Student Photographer

Animeamy

Is it a good idea to have a student photographer take photos at the wedding? I know of someone that wants to build a portfolio and is willing to do a wedding for free, but it makes me kind of weary because I don't get to see their work and I do not really know how well their photos would be. I just don't want to chance it just because it won't cost me a dime. Any pointers?

toothpastechica

Depends on how important photography is to you....if its super important then theres no way i would go with someone who 1. cant show thier work and 2. has not done weddings. I am a portrait photograher and my FI is a wedding photographer, when i started helping him i couldnt believe how different even portrait to wedding photography is and im experienced behind the lens of a camera! If you just want to make sure there are some, im sure they would love the experience. My advice would be to get a PAID good photographer and before signing a contract with them ask them if you can bring in a second photographer, they may or may not allow it, i always like having 2 photographers at a wedding anyways, and if they will allow it gives the student experience without as much pressure so its less likely they will undertake photos or get overwhelmed.

saacjw

I wouldn't hire any photographer if I couldn't see their work. I'd hire a student photographer IF I could see their work and liked it. I'd also be tempted to get refereces from professors and other people who know good photography and the student's work. I've seen students who are on the level of professionals and also wouldn't take it for free, even if the fee is nominal. They still have to drive to where the wedding is, use expensive equiptment, and if they are good, deserve to be paid for their time. 

angybanez

Make sure to look at their work and how they photograph people, events. Photojournalistic style and portraits. Like SAACJW said, even if they are students some who are very good may need to be paid for travel, gas, etc.

cassienoel022

Honestly, the only way you should go for a student photographer is if they have shot at one wedding. The wedding world is very different than anything else. I am a student but I'm a wedding photographer. I brought my friend as an assistant who is an amazing fashion photographer but she couldn't hadle how fast it is. There is a ton of pressure and it's not for everyone. Also they might not have the rit equipment. Overall if you want to make sure you have amazing pictures go with someone that knows what they are doing and has the right equipment. And that might be a student.

puppylove121

I wouldn't do it. If you want to give a student a chance, go ahead and let them snap away for free/cheap. But get a professional too. There are people on http://www.gatheringguide.com/ec/photographers.html  who aren't too expensive.  How many times are you going to have a wedding? 

Animeamy

Thank you everyone for responding. I was just wondering if anyone out there had the opportunity to work with student photographers in their weddings. It was just something someone brought up and I was kind of torn because it's a friend of a friend and I don't want to insult my friend for not considering her friend photographer. But I definitely want to find a professional with experience. This wedding planning stuff is pretty intense. haha

cassienoel022

As a student photographer I can tell you that not al of them are not professional.  That being said, I made sure that I had enough experience before shooting my first wedding.  If you do decide to go with them make sure you ask them how much experience they have (even if they tell you they have only been a second photographer) and make sure to see their wedding work!!