Wedding Photography and Videography Forum

Finding A Student Photographer

I am having a hard time finding a photographer for my budget.  How would I go about locating a student photographer from a college?  Do I contact the college professors myself or can I put up some sort of want ad?  Thanks for the ideas and help!!!

Re: Finding A Student Photographer

  • What's your budget? Are you being realistic? Are you sure you want to go with a student?

    I'd try calling a local college and asking!
  • I haven't had any response yet but I"m trying to do the same thing. I've reached out to the local schools to see if they know how. I've considered a flyer to put up on the school property. I was thinking about a craigslist ad to just look for an amateur photographer. 

    i've been trying to position everything as "expand your portfolio" instead of 'we need a cheaper photographer' 

    let me know if you have any luck. 

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  • I was thinking about posting an ad on craigslist as well.  Part of the reason I am looking for a student is not only because they are cheaper, but also because they are usually more willing to try cool things with the camera that are different, and the chances of ending up with more unique pictures are greater.  I will keep you posted if I have any luck with my local colleges Janna2012!

    Good luck! 
  • edited January 2012

    If your pictures are important enough, why trust them to a student who might not have the experience to overcome wedding day challenges such as poor light or equipment problems, not to mention lack of experience in covering all the shots you might need.  There are many pros who would love to be creative if you will let them.  There are just too many wedding picture disasters. In fact, my own cousin doesn't have a single wedding picture when she asked a good friend and student to cover her wedding.  Not one picture!  Something was wrong with the camera settings and the student’s lack of experience failed to recognize this. I am a videographer but I have worked with and know enough photographers to have experience in these matters.

  • Just don't do it. As photographer and a bride, just don't do it. Look, we all start somewhere, I was once a photography student myself and I'm telling you it's just not a good idea. Those new to photography need to be skill building with portraits of friends and family for no charge, not trying out weddings. I photographed one wedding as a student, and it was not good. It was either me, or disposable cameras on the tables and a family member with a P&S taking pictures during the ceremony. Sure, what I got was better than that but it in no way was good work.

    MANY photographers are willing be creative (I would like to think we're all creative?) so I'm not sure what you think a student will do better than a professional? 

    Anyway, if you are dead set on a student I would call the local colleges that offer photography DEGREES (not just a class) and ask to speak to the department head. They would know best who within their department would be best suited to attempt to handle such an event.


  • Janna2012Janna2012 member
    10 Comments
    edited January 2012
    Probably not helpful if you are in Milwaukee but the new england school of photography gets these requests all the time. They directed me to the following page http://nesop.com/find_a_photographer.asp maybe there is something local to your area?
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