Anyone else not booking a photographer?

Hi, as an ex wedding photographer I know you would definitely at least regret not get those intimate couple shots during the day. Its not as easy to get these if you're relying on friends and family.

If your photographer budget is low then why not speak to some local photographers and just get quotes for your couple shots? Then ask your guests to share other images from the day. Best of both worlds?

I would deffo have somebody take pictures who is not friend or family ... get friends and family taking them too if you want but get somebody separate who knows how to work a camera. I would say that you could Advertise for somebody studying wedding photography or starting out potentially if you are worried about costs? But I would say you will probs regret it. Friends and family should get to enjoy your day as a guest first and then if they get some pictures that’s an extra good luck everything xxx

Hi all,

After getting married myself I know how much a decent Wedding Photographer can cost and for some the cost might exceed their total wedding budget. I'm a Photographer looking to move into the Wedding market and as I have no Wedding portfolio to show I need to start by offering my services free of charge.

If you are looking at having your wedding without a Photographer and rely on guests then please let me know. I work in Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey and can travel. I am very professional and can dress to blend in with your guests, I also have all the usual Pro equipment. I am not looking for any reimbursement for travel expenses and am happy to meet with you and even do a short couples photography session to show you I am capable and my style.

Thanks for reading, if you want to know anything more please get in touch. No matter what it won't cost you anything!

Some images below from a Wedding I took pictures at several years ago.

Tom

Were thinking about this.. weve decided a photo booth idea.. which all pics will be on a usb/online link plus print outs.. and book a photo shoot for £350 (including pictures) after the wedding head to the beach in our wedding attire and just have fun 🤷🏼‍♀️..

Ive decided against photography. The reason being i love realism. I dont want phony staged photos my family are giving me hell over it. Mainly the mother and aunts. So im just buying a camera and having a different family members take photos. Which from my point of view would be amazing and so unstaged. But its like ive started a war. Traditionally photographers werent used instead family members took the photos. So i dont see whats wrong with it

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Your wedding, your choice. But it is worth bearing in mind that photographers vary hugely in their approach, and a lot of them are very good at getting candid, unposed shots. So don't discount a photographer on the basis of one style of photography!

I'm not sure what you mean by 'traditionally' photographers weren't used though. I can't think of a time in the history of photography where it hasn't been common to use a professional photographer at weddings if you were having photographs at all. When cameras were first available, often the only photographs people had taken at all were either studio portraits or wedding groups, both taken by professionals. Looking at family wedding photos from the last 100 years or so, all of them have been taken by professionals. I'm not sure there has ever been a time when the majority of wedding pictures were taken by family members.

Imagine years down the line, reminiscing with your partner and these photos become your personal time machine. Even if it's just a few key moments, a talented photographer can weave a visual narrative that feels more "us" than staged poses.

Wow what a thread revival, I suppose it shows I have been here for at least 7 years.

Time for an update. I am seeing a lot of "styled shoots" - which are basically fake weddings with models dressed up as a bride and groom. Groups of shooters then all take their shots (usually in groups ) and then next they are used on their website if they have one but certainly on social media. With wording such as "love the summer vibe of this couple" making it sound like a real wedding.

Some on Instagram seem to have nothing else but the fake weddings, oh they look fantastic and magazine like but those shots took all afternoon to shoot with professional models.

Also everyone will say they are candid, relaxed, not posed but when it comes to style you need to ask to see whole weddings.

As a photographer, I get where you're coming from, and it’s important to feel comfortable with whatever decision you make. If posed shots and traditional photography styles aren’t your thing, there are plenty of photographers who specialize in a more candid, documentary-style approach. They blend into the background and capture moments naturally, so you won't even notice them there. You could also consider hiring someone for just a few hours to get the key moments, so you don’t feel like you’re paying for a full day. Ultimately, it’s about finding a photographer who aligns with your vision and budget.

I understand where you're coming from, originally we were surprised by the cost of the photographer we wanted but honestly those memories will last forever so it had to be a priority. Also they put so much work into editing those photos and you can really see the difference in photographers who are more expensive and more experienced. I think for us, venue, food, photographer and my dress were the priority. Photographer was the first thing we booked because we just knew those images would last forever!