Would you use a free photographer?

Wishfairy2010

frannyann wrote: »

It does seem to be a growing trend, I think I'd cry if I did that to my dress!

LOL I maybe would now... 10 years and a costly divorce later

frannyann

Wishfairy2010 wrote: »

LOL I maybe would now... 10 years and a costly divorce later

Me too, except mine was chopped into little pieces and thrown in the bin

Great_Hairdresser

Hi WishFairy

I am a hairdresser and make up artist and it is usual for new Hair,MUA,Photographers and Models all to get together organise a shoot and work for free to build up a portfollio.

Lots of networking for such things goes on via MYSPACE. Its not as scary as it sounds and great fun.

Everyone is in the same boat trying to get pics together etc and is all really helpful.

Also a new model would prob be up for the trash your dress shoot with a charity shop dress (if you do this I will do the hair and make up)

If you need any more info PM me I am happy to help.

sparklylime

If I was already married I would definately volunteer for a Trash-the-Dress shoot!! I think they're awesome and will be having one done myself after the big day

rene2b

Wishfairy2010 wrote: »

I won't try to be clever here and hide my intentions so...

My other half is a professional photographer trying to move into weddings. He needs to get a portfolio together and is willing to offer his services in exchange for being able to use the photo's on his web site and advertising stuff.

My question is would anyone actually risk having their photo's taken by someone who has never done it before (I mean a wedding not take a photograph ) I was a wedding planner for 10 years and worked with hundreds of photographers so should be able to keep him straight on shots needed etc.

What questions would you be asking and can you see any pitfalls from him offerring something like this?

Hope it's ok to post this here?

Nikki x

hi nikki
if he's willing to travel then he's more then welcome to do my wedding
you can pm me if you want
everyone as to start some where why not at my wedding x

pretzelnut

i agree mock up a wedding, it wont be that hard, get everyone who is involved in a wedding involved, get the college students who do hair and beauty to do that bit and give them a few photos of their work for their portfolio as payment for their services, perhaps use a uni student who designs dresses and feature one of her dresses, get suits from somehwere, go to a church, you dont really have to go inside.
Ring up florists and ask if you can borrow some flowers etc.

It might be a bit stressful but it will give him a good portfolio and he will be able to do it his way without intruding on the bride & grooms day.

ians5

hello peeps,
Trash the dress is something that came out of USA. Personally I'm not keen so prefer to call them 'bless the dress' sessions, you just get to dress up again and have some chilled out fasion pics taken maybe in your fav park, on the beach, just get it done after the wedding but before you take it to the cleaners, you can wreck your frock if you want but you can get some great pictures without being a vandal!

Dizzie77

That's what I suggested too PrincessWoo - there is a college nearby and I suggested mocking up a wedding with drama students, hair & beauty students doing their bit...

I'm sure it would get some good coverage in the local paper too - which would be free advertising for anyone involved!!!

pretzelnut

I have an interview at college tommorrow for a 2 year photgraphy course, i shall find myself in the same boat soon , i have spent the last 4 weeks solid putting the finishing touches to my portfolio, hoping it contains everything that needs to be in there, so i can totally understand where photographers struggle.

The college prospectus phots were taken by the photography students and the college campus is on the same site that we are getting married at, so i expect i will have a few extra photographers at my wedding.

My wedding photographer has great contacts with all the local wedding people, he never has any problem in getting hair, make up, dresses, etc.

I would get the OP other half to get in contact with wedding fairs and ask if he can go along and do some shots, theres always brides, grooms, suits, flowers cakes etc there and you could really quickly mock up several completely different shots.

Also the models love to have them in their portfolios too.

karen_newcastle

I am doing a lot od Cherish the Dress shoots...we dont trash the dress, just go out for a more 'fashion' photoshoot. After the weddings. It's a great opportunity to wear that dress again.

I have been shooting weddings for a while now, this is my 3rd year. I started as an assistant photographer and then went onto book my own weddings once I had a portfolio. Never did a wedding for free though.

The reason why pros dont like people shooting alongside is that they need the full attention of their subjects. I HATE doing group shots where there are numerous people taking the same shot and the people in the shot are looking all over the place. Also some photographers are selling the prints afterwards as part of their business model. If you've got Tom, !!!!!! and harry taking the same shots and giving the couple a CD then you've lost some precious income. I guess this is why we are a 'funny bunch' lol

I think the suggestion of a mock wedding is a great idea. It will give him a portfolio to show couples and if he charges even a little to cover a days work then all the better.

Remember he needs (at least) 2 DSLRS, 2 flashes, back up lenses, public liability and professional indemnity insurance. As you know this doesn't come cheap nad he needs to cover his costs.