Would you let someone photograph your wedding that had no 'official' experience even though they had a portfolio (not necessarily weddings in it though) for a very low price- possibly free? If so would you hire a 'pro' as well?
alexlynn7
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i would be wary of doing that, only because if something were to go wrong then i would have no pics pics are too important to me...
bluetank
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it depends on how much the pictures mean to you. My sister didnt want too many pics so she hired someone with not all that much experience and the pictures were great. I dont know if I necessarily would though. If they are new, they might want to try really hard to get their name out there and do a phenomenal job.
HearzBellz
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most likely not, maybe if they were a backup? Like if you had a wedding pro there & then had this photographer X do the photojournalist stuff?
JMO
FoxHollowbride0617
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I would probably say no. My main concern would be that this is something you will have forever and I would want to be comfortable with the person. The price isn't the most important thing (cheaper is always better) but I would be concerned with experience level. If you know the person and feel confident in the ability then that is another story. Good luck in your planning
SReidy
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I'm just asking to see what everyone says...I've been married for 3 months now and loved my photographer's work. I've been photographing for years and have done sweet 16s and what not but I was just curious to see what people would say as I have no 'official' experieince and am looking to break out into the field. I'm planning on taking some workshops and more courses but I'm just trying to figure out how one goes about 'getting started' in this field. Even with education I don't know that you fully understand wedding photography until you've gone and photographed weddings and most of the photographers sites that I've looked at don't have an 'education' link which makes me wonder if they've had any formal training at all..... Thanks for answering everyone!
checka
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Just be careful if you do this, especially if they have not photographed weddings. My coworker had someone they know photograph their wedding but like you are saying, he didn't have any professional experience. My coworker still regrets this decision because the pictures did not come out the way they hoped and they didn't have video.
chris605
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I definetly wouldnt - My concern would be - Photography and videography are the only things you will have to remember you day for years to come - Everyone I talk to say they dont remember there wedding at all - IMO thats too important to risk it....
Good Luck
checka
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I must have been typing when you posted. Maybe you can hook up with a photographer that already has experience and go along as an assistant to gain experience. My bro is a wedding photog upstate. He had been a photog for several years before shooting weddings. This is basically what he did and now he is doing weddings on his own. You will probably have to do freebies at first but the experience you gain will be more valuable.
nov.bride
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I answerd the poll with a no because for me personally - we are getting married in a Greek Orthodox Church and ceremony.
So for us we needed to assure that our phtographer was familiar with the key parts of the ceremony and caught them.
Also depending on the size of your wedding and wedding party- you need to make sure that this person can handle that.
Unless you were 100% blown away by thier work, I would definetly research it further.
ETA- I would hire them in addition to someone.
SReidy
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Posted by checka
... You will probably have to do freebies at first but the experience you gain will be more valuable.
That was what I was getting at--- thanks for answering! I was just talking to my DH and he was saying that he thought I should take workshops and stuff (which i've been trying to find and there are NONE around here). I have a portfolio of different reception halls that I've photographed sweet 16's in which is a similar guideline for photographign the night but I just wanted to get some people's opinions.....
september2004
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Posted by SReidy ...I've been photographing for years and have done sweet 16s and what not but I was just curious to see what people would say as I have no 'official' experieince and am looking to break out into the field. I'm planning on taking some workshops and more courses but I'm just trying to figure out how one goes about 'getting started' in this field. Even with education I don't know that you fully understand wedding photography until you've gone and photographed weddings and most of the photographers sites that I've looked at don't have an 'education' link which makes me wonder if they've had any formal training at all..... Thanks for answering everyone!
build a portfolio through 'freebies' and try to tag along as an assistant to someone. at my FSIL's wedding i was constantly in dominick's (from 12th night) way and as a joke (or just a polite way of saying get out of my way *****! ) he stated 'wanna job?'. had i been interested i would have run with that joke and all... i love photography and would like to dabble in it here and there as well good luck!
BTW: i picked my photographer solely on his work and personality. i am taking a complete 'risk' as i have no recommendations and i'm going in blind - my gut said go for it, and i did...
JacnRob729
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personally i wouldnt...id rather spend more on my pics and save on the rest
SReidy
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Thanks for your thoughts everyone!
BUMP for the morning crew!
bridget&jimmy
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Like some said I would just do some freebies and get into it that way. Maybee even start with engagment shoots first so that way you can build your portfolio that way.
CubanBride
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I would, but it totally depends on what their non-professional portfolio looks like.
pinkgirl
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I would DEFINITELY let them do it, but I would also hire a pro.
PrincessConsuela
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Everyone has to start somewhere. that is what i always say. everyone of these great photographers started somewhere. try it out. hey if the price is right i will hire you.LOL no really im not kidding. I definetly would start with engament photos and then small weddings or work as an appentice that is the key to getting that experiece you need. the sweet 16's are definetly a start though. I really would like to get engagment photos taken soon feel free to FM me good luck
Marisa&Brian
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Could you try to team up w/ someone that does have expereince ? An apprentice-ship or something........ It's going to be extremely difficult to break into the wedding photography business w/o someone backing you up - Just look @ these boards, - we're all neurotic when it comes to photography ! (not that i'm doubting your talent AT ALL .......) but I personally wouldn't hire someone w/out wedding photography expereince.
SeptemberBride03
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I wouldn't because I'd be worried about the total package - the developing quality, the albums and reprints. I want the pictures forever and they are too important to me to risk.
In your situation, I'd suggest working for a photographer so you can get experience in weddings before going out on your own.
