Photography alternatives

I have heard that some people have used a college student for the pictures. Is it cheaper? Usually, yes. BUT if pictures are important to you, I wouldn't cut corners and hire someone who isn't a trained wedding photographer. I understand budget constraints for sure, but photography was on our top 3 list of must haves for the wedding, so we spent a bit more on that to get someone who was experienced and had a portfolio of beautiful work. At the end of the day, just do your research, so you won't be disappointed. Good luck!

How important are photos to you? Have you considered getting a professional for a shorter amount of time? Personally, I would prefer fewer high quality pictures as opposed to a ton of poor quality photos. A photography student *can* shoot your wedding, but will they do a good job? I doubt it.

They are important tbh.

If you're trying to cut costs, I would try to do this in another area of the wedding (flowers, cake, etc). instead of a cheap photographer. You typically get what you pay for with services, and if you are cheap about photography you will most likely get cheap looking/disappointing photos. You will have these photos the rest of your lives so I would recommend using a professional.

If they are important to you then I would reconsider looking at alternatives. Not there isn't a chance that you couldn't find someone that is decent but that is a gamble especially if these students have never shot a wedding - wedding photography is very different. Wedding photographers know how to make their couples feel comfortable, the right light and timing to catch certain pictures, and how to catch even the smallest of details. Your wedding is one day, what if you end up not liking your pictures? You can't recreate them.

If pictures aren't highly important toy you, maybe doing a booth or getting a few Polaroid cameras and assigning someone to take photos? Keep in mind when hiring students that quality isn't guaranteed and they most likely won't have a contract for you- meaning they can pretty much flake out last minute and not get in trouble for it.

Hiring a student is a wonderful alternative if you want photos but are OK with the risk. Because you said they are important, cut costs elsewhere and see if your top photographer choices can do a shorter time frame.

If you honestly don't care about the outcome, a student is a good option....otherwise, generate some income and hire someone who knows what they're doing. If you care anything about the memories captured.

When I was looking for photographers I found a few that were super talented but still new and getting established around 1500$ for 8 hours compared to others I was looking at in the $3k area. Also if you opt for less hours (like 6 vs 8 or 10) it will be a bit less. I would definitely cut other places if you can if photos are important to you! And search around a lot!! Check out Instagram #(yourcity)weddingphotographer !

Never cut costs when it comes to photography. Don't risk your important wedding day for "cheap". That's a big day and your photos will be a big thing to have many years after.

I was thinking about hiring a student because of my budget too however, I did more research and found a photographer with great reviews for $800. Keep searching. I googled photographers in (my town or towns around the area). E-mail all of them and I'm sure you'll find a good match Good luck!

I hired a professional and also a student as a second shooter.

I found a ton through local fb wedding groups that had affordable pricing. Packages were as low as $300. I would just ask them for some sample shots before making a decision.

We hired our photographer for 6hrs rather than all day...almost 1/2 the price, included epics, 2nd shooter and will be there from 1st look til about an hr after the cake cutting.

Agree with previous posts that it depends on how important quality and reliable photos are. We are spending more on photography than anything else in our wedding and made cuts elsewhere to afford it. If you choose to go with a student just make sure you are very comfortable with the risk of them missing important shots or being less than stellar quality.

It really depends on your priorities. A student is not going to capture your day in an efficient and intuitive way.

Paying a photographer 300.00 is like throwing 300.00 away, honestly.

You are also talking in season; a photographer who can book an entire day is not going to book part of a day. We all only have so many days we can sell....

I contacted photographers and asked for only a 3 hour slot. they are charging me per hour instead of a package price.

I’m in the same boat as you, trying to do alterations to photographer. But I think the student option is a good idea but of course they should show you their work first. If they have no real work to show, hire them to shoot your engagement photos or photos of you in general. Also check this website out- alternative ideas to hiring a photographer like photo boots etc https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.brides.com/story/alternatives-to-the-traditional-photo-booth/amp

I want to echo what others have said - I found a fantastic photographer who was willing to offer me a good deal because I only wanted four hours of photography. I didn't need photos of us getting ready, my bridesmaids have cameras on their phones, and i didn't need photos of us dancing at the end of the night. I let them honestly know that I wanted the first look, ceremony, first dance, and family group photos, and I set up my schedule of events to accomodate her. She'd normally charge $3000 for a whole day (10 hours), I got a deal at $1100. Not all photographers are willing to negotiate. My MoH is a photographer and suggested including a nice tip and give them a meal if they are willing to lower their prices and create a package just for you. It's polite and will make their day.