Photographers.....would you?

SugarSpun

I'd want to see a portfolio to show that you knew what you were doing, and I'd give you a list of the pictures I really wanted to have. Other than that it sounds like a good deal for everyone!

freebie_junkie

My Mum is taking mine. She isn't a photographer per say but did photography units in her Fine Art degree and she takes wonderful photos at many of my events and gigs. I wouldn't insist on a professional otherwise but I would want to see some of their previous work.

jakesmummy_2

karen_newcastle wrote: »

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.

I would definitley do this, we havent booked our wedding have just been looking into prices if things and I really want a photographer but they are so expensive there is no way that I could afford one and pictures are really important to me. I was actually thinking of trying to get a student photographer. Also if I was happy with the pictures I would offer some money too.

karen_newcastle

One idea I have is to offer a free engagement shoot first then if the couple liked the pictures they might feel more confident to let me go ahead and shoot their wedding?

What do your MSE'ers think about that?

paddingtondoo

karen_newcastle wrote: »

One idea I have is to offer a free engagement shoot first then if the couple liked the pictures they might feel more confident to let me go ahead and shoot their wedding?

What do your MSE'ers think about that?

I think that's a great idea but the setting for engagement photos wouldn't be quite the same. Personally I would be happy to use a non professional as I'm not bothered about photos but I know they are incredibly important to some people but would want to see some samples first.

hnisc

As an amateur photographer I turned down the opportunity of being the official photographer at my sisters wedding. Why? Simply you need two of everything for starters, cameras, flash guns, batteries etc. Secondly if your photos are not great there is no comeback and your friendship will suffer.

People often wonder why wedding photography is so dear? Well the insurance for items and for when photos are not up to standard is expensive.

I met her half way though and will take photos of the evening do and shadow the photographer with his permission to gain experience.

If on a budget go for the basic album package and give disposal cameras to guests to give back to you and you will have some quirky shots from your day!

Contains_Mild_Peril

I was shocked to learn that one of my fellow camera club members does weddings with only one camera! I wouldn't dare. I take a back-up camera to weddings when I'm just a guest and they have an official photographer!
My own wedding some years ago was a low budget job without a professional photographer. We got some lovely photos from family and friends, but would have been very happy to have a student/ novice take professional style photos without a professional price tag.
I think that photographic technique is only part of the required skill: if hiring an inexperienced wedding photographer even if they have an excellent general portfolio, a couple should be prepared to help organise posed groups if the photographer isn't bossy enough!

ians5

I am in a similar position to you Karen, even though I have worked in photography for a number of years I have found it very dificult to break into Wedding coverage. It's one of those chicken and egg situations, no one will book you until you can show you can do the job and without a booking you have nothing to show ...... Just keep at it, eventually someone will book you. If you feel you lack experience, kit or confidence there is little more you can do than offering a freebie but be sure to do so with an understanding that something may go pear-shaped and if it does the 'customer' cannot hold you responsible.

daleigha

i would certainly be happy for someone just starting out etc to come & photograph my wedding for free!!
my boyfriends dad is doing it for us (hes into photography and has a big fancy camera :rolleyes: !!) and im happy enough about it as i would prefer very informal photos (in hoping one of the staff where we are getting married will come outside and take a few with everyone in the pic tho!)
i noticed that adobe photoshop have a 30 day free trial, so i thought i could take advantage of that to touch up the photos.

if theres any budding photographers out there in belfast who would like to come & take pics at my wedding you are totally welcome!!

EricaB

I would be happy for someone to take photos for free as long as i could see some snaps they had taken

My cousin is taking my photos on saturday - he isn't a pro just takes fab shots which is why we asked him and is saving a fortune