Rex Photography

Would you trust a non-professional photographer for your wedding?

I am not a professonal photographer by any means, however, I am always asked by family and friends to not only take their personal photographs but to do their wedding and event photography. They all say that I have a special talent and I Should have been a photographer and not a nurse. I do take some fantastic photos and have been thinking about offering my services for a fee. I have samples to show and would be upfront about being an ametuer. Would you trust your precious wedding pics to someone like me?

Public Comments

1. Not sure but i will get a proceccional one.
2. no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. nope
4. I don't know of any one who would refuse free photography. If you tell them up front you're not a pro they can't complain.
5. if i saw samples and was happy with them, then definitely. after all, how are you supposed to become "professional" if no one ever gives you a chance? everybody's gotta start somewhere. :)
6. If the pics were really good and the price was reasonable. Start out small though like birthdays or something.
7. Yes, if you had samples to show, and were cheaper than professional photographers, I would.
8. yes because what if u have a brother or sister that u want to be ur photographer and they arent proffessional
9. yes you should try it. put together an album of diffrence wedding you took.
10. Only if your portfolio is impressive and your price is much cheaper than a pro
11. no...it's my wedding...and pictures are the best way to remember them...and if they come out crappy they know who to blame!!!its your family and friends...don't u just want to relax? and enjoy the party?!
12. Once you are paid even one time, you are no longer an amateur. Maybe you could hook up with photography studio. That could give you some credibility.
13. Yes I would because my wedding pictures were taken by a friend that was not a professional and she did great. I had no complaints at all. She listened to what I wanted and did a great job.
14. All of my wedding pictures were taken by friends and family.They were some of the best pictures that were ever made. And I still get lots of compliments on them.
15. I would definitely consider it if you had some examples of your work to show me. To me, having great work is much more important than being classified a professional. So, I would decide based on your previous work, not based on your status as professional or not.
16. i think if you know your camera inside and out. know the lighting you need as well as angles. i think you will be ok. but if you dont have those three nailed down. dont try it. you have to be confident in the fact that you are recording their life.
17. i will ... photo is somethings for us to keep as memory...for me..either it is "professional" or not it doesnt matter..i will think candid photo is more fun and precious..cox it is showing of the real us !!
18. Well for my wedding I hired a Professional photographer with 30 years of experience and I didn't like the photos. I spent a LOT of money on them and I regret hiring them. I did get pretty photos in the album, but I had to ask and tell her which photos I wanted to take, which poses, and family members. But a lot of people were missing from the album and even tough I liked my album I would not recommend them at all. And yes, I would hire an amateur if he/she trully had the gift for it.
19. A photographer is someone who has an eye, a feeling and who can be in the body of the one to be photographed. trust your feeling.
20. Define professional. The biggest difference is that while a professional may (but may not) have classes, the professional gets paid. To answer the second part of the question ... I don't know, and won't know until is see you work. I had a non professional photographer for my wedding.
21. I had my wedding photos done by one of my professors at school (biology, not photography). He was an amateur and did a great job. As long as you are upfront and don't make promises you can't keep, it is your decision. Be sure to price your services in the amateur range, though.
22. yes i would but i would want to see a folio of their work to be sure that i am going to get a result that im happy with
23. no
24. Only if i have seen their work and are satisifed they can do the job and take into account the lighting, movement, and be confident enough to get the photos i want. So be confident learn what u r doing and do a great job for ev1 and YOU GO GIRL... I don't consider myself a pro but have done several weddings, lots of pressure there! have a back up camera, and tons of film.
25. Professionals built the Titanic when Ameture made the Noha's Ark
26. No, and hell no I would not trust an amatuer. Would you? If your product is good and you make a sale you are a professional and never, ever say you are an amatuer. Start with your friends and family that trust you with their weddings and charge them! This is important. This will force you to strech and see if you are up for the game as it's not for everyone. Make sure they sign a model release so you can use them as samples of your work. After you have a wedding or two under your belt and you are comforatable with your work and how you deal with people then you should present yourself as a professional. The level of your work will speak for itself. Search other wedding photogs websites and try to find similar product and price accordingly. Don't low ball the other pros will not like that one bit.
27. first marriage? no way. second, third, or more...maybe. seriously, shooting a wedding is a serious responsibility. the bride, groom, and especially the mammas and grandmammas will tar and feather you if you don't get it right. you don't get a "do over." it's as much about logistics, organizational skills and PR as it is abut shooting and composing shots. you'll need primary and back-up equipment, lighting (most likely) and a checklist of shots derived from conferencing with your client. either you'll need to be great at multi-tasking or you'll likely need an assistant to help you organize and move people in and out of your shots. lots to learn, but great rewards when you satisfy your customers. if you try it, read up and gear up. lots of great how to info available. go for it! good luck.
28. it would depend on whether i liked the samples that you showed to me. some styles i love others i despise...btu just because you're an ameteur doesnt mean i would decline...it all depends on talent
29. nope, I am a pro and I bet you use a 35mm film camera right? Guess what in the photo biz we use medium format equipment or a digital camera that has 12 megapixels or more. Plus we have years of professional experience and training behind us. case closed