Amateur/Student photographer - How much?

andthepigsaidtothecow

A friend of my parents is a student (19) and is doing photography and art something at college. 

He phoned and sent me some of his photos (I have seen them before) and he is good. He asked to be the wedding photographer. 

He is good and I have no problem helping him out (esp as doing the wedding will go towards his portfolio and he can count it -if it is a proper 'job'- as a few credits) plus it would save us money

But how much to pay him? 

Obviously not as much as a professional but still something proper?

gymbugmj2k

I will simply give one warning.

Aside from personal memories, the photos are what you will remember your wedding day by.  To some brides this is incredibly important, and they also want to do art projects (scrapbooks, canvas prints, photobooks for family, etc) with the photos.  To other brides, they could care less as long as there is some sort of documentation of the day.

If you REALLY care about the photos -- please hire a more suited professional...perhaps with a 2nd shooter as well.  This is a case of 'you get what you pay for'.  If you truly just want simple photos, then the route you're taking is fine.

Consult with the photographer on price (has he done other events?).  Google photographers in your area adn see what they charge.  Also google what amatures make in your area.  A lot will depend on the editing time as well (you need to pay enough to cover that time, too).  Break it down per-hour. I would think somewhere between 15 and 30 per hour....which should still keep you under $1000.

example with an 8 hr wedding and 18 hours of editing at 15/hr (very low end of price)
15x8= 120
15x18=270
total = 390 (i'd round to 400)

andthepigsaidtothecow

Thanks, that is helpful

I fall into the: don't really care just want some photos camp. And no he hasn't not properly (has done jobs before but not an event if that makes sence)

mayanbride2012

As a former photography student I would not recommend using someone who has not shot an event on their own.  If they have been a second shooter on a couple weddings then yes but if this is their first event then absolutely not.  They will most likely miss things and will not be prepared for the lighting changes and indoor environment.  $500 max  But you really don't want to have someone experimenting, that's what they will be doing, on your wedding.  You want someone who knows the routine and what their setting should be in each environment.  Good luck.

andthepigsaidtothecow

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_photos-video_amateurstudent-photographer-how-much?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:30Discussion:0d10b08c-b022-41f2-98cf-38ff3d624012Post:b3a37f06-b725-48b3-bcda-d9620ea1393a">Re: Amateur/Student photographer - How much?</a>:
[QUOTE]As a former photography student I would not recommend using someone who has not shot an event on their own.  If they have been a second shooter on a couple weddings then yes but if this is their first event then absolutely not.  They will most likely miss things and will not be prepared for the lighting changes and indoor environment.  $500 max  But you really don't want to have someone experimenting, that's what they will be doing, on your wedding.  You want someone who knows the routine and what their setting should be in each environment.  Good luck.
Posted by mayanbride2012[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Okay ta - about fee</div><div>I can honestly say I don't care, I wouldn't hire a professional with 2 shooters anyway and I don't want them to be just normal staged wedding photos so am not bothered about him experimenting. 

</div>

janewhonyc

Eeek..This is your wedding and pictures are soooo important. Would you really want to go that route?

janewhonyc

Eeek..This is your wedding and pictures are soooo important. Would you really want to go that route?

MrsKathyC

I agree with other posters, photography is really not something you should skimp on or experiment with.  Good luck!!

lindaalberto42

I think if you like his pictures, go for it.  Just be clear with him exactly what you'll need or what kind of shots.

gberga

If you really want him to shoot it go for it. But, get a second photographer that is experienced with weddings. It isn't just taking pictures.  What if he trips at the reception and his camera breaks? Will he have a contract? Does he edit? Know how to make you look flattered in the camera? Have a second photographer that has done weddings and has an idea of what a wedding entails.