Growing up, my parents had no photos of them on their wedding day. None whatsoever. So wedding photography wasn't actually the first thing I wanted to square away. You see, my mom always painted pictures with her words to describe her courthouse wedding and I loved that she was always okay with how it happened, because they never lost sight of the most important part - they married each other.
But flash forward to May, a few months after I got engaged and wanted some photos taken for save the dates. That's when I really had to think about photography and come to terms with only being able to afford an amateur photographer, and you know what? I'm okay with that.
So, you probably think I'm crazy, but I figured I'd rather have paid a couple hundred dollars for someone who needs the experience to further their career and get SOME photos to show my kids, than not have any. Of course if you can afford all the bells and whistles of a professional, been in the game for years photographer I think you should go that route. But this for me wasn't about saving money, it was about having SOMETHING in terms of photography at all after we're married. So I have a few tips for hiring an amateur photographer:
1. Determine your budget and check/post in local budget wedding pages for someone in that price range. Don't be afraid to reach out to comments on other people posts too. I found all of the people I interviewed on a local budget bride page for under our budget.
2. Make sure you like their photos. It was important to me that I hire someone with a little experience doing weddings and that I like their end results. I still asked to see portfolios and made sure we could do a trial run (engagement shoot) before the wedding to make sure I had the best chance to make sure I liked what they delivered.
3. Look for people who take their photography seriously and seems to work well under pressure, ask for references.My photographer runs her studio out of her home, but it's very obvious she takes her business seriously and I really appreciated this about her. It's one of the things that really helped me make my decision.
4. Don't set your expectations too high. You have to understand that these people are probably learning and you aren't guaranteed incredible breath taking photos. That's not to say if you don't like their style you have to settle, but remember, you generally get what you pay for.
5. Make sure you ask if you can have unedited versions in case you want t have someone else edit them later. After the wedding you can always save up to have them edited by someone else. Ask around!
6. Finally, Sign a contract!!!! Seriously, read and don't be afraid to try and make changed and negotiate with them! Do you want your rehearsal dinner covered? Ask if they'll discount it if you also book your engagement shoot. My photographer gave us our engagement shoot for $20! And the pictures are gorgeous! Here are a couple of my favorites!
Photo Credit: Stephanie Copeland - Panda Paw Photography
At the end of the day, I've had a lot of people try to deter me from hiring my $200 photographer, but I also know that I really can't afford anything else, nor have I found someone I've clicked with so well. At the end of the day go with your gut, if you're uncomfortable hiring someone keep looking. Have faith that with some research and the right mindset you'll find the vendors you need in the right price range. That's all for today.
-Courtney
