Student Photographers/Videographers.....

I wouldn't cut corners with photography because the cliche is true: at the end of the day that's what you have left from your wedding day. You may be better off with a basic package but a professional photographer.

With all the scary things I have heard about photographers I wouldnt. Since I cut the videographer (over budget) I would consider that option though. I mean how many times do u really watch the video???

I agree with above, photography is the one thing you don't want to skimp on. Shop around, you should be able to find a good one with a reasonable price. With videography, you can have a trusted friend or family member do it for you, just make sure they have steady hands. Give them a list of moments you want them to film and maybe you can have the video edited after.

Thank you all! I was thinking the same thing. I definately want nice photos. The video can be raw image because I want to see the day exactly as it happens. I think I am going to go with the basic packages.

If you just get the copyright release, then you can deal with the album, prints, etc. later.

In fact we're thinking about adding pages to our album now because our photographer took TOO MANY great pictures! But honestly it's easler to pay additional $$ now when everything is said and done, than it was when hundreds of $$ in expenses were piling up like there's no tomorrow.

This is NOT what you want to skimp on....please.....get less hours with a great photographer, bag the video all together, but do NOT rely on a non pro. Figure out where your budget is going crazy and cut that instead.

You could get lucky with going with students, but like the others said, that's a BIG risk. If you find you have no other choice, then it's better than nothing, but it's best to look for other items to cut back with...

I actually found one that I am using, she showed me previous works that she has done and is not charging me to do the pictures just the cost to print them out, because they can use the pictures for their portfolio. So I am doing this but my budget is only 1500.

It definitely CAN be a very good thing. I'm a student photographer as well, and am doing a couple weddings, but I'm fully aware that there are some student photographers ( i know a few... ughh! ) who just... well, suck. And they think they're awesome lol and they have some wedding's booked. So just keep in mind how wrong it could go, as well, when you consider this option.

Also, they could have GREAT work, but really AWFUL work ethic, reliability, and wont have insurance etc! or extra equipment. What if their camera breaks? But it's a risk sometimes you've got to take, and I personally am very thankful a few brides are willing to take me on so I can build up my portfolio, so I can't bash it entirely

Amanda, hope yours turns out well But if you saw some other works, AND it's free, that doesn't sound bad to me

I am booking a girl who hasnt done a wedding before. but she is doing 4 before mine. she also has done family, engagement, maternity, and other sorts of pics. she is really good. its only costing me $700 including engagement pics

I used a student for my video. It's taking him a while to put it together. So far I've seen the raw footage and he needs to step it up. It's not the type of video I really wanted but we couldn't afford much more then what he charged. Personally I watch my video alot, I actually just finished watching it. But I do look at my pictures alot more, they are all over our living room. So I would not skimp on photos.

Some times the professional photogs from studios branch out and do side jobs or are starting up- they don't have as much experience as well seasoned photogs, but they may have more than student photogs. My friend is an example of this- she has graduated with a degree in photography and has been certified by a studio... so she's simply doing our e-pics (definitely at a very reasonable price too, for her time; obviously prints are going to cost as much or little as you want). Too bad you're not in NY or I'd recommend.

NEVER cut a professional photographer. You eat the cake and food, the flowers die, the dress is worn once.... the photos is all you will have left of the day.

Ways to cut the budget, things to cut

- colored linens - use the hall's free white ones

- flower centerpieces - use candles or the hall's free ones, if they offer anything

- limo

- programs

- favors

- expensive accessories (veil, tiara, jewelry, shoes, slip) You could get costume jewelry, inexpensive shoes but buy some $5 arch support cushions. Ebay for slips. Borrow any of these items from family members?

- skip on the cake knife/server or just get the $9 one from the wedding aisle at the craft stores

- get a smaller cake - the bakery can make "kitchen cakes" they are the same flavor as the wedding cake, but since they are not decorated fancy they don't cost as much but are the Same cake. You will still have a cake to cut and have on display.

- skip a runner

- use DIY projects

- nice bouquet for yourself- single flower BM

- Get a smaller guest list

- less appetizers

- minimize the bar - only provide certain things on your dime

- less hours for the professional - Have them before ceremony for pictures/ceremony/cocktail hr - Do your 1st dance right after announcements. You could also cut the cake or do 'staged' photo. Then send them home before dinner. Do you really need professional shots of the garter toss and drunk people on the dance floor?

things to cut out of everyday life to save $ for wedding

- cable

- smaller phone plan

- starbucks

- movie theatre

- smoking/drinking

- drive thru/cafeteria - Bring your lunch to work

~ good luck ~

Photography is not the place to cut your budget. You can settle on album packages, etc- but not the photographer themselves!

I would do it but my FH was a photographer student.. They take the really good shots.. but YOU HAVE TO know what you want because they wont know the wedding poses that every one later on. That is one the issues I am going to have since I have friends doing ours.. The cool thing about students they will usually give you full rights to all your photos so that way you can edit them later on without having the watermark from the photographer on it. but that is just my 2 cents.

It takes experience to shoot a wedding. Knowing when to anticipate & shoot at the exact right time is not something that is learned in a classroom. Those wonderful captured moments are captured because of experience...and not just a wedding or two. Having the right equipment to capture low light situations is expensive...most students can't afford 1/4 of what is in my camera bag...much less my lighting bag (which weighs almost 70 lbs....I bring a lot of equipment). Backup equipment is a must. While they might be able to learn technical skills at school, learning how to work a wedding, & not miss anything takes experience. Posing, lighting, people skills...all experience. I hear horror stories all the time about going the inexpensive route. You do hear occasionally a great outcome...but it's not the norm...why take the chance.

It's sad to see that Wedding video continues to get little love. Both photos and video are important and are worth the investment in a professional, everything else doesn't last. I would cut back in other areas and get a good photog and videographer, then make the rest of the day as pretty as you can afford with what is left.

For those that say they would never watch their video, I challenge you to explore and see what is being delivered out there today. Wedding video (or wedding films as more places are calling them now) has come a long way from some you have probably seen in the past.

Whatever you decide, I hope that you have a great day and get the memories that you want to have. Good luck.

I would definitely do it to cut expenses and save money for a wedding trip. Moreover, at

customwritingcompany.com a writer offers to hire also students instead of professional musician which does make sense for me.