Hiring a new photographer

I wouldn't trust it. A great deal isn't such a great deal if you could be left with nothing...

Videographers are story tellers, so the ability to tell a tale of your day exists, but No, I would not say that those two things naturally go hand in hand. I could not shoot your wedding video.

Maybe he has photos you can see? Even if they are not of weddings you should be able to judge his skill level?

BUMP

Ya I think many photogs on here would disagree that there is a direct transfer of skills..video you are capturing movement from movement; camera you are trying to capture a still image from possible movement..you have to like anticipate expression, capture candid shots, etc..have you seen any of this person's photography? If he has none to show you, I'd be iffy about that.

I have a question all the pros seem to be really critical of using someone less experienced. I understand defending your craft but doesn't everyone have to start somewhere? Even with apprenticing there had to be a first wedding. Everyone had to start somewhere.

Well I found a great experienced photographer for my wedding on craigslist $499 he does the color with the black and white background and photojournalist photography as well which is what i was looking for I understand usinga student and that they do have to start somewhere, i would not trust using a student until I at least saw some of there work. If its good go for it but remember these are your wedding day photos.

Yes, we all had to start somewhere, but do you really want the trial run to be on your wedding day? Usually, we start by doing tag alongs with pros, then we eventually branch out to second shooting, and then finally we work on our own. In the meantime, a lot of us took workshops and studied the craft, as well. So yes, everyone does have to start somewhere, but you start at the bottom and work your way up. You don't start by shooting someone's wedding when you have never done that. That's a once in a lifetime event, and you can't get those images back if they mess up.

You know, I'm going to place a vote FOR the video guy. I've ben a photographer for years, but honestly, with all of the new HD cameras out there that shoot video, a lot of photographers are hopping on that train with great results. It's not a huge leap.

The guy knows how to work the day, how to handle light, and he will have shot a couple of weddings by the time you get him. If you like him, go with it.

It's kind of like getting a baker and saying "I really like your cakes, but can you do CUPcakes?"

I actually used to date someone years ago that was a wedding videographer. Most people get their start and gain experience by working with other people in the field as assistants. Ask a bit more about his background... he might have done a bunch of wedding but not as the lead photographer. I do think some skills transfer between photo and video but not all...

I wouldn't take the gamble for my wedding day. Maybe he can shoot engagement pics as a trial run to at least allow you some insight to what his work might look like. I did that for the first photographer I had and thankfully so--we ended up getting a new photographer who is AMAZING.

LOL @ Barnett; I can do decent looking cupcakes and cookies, but a pretty cake—not so well.

Chuwana, yes a camera has flash, BUT in many venues (churches) flash is not allowed and he should know this. Flash can cause hot spots, glare and other issues. Dramatic evening images won't come across with a basic camera flash.

Yes, every pro has to start somewhere but the GOOD ones start as an apprentice/second shooter, usually for a minimum of a year. In this year they learn not only many technical aspects, but also how to be unobtrusive, how to deal with crowds and personalities, how to quickly swap out lenses/batteries/CF cards without missing a beat; when and where to set up lighting when allowed at a glance. Photographers are in your face, videographers—not so much.

Then there's the retouch and album aspect. I'm not sure how well videography skills will translate to retouching hundreds of images and designing a great album.

BTW, I'm neither a pro photographer nor videographer.

Who really cares, I mean after all, doesn't the camera make the photographer?

Video cameras DO have lights, I use a steady output video light occasionally for some lighting effects in photography.

My cameras do HD recording, I've got all the gear to do it, but would I ever consider selling my services as a videographer? No WAY! The editing is completely different.

How hard is it to use a flash? Again you just let it pop-up on the camera and blast someone with a light, right? WRONG! There is a craft to effectively managing (external!) flash usage. And of course, we're not even talking about getting into gel usage, remote flashes and associated triggering, and handing off to your assistant so he can use your flash bank, etc.

You're right down the road from me, I grew up in Annapolis, my partner lives in Odenton, feel free to drop me a line if you're interested in talking about some options.

"I wouldn't take the gamble for my wedding day. Maybe he can shoot engagement pics as a trial run to at least allow you some insight to what his work might look like."

While this will definitely show if he work the camera and find the light, the issue that many folks don't consider when hiring a new or hobbiest photographer is speed and technical skill. During an engagement session, they may have two hours with just you both in ideal lighting situations.

On a wedding day, they may have 10 minutes with you on a rainy afternoon. That is where the money that you paid for an experienced pro really pays off! It's being able to manage cranky babies to curmudgeonly grandpas... groups of 40 or more on a church altar, green fluorescent lighting and low ceiling panels in a cramped dressing room, all while making it feel effortless and look absolutely beautiful for the couple.

See their work at a VFW Hall & the Ritz and if they are both beautiful (different but beautiful) you got a winner.

Hey Matt, I'm not saying the camera makes the photographer.

I'm in the most competitive area of the country for wedding photography ( L. A.), and I'm just saying I know of a lot of photographer and videographers who are integrating the new technologies into their workflow, to keep more money in their pockets.

People who have a good eye and a good personality for this work can easily switch between mediums.

I wouldn't gamble someone "training" on my wedding day. End of story.

Exactly. I don't know of any photographers that jumped right into weddings. They second shot and shadowed someone more experienced. And more than likely, their pictures didn't come out very good.

I would definitely want to see examples of his work before deciding for sure. sometimes if they are talented enough then the gamble pays off, but you only get one shot at having spectacular wedding photos. We all started somewhere and we were lucky enough to have some brides trust us with their weddings with only a few shots to show them and were beyond happy and now we have a thriving business. I do know that videography and photography can be two completely different styles and if youve never used external lighting (flahses) before than they can be more harm than good. I'm probably confusing you, but I would say to get someone who you can see images from and whose style you like.

Ok, Brian, you win! Don't know what I was thinking!

Lighting for video and photography are different. I work with a production company that does video and my FH is a photographer. They both require different lighting. Photographing people is different than photographing anything else as well. Wedding photography is expensive as well. One thing to make sure of is that if the photographer shoots film that you get the negatives. If they shoot digital you get a disc and a copyright release.

A great place to start is as a second shooter! A photographer can gain a ton of experience but not at the risk of your wedding images- the only thing you take away from your day!