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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 6/18/2008 10:00:41 AM
Posts: 110,
Visits: 655
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| I've been hunting around for photographers and not only are photographers expensive as we know, but all the ones I can find in my area are, well, totally not worth the money you spend looking at their portfolios! Poor lighting, poor execution, poor everything. I can't justify spending the same cost as my entire wedding on a photographer who'll take worse pictures than I could take myself! I have two friends, however, who will be attending the wedding who are budding photographers. One of them, is not professional but is EXTREMELY talented!! He's been doing this for a while,although not weddings, is very knowledgable, pro equipement and most importantly, I love his pictures!! We've made a few comments about having him photograph the wedding kind of half jokingly, but seriously, I like the idea and I think he would as well. He might find it a good experience, and I'd feel good knowing I'm helping him gain some experience in weddings. Do you think it would be a good idea to ask them? Would it be inappropriate? I know that if I did there would have to be a lot of discussion about a lot of issues, as I know friends can easily fall out over these things. I also want him to know that he will be there first and foremost as my guest rather than an employee. But I totally trust him to take amazing pictures and his style is exactly what I want! I know that he'll be there anyway taking picture of everything and anything for his own enjoyment, so how can I justify spending upwards of $3000 on a photographer who is not as good standing next to him taking pictures of the same thing?? Thoughts?
Me and him..August 4, 2007
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 7/3/2008 8:16:29 AM
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| I say ask him - what do you honestly have to lose?? Plus, if he is interested, it WILL help with his portfolio.. you guys can work out a payment thingy... I say ask.. you won't know unless you ask. He might just make it your wedding present.. who knows!
Jules 
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 4/17/2008 7:27:36 PM
Posts: 160,
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| Why go with someone you are already unhappy with, just because they call themself a pro photog? Isn't it all about composition? If you like your friend's work, then ask them to do it. However, I strongly advise that you sit down with them well in advance of the day and make a list of photos you want them to take, aside from the candids. Digital photography is less costly than film, for obvious reasons. However, there are print costs either way. Talk about costs and what they wish for compensation. Hiring them places an incentive for them to continue taking photos all day long. Communicaton is the key here. EL
Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs. 
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 9/6/2007 5:39:19 PM
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I say go for it!
I have a friend doing my wedding photography! I couldn't justify the money either and she is such an amazing photographer. She's not professional, but has taken courses and has all the equipment.
Ash
****Happily married June 24th 2006!!!****
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/29/2008 1:17:47 PM
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I definitely think you should ask them! BUT...offer to pay them like you would any other vendor. They may or may not accept that, but it is only fair. You will be expecting them to act as a professional photographer at your wedding, not as a regular guest, and therefore they deserve to be paid for their time. I agree with EL...figure out everything (timeline, expectations, etc.) in advance.
MLD *Engaged: Sept. 23, 2005*Married:June 9, 2007* I love my HUSBAND!
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Today @ 2:21:14 PM
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| I think you should ask too! I know a lot of people say not scimp on your photographers BUT if you've seen and liked his photo's than you can be pretty sure that you'll like the photos right? And besides if he's doing it to help his portfolio it just means he'll work that much harder to make excellent photos both for you and his portfolio. ETA - one thing you have to keep in mind though is that he is not a professional and that if your pics don't come out exactly as you had hoped you'll need to accept that or that could be the "falling out" that you are afraid of. All I'm saying is set your expectations accordingly
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 9/11/2006 1:27:18 PM
Posts: 25,
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| My photographer charged 2400 and wasn't worth 500$. He was grumpy and did not take many pictures at all. My horrible nightmare experience is what caused me to turn photography from a hobby to a business. If your friend is already a photographer, does good pictures, then the only thing you'd want to do is maybe put some poses you like for group and bridal party on a paper and show him to go by that. Have a pose list that you give to your friend and maybe maid of honor so that you don't end up missing things you want. Ask him how much he wants to be paid. Make sure he has everything he needs BEFORE your wedding (he may need film or extra memory cards, because you need A LOT to do a good job). Also see if he has something to filter out the sun as most formals are done when the sun is bright which would cause you to be white washed and lose detail. Wedding photographers use reflectors etc. to prevent this... make sure he has this and has an assistant!!! Seat him near the very front during your reception and ceremony, so he can be more at ease as a guest, but not miss things that are going on. The worst is being seated near the back, then having to stand (crouch) near the front the entire time waiting for the shots you want... better to be seated near the front in case something spontaneous occurs, you can be ready. Make sure you don't love your wedding pictures MORE than your friend, or it could break a friendship. You probably won't have any legal recourse (which did save my butt) if you use a friend and have no contract. Have a back-up in case for any reason he can't be there.
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