How to find inexpensive wedding photographer?

Question

I'm not looking for a professional, just someone who has had experience in portraits and knows their way around their own camera. Is there an easy way to advertise for this? I've thought about advertising at local colleges in like their art department where there might be photography students who need the experence and wouldn't be too expensive. Advertising at a grocery store or a gas station seems a little tacky. I've been on websites like flickr and photoreflect.com but the few promising photographers I've seen have not gotten back to me. Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Be careful here. The photos are what you have left after the party is over and the flowers are wilted and the cake is gone, the dress packed away. You might get lucky, and get a college student with a lot of talent and knowledge. Just having talent doesn't equal getting good wedding images, though. Weddings aren't like shooting portraits or landscapes or birthday parties. Things move quickly, and there are no second chances or do-overs if something messes up, the camera breaks, the flash doesn't fire, or you run out of film or memory.

Have you tried the local professionals? Here in my area, (rural western NC) we have a decent experienced pro who has a $650 package which includes unlimited (!) time and 20 8x10s. Of course, you have to order any prints from him, as he does not release the negatives or files. Guess where he makes his money?

I am a photo lab manager, so I know most of the locals who shoot on the side, (which I do as well.). Ask your local photo lab if they know of any weekend warriors who are good at their craft. And there are usually some decent part time shooters who do an adequate, if not outstanding, job for several hundred dollars.

Whoever you find, ask to see some work, hopefully from several weddings. Ask if they have backup equipment... (VERY important!) Ask for references. If they can show you a complete wedding or two, that is good. However, not all part time/casual photographers will have a complete album to show, but they should have some sort of portfolio of their work. What kind of files/negatives will they deliver? Prints? Are they experienced at Photoshop? How many hours of coverage? Get it in writing.

Try the local colleges with all the above in mind. Also craigslist is full of aspiring photographers, some of whom are pretty talented and wanting to build a portfolio. Good luck, I hope you find a gem of a photographer, and not a piece of gravel!

Answer 2

Those are some great starting ideas. Photographers are EXPENSIVE. I am a wedding Deejay , so I see alot of ways that people can be creative.
1. Ask a friend or relative. Using a digital camera, you can crop and discard any photos that you do not like. If there is someone that you know that takes decent pictures, that can be a HUGE savings. Even having 2 people through out the ceremony and reception taking pics... then use thier chips and get the photos and blow up the ones you like the most.
2. Leaving disposable cameras on the guest tables, have the deejay , or someone make an announcement that they are to take pics of everyone at thier tables to get all the guests in candid shots.
3. There are some main shots to try to get:
1.All of the wedding Party.
At the church
At the Reception Hall
Also any outdoor photos
2. One of each standing up couple.
3. Parents. Alone, and Parents each with Thier son/Daughter , and One All Together
4.Intro into Dinner, As each is introduced.
5. When the VOWS are being said.
6. Cutting the cake.
All others are usually group and general pics of the over all evening.

Or Just hire a Photographer for the Church Ceremony and the REception do yourself.

Answer 3

Those college photographers sound like a great idea and so does the advice on possibly cutting costs elsewhere and getting a good photographer but if neither one of those is possible then you might just want to buy a nice digital camera and assign someone to take pictures. This way you save money on a photographer, still get nice pictures because cameras are so advanced now, and you get to keep the camera for whatever else you want.

Answer 4

Yes, if you're more concerned with the cost, I would post fliers on college campuses or in their newspapers. Many students would love the opportunity, but don't get upset if the quality is not what you expected. Ask to see a book if you decide to use a student.

You should also get referrals from friends.

However, I found some great professional photographers for my engagement photos by accident when I went through The Pros. You can visit their site at www.thepros.com to find one in your area.

Answer 5

Look in your phone book for people in your area. Do you really want some college kid taking your pictures and being at your wedding. Get a real photographer. Shop around and get a good price. at leats they will be insured and hopefully act professional as wedding photography is much more than walking around taking pictures.

What if this kid's camera is beat? How can he/she guarantee you pictures of your memories? A wedding is not something you mess around with.

Answer 6

Remember you get what you paid for. If you just want snapshots of your wedding then just go buy a bunch of disposable cameras and let your guest snap away. But if want something nice and professional then you need more than just some kid who is taking a photography class. Remember you are looking for someone with talent, and usually people want paid for their talents.

Answer 7

weddings are hard work and easy to mess up,

students wont have a shot list, the skill or equipment to pull it off, or the know how to charge and wont know the hidden costs , techniques etc

straight answer you will get what you pay for, sorry


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Answer 8

Someone you know or some THEY know that LOVES photography.
That's what I used to do on the weekends---just for a little extra money.
(BUT, I had an 'eye' for composition)

Answer 9

Hey, where are looking, what state... i can help you out..email me [e-mail]

Answer 10

put an ad out on craigslist.org or just look for one there