My fiance and I are planning a simple, intimate wedding. We were aware that the photographer might be the most expensive part of the wedding. My uncle's stepson is a novice photographer. He mainly photographs animals. He's never done a wedding. He is now expanding his craft mainly with close friends and family. I liked his work, though limited with people.
The price is good and it includes Engagement photos, Wedding Shower and the whole Wedding Day, albums and discs with authorization to print as many pictures as we want afterwards.
My future mother-in-law, has a friend, who is not a professionnal photographer, and admits it. She does photography simply for the love of it, and has done many weddings. I know I will better be able to make a decision once I see her work. She does not charge for the day, simply for the photofinishing.
Do I go with experience or should I try to save money by being a guinea pig for someone trying to gain experience?
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Nov 12, 2007, 4:10 PM)
TWQadmin
FORUM EXPERT
/ Moderator
Jan 24, 2006, 12:57 PM
Post #2 of 8
(2405 views)
Re: [Sherry_R] Photographers on a budget
[In reply to]
I think you already know the answer but here is my opinion.
Go with the experienced photographer. You cannot repeat this day and when all is said and done, photographs and memories wil remain.
Besides, when using friends and/or family you could feel as though you cannot tell them what you want or how you want it. You might save a few bucks but you could gain problems like bad photos, resentment and stress! Relationships could get in the way.
My advice is to tell both of these people thanks, but that you'd rather your family and friends relax and enjoy the day. Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
Sherry_R
Jan 24, 2006, 1:06 PM
Post #3 of 8
(2403 views)
Re: [Sherry_R] Photographers on a budget
[In reply to]
Man, that was a quick response!!! Thanks!
My gut was to go with my mother-in-law's friend that has experience, though not a professionnal. Even though I have not yet seen her work, I hear it is really good. We are planning to get together as soon as schedules permit.
Any advice on how to "let him down easy". Is there a tactful way? We've already met and have discussed prices...
PS...have I mentionned I love this site!!! Makes planning seem so easy!!!
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Jan 24, 2006, 1:35 PM
Post #4 of 8
(2399 views)
Re: [Sherry_R] Photographers on a budget
[In reply to]
I believe the Wedding Queen gave you some great lines to use--the lines pertaining to family.
Just be honest about wanting to go with someone who has photographed weddings and that you worry about mixing family and business. The mixture often turns to toxic waste. Rebecca Black, Etiquette Now
The Video Pros
Video Forum Moderator
Jan 24, 2006, 2:08 PM
Post #5 of 8
(2398 views)
Re: [Sherry_R] Photographers on a budget
[In reply to]
Definitely go with the more experienced photographer. Just be sure to negotiate ownership of your negatives. Make sure the contract includes the negatives and your right to do with them as you please.
Regarding helping the nephew, if he wants the experience so bad you could let him know that he could shoot your wedding for FREE to help him gain the experience. Many brides have more than one photographer at a wedding to ensure no special moment is missed. If the photos turn out nice, let him know he can use you and your photos as a reference.
Keep in mind that he may have people call you to ask about your experience with him. If the experience was bad, you will need to be honest with him and say so. Honest feedback from his clients will be imperative since he is trying to improve his craft. If he tells you that he wants you to tell people he was good when he wasn't, don't bother having him shoot your wedding.
Everyone needs a chance to break into whatever business they desire. An apprentice often doesn't get paid very much for the work they do, as the work is considered their "learning curve" and is not of the quality to garner serious dollars.
You might be surprised by the variety and quality of images you get from your wedding. Having two different perspectives often proves very interesting! Copen Cabana DJ Audio Visual Production providing Custom Wedding Coffee Table Photo Book with DVD Services http://www.knowareland.com
Sherry_R
Jan 28, 2006, 7:25 PM
Post #6 of 8
(2375 views)
Re: [The Video Pros] Photographers on a budget
[In reply to]
Thanks Video Pros!
The same evening I posted my question, we browsed through the work of the experienced photographer that I mentionned in my question. Though not a professional, EXTREMELY good work. (Not that I would really know the difference). We looked at four different albums, and she stated that the negatives and any discs will be mine. Along with that she will put together an album for me and one for herself to show...as she did with the albums she showed us. She is only charging the cost of purchasing the film and for the photofinishing!!! She states she just does it for the love of photography, and she remembered every detail of every wedding that we looked at. It was easy to see the pride and enjoyment she took in her hobby...
She even mentionned that she wouldn't mind letting my cousin take some pictures of his own and "follow" her lead. WIN-WIN for everyone involved...
Thanks again!
Sherry R.
Sherry_R
Jan 28, 2006, 7:28 PM
Post #7 of 8
(2374 views)
Re: [Et.byRebecca] Photographers on a budget
[In reply to]
Rebecca,
I fully agree with what you said. The experienced photographer said that she didn't mind if my cousin took some himself and followed what she did to gain some experience. I hope he takes that well...
Sherry_R
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Jan 29, 2006, 1:01 PM
Post #8 of 8
(2365 views)
Re: [Sherry_R] Photographers on a budget
[In reply to]
Well, I think we all benefit from an experienced mentor. I would jump at the chance if it were me. Rebecca Black, Etiquette Now
Wedding photographers on a budget
