I just booked my wedding photographer and this is her FIRST wedding

HisMegs878

OK, call me crazy but I just booked a photographer who has never been an official wedding photographer. She is a professional photographer and I have looked through many of her albums and I really do like her style but she has only taken pictures at a few family/friends weddings.  I love pictures but I didn't want to spend a large amount on a photographer because I knew I have plenty of friends and family members that would take pictures for me.

I was on craigslist looking at baby things and I ran across this ad asking to trade baby stuff for a photography session and pics. I looked at her web site and I think she is really good. I contacted her and asked her if she would trade some of these items she needed for doing my wedding. At first she wasn't sure if she wanted to because it was such an important day to me and she didn't want to use my day to practce. Well I said that is ok (and I am assuming anything extra besides family and friends would be ok) and would be willing to have her use my wedding as practice.

Well I am getting my wedding photography for less then $600. I am so excited and honestly not worried at all.

I am so excited
Megan

simplebride_24

The only thing that I would worry about is her timing.  Everyone has to start somewhere.  My first wedding I asked a friend to come along and keep track of time and images for me. It worked like a charm and I am now best friends with that Bride and her daughter is my god-daughter.  

If you are concerned ask her if you can give her help (you really should anyways for the family images so she isn't saying "hey you move here")  or if she can find her own help.  Wedding photographers carry a lot of stuff... she will need it. Having someone who is there is the best thing. 

If you like her work... go with her. Thats what matters, you liking her and clicking with her.  She sounds great. And if the price is right for you go with it.  As a professional photographer thats my advice. Hope it helps.

Courtney Craver

I would be careful.  Weddings to me have always been a big deal.  It is not something for someone to be practicing on.  Just make sure she knows what she is doing... knows how to work her camera... and that you like her style!

Good luck!

Courtney Craver
www.sublimestudios.com

HisMegs878

She is bringing an assistant with her to help her with everything. We had a sit down and talked about the shots that I must have and who the key people are. We are going to do a pre wedding photo shoot as well.

I am excited and honestly not worried that she will make a mistake because I have seen her work and talked to several of her customers and so far everyone has been happy.

Megan

JMBB

I hope everything works out perfectly for you!!

As a wedding photographer myself, I can tell you weddings are extremely fast paced and your photographer should have a plan in place on how she's going handle the unexpected things that happen throughout the day! (and back up gear IS A MUST!!!!!)

It's SOOOOO not like being a portrait photographer... there's a lot of pressure a wedding photographer has on his or her shoulders to capture the day as it unfolds and get many many emotional shots (you know, the ones that speaks for themselfs), get the right angles, take fun shots and keep everything running ontime - without anyone feeling rushed.

For the sake of your satisfaction with your wedding pictures, I hope from now until your wedding, your photographer takes it upon herself to get a few gigs as a 2nd shooter or assistant with one of her wedding photographer friends so she can experience what she'll be up against when your big day comes!! The information she can learn will be SOOO valuable for her!

Best wishes!