Would you hire an ameteur photographer for your wedding???

Question

I have been into photography as a hobby for the last 6-7 years, and have recently started taking it more seriously.

I have finally upgraded my camera to a new DSLR and im starting to build a portfolio.

A friend suggested offering to do weddings (i would do it at a very ameteur price) to get some more experience/build a stronger portfolio - but I don't think anyone would hire me..

Let me know if you would trust your wedding photos to someone who is not a professional??

OH! and hey, if you live in Perth, WA and WOULD consider it, let me know :D

Thanks guys..

Answer 1

I would say NO to the wedding, YES to the engagement pictures. In fact, YES to anything that could be retaken if necessary.

Answer 2

No way!

Would you hire an amateur dentist to drill your teeth or a amateur neurologist to dig into your brain?

A wedding is real close to being that important.

Answer 3

Would you hire this person to do your wedding?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/shef1/

Answer 4

Yes for engagement... Maybe for the wedding... Might your pro - wedding photographer consider using them as their assistant?

We would be happy to "take along" a budding photographer - they have to start someplace!  So, Hire a pro - see if the pro will hire the budding photo

BTW:  Where is the new bee photographer?  If in the Austin TX area - have them contact us...

Answer 5

What I would do is ask the couple if you could take wedding photos... (not getting in the way of the professional)... and not charge anything... if they like some of them .... give them to them as a gift... if only they let you use them as your portfolio.. maybe they will like your photos better than the professionals.. and refer you to their friends... But... I wouldn't have them put their complete trust in you until you get a few weddings under your belt. Good luck!!

Answer 6

Hey when it comes down to it...if it gets stuffed up by a professional or an amateur it can't be redone....... If your work is good and the people are happy with your work then go for it. I used to do it for awhile and I only did on the side. I would take the shots and give them the negs to keep. That way they could get them printed when they could afford it..... I was kept busy.,,,,,,,,,,,,,RoyM...............Som... times you just have to jump in feet  first.................

Answer 7

I wouldn't think so, but based on the number of questions that appear here asking how to shoot a wedding, I believe some people actually would hire an amateur.  They don't know what they're getting themselves into, though.  A wedding is supposed to be once in a lifetime, and those pictures are supposed to be nice enough to frame and hang.  Nice enough to show your kids and grandkids.  Nice enough to withstand the test of time.

Here's what I suggest.  Find a pro photographer who specializes in weddings.  Ask if you can tag along with them and learn from them.  Pay close attention.  Learn all you can from a pro before you even think of doing one yourself.

I did one myself.  The results awed nobody.  Good thing the marriage didn't last.  Now I don't feel so bad.