Would you use a free photographer?

Mrsday2Be2

Hi Nikki,

We've had a cancelation from our photographer in Sunthorpe for our wedding NEXT FRIDAY as he's got glandular fever!
So, if your hubby wants a gig (no supermodels here I assure you) then our big day is wiiiiiiiiiiiide open. ;o)

Kel
xxx

trukdiver

A "free" photographer would still have expenses such as liability insurance and transport etc. They would be making a loss in order to get a portfolio to use to attract future business so it's not really any different from the "free trial offers" made by lots of businesses.

hayleythedaisy

I may be interested in doing some nice trash the dress type shots if someone wants to send me a pm I'd be happy to do some more traditional posing too - it'd be near peterborough and sometime around july/august.

Impet_Limpet

There was a persons website I stumbled across who did free engagement photos. The purpose of this was to give a taster of what the photos would be like on the big day. Not sure if this is an option.

Wishfairy2010

Mrsday2Be2 wrote: »

Hi Nikki,

We've had a cancelation from our photographer in Sunthorpe for our wedding NEXT FRIDAY as he's got glandular fever!
So, if your hubby wants a gig (no supermodels here I assure you) then our big day is wiiiiiiiiiiiide open. ;o)

Kel
xxx

PM Me Kel and let me know a few details - I'm not sure what else he has on next week but it's a possibility :T

ajt85

I am currently trying to plan my wedding and am on a very tight £3000 budget, we are looking at a church wedding and rather alot of guests so am having to be so strict with everything, i have actually looked into using students so they would get the portfolio work but to be honest i would love it if someone in my area was offering to do what your partner is infact if he would be willing to travel down to suffolk next year i would be more than happy for him to do my wedding dependant on seeing previous work and being able to have say practice shoot.
i would say i would expect to still be able to have a written contract to outline the finer details but with evrything to consider for my wedding i think this is a great cost cutting option as long as he is able to show people the kind of work he has done and what kind of thing he could do.
At the end of the day it isn't going to do him any harm to offer on say posts like this or wedding sites / magazines if he can show what he can do.

Wishfairy2010

tcapper wrote: »

Not so sure on free , would you have any comeback then ?

Friends used this chap :
mackieandmackie.com

You actually have very little come back (bar full refund) with a professional either as their contracts are so well done that you can't claim compensation in most cases. Even wedding insurance doesn't consider 'not liking' your album. It's not nice but that's the way it is.

onoski

karen_newcastle wrote: »

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.

I agree with Karen, make sure that you have back equipment etc and be prepared for anything and everything on the day.

Wishfairy2010

Well aware of the need for backup equipment but that's not a problem as he has been a photographer for many years, just never tried more 'mainstream' stuff like weddings until I said I could help keep him organised and calm - not that he panics but he does stress over getting the perfect shot sometimes

Yorkygirl2712

When we got married i was approached by a colleague who was building up her portfolio & offered to do our photo;s for free just for the chance to get a wedding under their belt (husband & wife team). Everyone has to start somewhere is my motto & to be honest I wouldnt have been heartbroken if the result wasn't perfect.
The photo's were fantastic & they were thrilled to have the opportunity so it was a win/win situation, we paid for their travel, meal, etc & we paid for the printing of the photos & the book. If anyone wants a photographer in/near Leeds let me know