Photographers.....would you?

karen_newcastle

Just out of curiousity.....would you let someone photograph your wedding for free and give you the disk of images afterwards? I am fairly new to photography and I am building my portfolio and just wondered what brides thought about this?

Don't worry I am not touting for business - I am no where near the standard required but was just curious.

Krystaltips

A lot of people have suggested things like this to save money. I'm fortunate enough to have a photographer as a friend but if I didn't I would of let someone do it for free to build up a portfolio.

Cazza

I'd want to have an idea of what they'd done before, just have a look at stuff they'd done for themselves or for college for example, but as long as they could hold a camera straight I'd happily do this!

loulabelle44_2

It's a very tricky one. Any photographer needs to start somewhere, and offering your services for free is certainly a good way to get your portfolio going.

I'm sure many brides would be happy to take up such an offer. However, I would be reluctant to do that when it comes to my wedding. I have read so many times that photography is one of the most important things to think about. It is how you will remember your day in years to come. I need to see a good portfolio and hear recommendations.

I know that's quite harsh, as a new photographer could have a natural flair and be every bit as good as a seasoned pro.

I guess photography is the one thing where I am just not prepared to take a risk.

But, as I said, there will be heaps of brides that would be willing, and it would be a great way to get your portfolio going.

I'm no legal expert, but I would suggest getting the brides to sign a release which says that while you are giving them image copyright, you have permission to use the photos for promotial material for your business.

karen_newcastle

Loulabelle44 - I completely see your point of view. When I was organising my wedding last year the photography was very important to me and I looked at many professionals until I found one I liked.

I do know that some couples can't afford professional photography and maybe will to let someone 'have a go' after all what have they got to lose?

It's interesting to hear people's point of view!

mummyyummy_2

i would emply a professional but also allow the newbie to come along and photograph too. what could i lose that way? id only gain extra photos that possible the pro didnt get round to taking!! xmyx

karen_newcastle

mummyyummy wrote: »

i would emply a professional but also allow the newbie to come along and photograph too. what could i lose that way? id only gain extra photos that possible the pro didnt get round to taking!! xmyx

I am already an photographers assistant but if, in the far off future, I might want to go 'solo' and choose the shots myself etc. It's a very different experience being the main photographer.

So I am getting some experience and hopefully will continue doing this for a good while yet. I have so much to learn before I trust myself with something so special to the bride and groom.

loulabelle44_2

karen_newcastle wrote: »

I have so much to learn before I trust myself with something so special to the bride and groom.

What an :A you are! With such a fabulous attitude, I think you'll be just brilliant.

Good luck! :j :j

roxalana

If I ever get married this was what I was hoping I'd find someone to do (or a pair of students!). Quite simply we wouldn't be able to afford a professional. However, I think that doing this, combined with family & friend snaps would be a good idea if budget doesn't allow for a pro.

However, I am aware that it is a risk and there would be no come back if the pics were rubbish. I also would expect the photographer to have less ability to organise people for posed shots.

I would have the photographer and ourselves sign a contract that states what we expect (e.g. some posed shots plus reportage photography for X hours from Xam-Xpm), copyright for Bride & groom & permission to use for promo for photographer, photos on cd (which we would pay costs for), and that we accept the quality may be less than a pro.

I would expect to see a (probably unfinished) portfolio from the photographer before choosing one though.

I plan to go to the local Uni and colleges that teach photography.

If they were good I would be happy to recommend or provide a written ref, but if they were bad I wouldn't!

karen_newcastle

roxalana wrote: »

I would expect to see a (probably unfinished) portfolio from the photographer before choosing one though.

This is what I am trying to build up. I've got a few good shots from the last two weddings I assisted at and I've got at least another 6 weddings this year so hopefully buy next year I will have something worthwhile to show folks.

I must admit I am really enjoying it but it's a lot harder (and more expensive) than I first anticipated. Taking good photos is more than poiting a camera at the bride and hoping for the best :rotfl: . What I have been finding is that the lighting inside churches and venues like hotels is usually awful and you've got to know what you are doing to get a well exposed shot that is not washed out by direct flash. It's a challenge but I am learning a little more each time.

loulabelle44 - thanks for your kind comments. I guess being a bride myself last year really helps me put myself in their shoes.

fitshase

I've often thought about offering my services for free as an additional photographer at a wedding but it sometimes gets complicated when a professional photographer is present.

My hobby is photography and when I have gone to friends' weddings, I've always took my camera and took loads of photos. I've then made them a photo book as an after wedding gift which has always gone down well with very positive comments.

It's much easier when you are not the main photographer as it is stress free and you get more informal reportage shots.