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Photography Question and some other comments...

I don't want to spend an outrageous amount on Photography nor do I have the money.... The College where I live has a wonderful photography program and I was thinking of paying one of the students to take the pictures....I talked to the professor and he says they can provide some portfolios for me....What do you all think about this...we were going to provide the film and do the developing and just pay this student to take the pictures....does anyone have any suggestions?

Also, The wedding is in July so it is getting near. I am getting kind of nervous.....I am about to do all the deposits and stuff..so wish me luck...but I am still looking for a combined Wedding and Reception Place....my last hope is a place called English gardens and it is my last hope to have the wedding and reception at the same place it is a beautiful garden with some lovely fountains and statues......So anyhow again wish me luck


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I have some experience with photo majors, having supported one through his college career

Yes, if you really have a limited budget, this might be an acceptable solution for you, but there are a bunch of things to watch out for.

1) Check portfolios carefully and make sure you see evidence of a style that suits you. Pay particular attention to lighting, as this is often an area where photo students aren't yet very accomplished and which can make a huge difference when they're under pressure to shoot. Be wary. You're looking at a "best of" collection, which is likely to be better than the average photo you get. Also look at whites carefully if you're wearing a white gown. You should be able to see detail in whites, not just a glaring expanse of solid white.
2) Make sure the student has done at least *some* of the sort of work you're interested in--large group photos, studio portraits, photojournalistic style stuff, whatever.
3) Get recommendations from professors or from the folks who run the school's photo lab. Make sure you're not getting someone flaky who might fritz and not show up
4) Make sure the photographer has reliable transportation and can guarantee he or whe will show up--dressed appropriately.
5) You might want to hire two students to work together, or hire one who has a skilled buddy who will help assist. It's a lot of work, and two heads are better than one, particularly when they're both inexperienced.
6) If you find someone particularly talented, be open to the possibility of the student doing some of the developing or printing, particularly if it's black and white and the student does nice work. You might get something really special.
7) Consider taking the student for a test drive. Hire him or her to go out with you and take a few pictures of the sort you expect from the wedding. Say, a few posed portraits that you could use as an engagement picture or some group shots or candid shots at a party you're having. That should give you some idea of the results you can expect and how this person is to work with.

Hiring a student is not likely to get you the same results as hiring a professional, but I'm sure you know that. You're taking a risk here, and it could bomb terribly. But if you're very careful in your selection, you might well end up with something you like and can afford. Also, there's at least some chance you could end up have utterly fabulous shots by the next up-and-coming world- class photographer I wouldn't count on it, but it's within the realm of theoretical possibility--though it's more likely with a professional who's at least established a track record for being competent

 


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