Here's a great explanation from photographers Lin and Jirsa:
http://www.linandjirsa.com/hiring-uncle-joe/
Tell us what you think. Do you still prefer Uncle Joe to take your pictures?
 
 
I found an interesting article from a fellow photographer who replied to a person on Craigslist who thinks that photographers' prices are "wack". I believe it's worth reading it so you have a better understanding of all the work and preparation required to ensure that you end up with the best photographs posible because those memories are supposed to last a lifetime. Here it is:
http://www.petapixel.com/2012/01/26/why-wedding-photographers-prices-are-wack/



 
 

Mobile phones nowadays are capable of taking good pictures despite their tiny plastic lens and cheap sensors. However, if you follow these tips you can make the best of it:
  1. Turn off the automatic flash.
    Unless you're in a really dark place, using the flash will cause red-eye effects and make the background look darker.
  2. Don't zoom in.
    Mobile phones don't have a real optical zoom. They zoom digitally which you can do better on your computer later.
  3. Hold your phone steady.
    Your phone will try to compensate for the lack of sufficient lighting by lowering the shutter speed making your pictures look blurry if you don't hold the phone tight.
  4. Use the highest resolution.
    Remember to use the high resolution available on your phone. Sometime you can
    reduce it so you can email or upload your photo but if you ever decide to make a print then you'll be out of luck (you need at least 3 megapixels for a decent 4x6).