Photoragher - Are We Crazy?

[Jen_S]

We have been looking at a lot of photographers and the work is amazing but of course with good work is a high price. So we were at a friends house and her son has taken photography classes throughout highschool he actually does really good work. Are we crazy for using him to do our photos for the wedding. Then we would higher someone to do our TTD since we want to do it in a Cenote. He never photographed a wedding so this would be his first. So I asked him to get his friends together since they just had prom and do some shots and we will then make our decision.

[lscilley]

I think if his work is good then why not try. Everyone has to start somewhere.

[Hartyt509]

You'll get original photos for sure and none of that photoshop stuff which is good. Also when he becomes famous you got to him first lol I think its a great idea

[jajajaja]

Ultimately that is up to you guys to decide. I wouldn't go in with a lot of expectations though so you won't be upset. At minimum, I would hire a really good pro for a TTD so you at least have some framers to bring home.

[Jen_S]

That is what we thought. It would cost us about $1000 to bring him we would have hime for 4 days and everyone needs a place to start.

[cheese_diva]

Honestly I would only hire a professional. Friends and family often do a very good job but you'll need someone that gives gentle direction, can locate photo spots, works with the lighting given, and in general has done it before and can work under the pressure. Being a wedding photographer is allot more than just taking a good photo.

 

BUT, it's up to you.. you just have to be ok with whatever happens.

[Jackie]

I agree with Rachel. Its up to you. And I wouldnt finalize any decisions until after you see the prom pics. You might change your mind or decide its a great idea.

[O'Driscoll Photography]

Perhaps I am a bit biased, but I would look at your budget and try to see if you might be able to cut a bit in another area so that you will be able to spend a bit more to hire a pro who has a lot of experience photographing weddings. It takes a lot of skill, knowledge and experience to be able to photograph a wedding. And, there are also people skills which are essential as well.

 

Ultimately, this is something that only you and your fiance can decide. But, remember that your images are one of the few things that you will have to remember your day. Wouldn't it be better to pay a bit more, knowing that you will have peace of mind as well as awesome images?

 

Hope this helps.

 

Tod

[Opice34]

I think it's a great idea. I started taking shots at friend's weddings for fun and then ended up becoming the only wedding photographer for friend's weddings that followed. Good lord, it is stressful, but it was my gift to them and I was able to save them a lot of money.

 

I would make sure to show him lots of pics from other weddings...lots of shots you'd like to get. At that age, he probably doesn't understand what the "meaningful" moments of the wedding are. If you'd like to get shots of your hands with the rings, your silhouettes from the back...I don't know...but I would choose some pictures from other weddings that you like so that he can have a good idea of your style and the kind of shots taken at a wedding. Shooting a wedding is much different than shooting anything else. There is a lot going on and lots of little moments to capture and he really needs to be "with it". So, I'd just show him as many shots as possible.

 

My only concern with hiring a teen would be - is he responsible? Dependable? He's not going to get down there and go wild and booze it up, right? Make sure he knows it's not a free vacation and you really need to be able to rely on him.

 

But I think it's a great idea! And you can still photoshop them! I swear, with the programs that are out there these days, anyone could create good pictures. It's incredible. And I'm sure he has access to some sort of programs through school, too.

 

That being said, there will always be a difference from amateurs using photoshop and the true pros who have all of the vision and incredible equipment. (Which is probably why I'm spending a lot for a photographer.) But I still think you'll end up with great pics!

[rodent]

I think it would be fine if you are not so worried about your pictures. It's a lot of pressure to shoot a wedding alone. He is bound to get some good shots, but you can't expect that he will capture everything. And if he doesn't have experience with shooting people in bright sun you might have some problems with exposure.