will help get everyone together when it is time for the photos, but if there are particular shots that you want, make sure to communicate that earlier than the wedding day.
Myth 4: “If they post on Instagram, my gallery is coming soon.”
Reality: Social media isn’t tied to your delivery date.
The Burleys are known for sharing behind-the-scenes content, but that doesn’t mean your full wedding gallery is ready. Lashana emphasizes that editing takes time, and quality matters: “I know the pictures’ editing is going to be great.” Even if you’re reposting sneak peeks from Instagram, understand those posts are curated previews—not delivery updates.
Myth 5: “Photography is just photos. Style doesn’t matter.”
Reality: Style—and chemistry—are everything.
The Burleys specialize in light and airy images. But not every client realizes what that means. “They just fell in love with the person instead of the actual style,” Lashana explains. That’s why they share full galleries in advance. “We want you to be able to see how we do everything in various lighting situations,” Jamal adds.
And don’t underestimate personality. Lashana describes herself as “a boss lady” who brings energy and organization. If you’re not a match for your photographer’s style or vibe, you might feel out of sync on a day that’s too important to risk.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Clarity, Not Assumptions
The biggest lesson from these wedding photographer myths? Clarity saves weddings. Ask questions, do your research, and never assume. From understanding that photographers aren’t planners to recognizing the importance of style and expectations, being informed sets you up for a smoother, more satisfying experience.
Jamal and Lashana’s approach is all about giving clients peace of mind, and as Lashana says, “Once you become a J and L bride, you become my baby.” When your photographer treats your memories like their own, it’s more than a service—it’s a partnership worth investing in.
