In case you weren't sure, this site is devoted to budget savvy brides. I turn over every stone I can to bring you smart trendy ideas, that won't break the bank...OK sometimes we dream big here. I think that only leads to inspire us further in self expression. With that said, I must admit I came across something interesting while perusing the pages of Craig's list. Under the gigs section, sub category creative, I found listed tons of photographers offering FREE wedding day photography. The reason they are offering free services is so that they can build up their portfolio's. What an interesting Idea. Here's were I warn you...STOP DROOLING AND PROCEED WITH CAUTION!!!
This is not for everyone and I must say that I do believe in you get what you pay for. That said, if your the bride who's having a very small, quaint wedding, or maybe you were going to forgo the cost of professional photography, then this is for you! What do you have to loose. I had a girlfriend who was getting married for the third time,(second marriage for her husband) and she was having a very small wedding (maybe 30 people tops). They were diving to northern Michigan to get married at a waterfall that was very sentimental to them. They did not have any professional photographers and relied on friends and family to supply them with their pictures. Yikes! what if none of them turned out?? Needless to say they had some nice pictures but nothing close to what a professional or someone trained could give you.
I think that you could probably get some really great photo's. I know that when I was in college, I had friends who were getting their degrees in photography and they were turning out some really beautiful pictures (enhanced in photoshop too). I could very well see someone with very little professional experience coming out of school needing to do something like this. Creative yet not experienced. Which also leads me to my next point...
Be careful. Not having professional experience leaves you open to all kinds of pitfalls. Make sure you get a written contract, out lining payment schedules, who is their backup in the event they are not available the day of your wedding, and whatever you expect from their services. It would be nice to know how many prints you will be getting? Do you get your own set of digital negatives(pictures on CD)? Do they provide printing services? Do they have contacts for book binding( your wedding album)? How long do you get their services for?
Just be sure to think this thru before you go this route. It would probably be good to shop a professional photographer or studio first, so at least you know what your options are and what questions to ask. I would not suggest this for the bride who is very concerned about every detail being perfect. Leave that to the professionals. After all, that is what your paying for.
If you have any questions about this post please leave your comments here or email me. I'd be interested to hear if anyone has actually done this or if they have any additional comments that maybe I unintentionally left off.
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