Having a Friend shoot the Wedding Pictures
Posted by admin on Aug 22, 2009 in Skully chat | 1 commentDear Wedding Skulls
I’ve been trying to book a photographer, but they’re so expensive! I don’t want something complicated, just someone to document the ceremony, take some dramatic portraits and a few candid shots at the reception. But according to the photographers I spoke to, that’s going to cost half our wedding budget ($5000). I have a friend that could take pictures but my mom doesn’t want me to ask her. What should I do?
Ah photographers. After the venue/food, they’re normally the most expensive wedding purchase. And they know it. If you’re SERIOUS about beautiful, memorable photography, your professional justifies their extreme bill – most of the time.
If you’re on a budget and not-so-fussed – you just want a few cool shots for the wall – I’d scrap the idea of a professional ‘wedding’ photographer (because I don’t think they’re necessary). In my wedding planners I talk at great length about how to find cut-price photographers, and I won’t bore you, or myself, by repeating that info here.
You say you have a friend who could do this shots – that’s fantastic! I’m not surprised you’ve recieved resistance – it’s not uncommon, and I wouldn’t blame your mom at all. She’s concerned about the welfare of a wedding guest – that’s being a good hostess.
Some people say ‘Oh, you shouldn’t ask friends to photograph on your wedding day. They won’t get to enjoy the wedding.” To this I say ‘why are you letting someone else tell you what your friends think’.
Your friend might be deeply honoured that you asked her. She might be extremely grateful for the opportunity to add your pics to her portfolio. He may be thrilled to help out. If your friend has the photography bug, they’re probably happiest behind the lens anyway. You never know till you ask.
The other reason your mom might be objecting is because she’s concerned you won’t get decent photography without a ‘professional’. As photographs are one of the few lasting mementos of the wedding day, I can’t blame her for her concern there, either.
Maybe you should have your friend talk to your mom, and explain why she’s keen to do the shots. Get her to bring over some samples and sit down with your mom and discuss the family shots and portraits. Once your mom sees that your friend knows what she’s doing and is excited about doing the pictures, I’m sure she won’t object.
- Steff
My fiancee and I decided from the start NOT to hire a professional because we couldn’t justify the cost. Originally we planned on just getting disposable cameras and placing them on the tables so we could get the fun and creative shots done by our friends and family; the things we really wanted to remember and see from their point of view. Luckily for me, my officiant (and close friend) mentioned to me that his mother was often asked to supply a copy of her pictures when she went to weddings for her friends. I asked her if she would be interested in being our unofficial photographer and make sure we get the posed shots and such. It turned out great! Of course, there were some shots where the lighting was a little off, but on the whole we got some really good stuff. It also turned out that hardly anyone used the disposables, so I was doubly glad we had her to make sure we got something.
I would say ask around and see if anyone knows an amateur and ask to see their prior shots. You’ll be able to tell if they will be acceptable or not.