Student Photographers

I think that is a huge risk...... this is not soemthing that can be reshot

We hired a student photographer for our engagement photos since we live on the other side of the country from where we plan to get married and it was unrealistic to be able to do e-pics with the same photographer (who is an experienced professional) we were hiring for our wedding. A couple things:

1) We knew the girl and knew she was trustworthy. We also knew that while she has not finished her degree, she had been working with clients for a few years, so she had some experience under her belt with photo shoots.

2) I did not approach her about her services until I saw her reviewing photos from a shoot she had done for mutual friends. I would not have considered asking for her prices if I had not seen her work and could confirm it was amazing.

3) When I asked about engagement pictures, she did not know my plan was to hire a separate, experienced photographer for the wedding, so she started mentioning that she could do wedding photography, too, if that's what we wanted, but it wasn't her favorite. It was extremely clear that she was not confident in her abilities to photograph a wedding and she didn't have a lot of experience with that kind of photography. I would recommend finding out what any student photographer's comfort level is with wedding day photography and whether they've done a wedding before. Get examples of their work covering actual weddings. It's different than doing a 1-2 hour photo shoot with a couple or a family.

Dear God, when will this end? Yes, a pro is more expensive, but they can get the job done, a student can't. This is a once in a lifetime event that can't be redone, I don't think it makes sense to entrust capturing critical moments to someone without field experience with weddings. If you are that tight on budget, and you honestly don't care about how the photos come out, go for it....other than that, I don't recommend that kind of crapshoot. Little Jimmy a few doors down, in my busy season, sure, he is fine to cut my lawn to make extra money.....that doesn't mean I'd have him trim tall trees.

You couldn't pay me to do this.

No. They will not get the job done, they can't keep up with the rapid fire events and moments at a wedding, and it can only be done once.

An engagement shoot is not a wedding. It's a relaxed session with no timestamps and two people. It's a completely different animal.

You have time to save. Cut other things; favors, guests, decor, programs, STD's; anything to give you the money for a real person.

I hired a friend of a friend (years ago before I knew better) and my pictures were terrible.

I wouldn't. Not for such an important day. this day won't happen again. For a photo shoot or something? Sure. Not for wedding shots you can never re-take.

How does one become an experienced photographer without shooting their first wedding? You don't just magically become an experienced photographer with 100 weddings under your belt.

Depends how important photographs are to you. If they are really important, prioritize and pay for a professional whom you love their work.

Rachel - to me it's like DJS- I want you to do 100 mitivas and reunions and 50th birthdays before you do my wedding. They at minimum need experience with large events

I think Rachel is saying "how will they get experience if they can't ever book things" something along those lines.

As for OP, I say go with experience. If this student is experienced in weddings, and that's something that matters to you, go for it. If you really just want one picture so no one gets mad at you, then do the student! It's really, what you are looking for.

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They get experience by being a second shooter for an experienced pro.

Rachel, have you had surgery? I haven't, hopefully never will. I don't want a first timer personally. There is a sense of entitlement and lack of accountability with many modern day aspiring wedding photographers doing styled shoots and billing themselves as wedding photographers. Not the same. The responsible ones who care about their reputation and their couples assist established wedding photographers, or intern. And then second shoot a bunch, by then they know they know the ropes and when they are the primary or sole shooter, after the first three they learn most...by the time they do 30 or so they are relatively seasoned. It can take years before they know who they are as a photographer. One who knows this and has this, doesn't work for change like students will.

I'd imagine you're looking for a student photographer due to budget? My friend who got married last Sept. suggested I use the app "Thumbtack", and I just booked my photographer that way. You put what you're looking for and within what price range and professionals will contact you if they fit. They have reviews, and typically are more affordable because they're new, but *do* have experience. If you're getting married over a year from now they have time to build up their skills. Obviously it's more risky than getting someone who's seasoned, but if you can see their work this may be a good option.

I wouldn't... Photos are forever. Everything else is just going to last that day.

Ha. Thumbtack doesn't vet anyone and only the first 5 vendors respond. Gigmasters and gigsalad are okay

Thumbtack is rubbish for us...tried it, won;t do it again. They want us to pay for a lead with very little information, there are certain questions we aren't allowed to ask. In the end, shoppers just want the cheapest bid, no time for that noise. That is why many quality vendors don't do it.

To me, pictures were the most important aspect of my wedding. Our photographer was the first vendor we booked after our venue and was also our most expensive vendor after the venue/catering. The pictures are the ONLY thing you will have left of your wedding day. They will be displayed all over your home, and your parents' homes. Your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will cherish them. They can't be replaced or redone. To me, I would never cheap out or chance that.

You could get lucky but I'd be way too afraid to risk it!!!

When looking for a student photographer, you might find someone good or you might find this:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3535498/Couple-devastated-big-day-ruined-amateur-photographer-turned-45minutes-late-spent-time-taking-photos-HERSELF.html