Student Photographers

Have you considered trying to find someone who has been a second shot for an established photographer? We had an experienced photographer booked, but she had to cancel our contract due to being pregnant (and due the month of my wedding). She recommended a girl who had been second shooting a while for another big name photographer in the area. This girl, after seeing her portfolio, is a really wonderful photographer. Since she has not shot solo yet, she is not charging as much as someone who has done 100s of wedding. In fact, she is giving us a really incredible package.

I certainly wouldn't do that without seeing a portfolio and knowing how many weddings she has been second shot for. I also figure since my wedding is less than 20 people, I'm confident she can handle it. ANYWAY, my point is, I would go that route as opposed to a student photographer if you can't afford a more experienced photographer. Please make sure to weigh all your options first, see if things can be cut to afford what you want. If you go with someone who hasn't been first shooter much yet, l would definitely suggest getting an extensive look at the work they have done.

Ah Rachel.....always..... this is how. You second shoot dozens of weddings for other photographers before you take on the responsibility for someone's (theoretically) once in a life time gig. You don't build your reputation on styled shoots (also not a rapid fire stream of events) and you don't sell your equipment instead of your expertise.

Thumbtack will get you rank amateurs who can't get business any other way. They make vendors pay to bid on your wedding, and you get the first five who are hanging around the house because they're not working. No one I know will use it.

It't the same way a great anything; DJ, officiant, video person gets great. By spending 10,000 hours getting great. Not by practicing on people who can't redo their wedding.

I wouldn't do it you get one shot and that's it

I would not hire a student photographer for a wedding. It's really just the experience piece of it. They need to the importance of time frames, where and what needs to be captured and exactly when. You shouldn't have to worry about this on your wedding day!

I'm hiring a very "new" photographer. I chose her because looking at her photos It's clear she has a talent, just not as much experience as other photographers. She's also amazing with natural light photography which is something that I was looking for. She just got married herself so I'm confident she understands what's expected from her.

It's a risk, I know, but to be honest photography isn't the most important thing to us, as long as we get some decent photos of us and our families we're happy.

Engagement pics? Sure. Actual wedding day? Nope. Pics are the most important thing to me since they're the only tangible memory I'll have and the most money out of the budget will be poured into quality photography (besides food and venue).

Awesome! Thank you all for your input! I have learned a lot, and this will help me out!