One of the most expensive parts of a wedding can be hiring a photographer and purchasing photos. While everyone dreams of that gorgeous, high art style wedding portrait, it isn’t worth starting your married life in debt for a single photo. Remember that the photo that is cute today might seem creepy in a few years.
Speaking of creepy, check out photo number three in this collection of creepy wedding photos on The Little Things. Umm… Just why?
The Unprofessional Photographer
So, you’re on a budget but you still want beautiful wedding photos. Your mom’s hairdresser’s cousin’s stepdaughter is dabbling in photographer and will do the job cheap. Sounds like a deal, right?
Maybe and maybe not. You might have a budding Ansel Adams on your hands. Or, you might wind up with a photo that is juvenile, silly, weird, or just plain bad.
Here are a few that will make you wonder:
So, you can probably see why before hiring a friend of a friend of a hairdresser that you should:
- Ask how many weddings they’ve photographed. Weddings are very different than taking a portrait. You honestly need more than one person to photograph it correctly in most cases.
- Ask to see samples of their work. How many goofy Titanic or squatting poses are there? (see photo below to see what I mean about the “squat” pose. Just never a good idea.
- Is there a backup plan if the cut rate photographer can’t make it?
Squats/Sits
Maybe it is just me, but I hate this pose. I think it looks like the person is trying to find a spot to go to the bathroom.
Enlist the Help of Everyone
If you’re having a frugal, family wedding, ask everyone you know if they’d be willing to take photos. You’re certain to have at least a couple of budding photographers in the group. Out of several people, you’ll get at least a few really great photos.
You may even want to purchase some disposable cameras or borrow digital ones to hand out to those who agree to take photos.
- Tell your family that you want even the small moments captured.
- Ask them to catch your personality on camera.
- Remind them that you want pictures of the wedding party mainly but a few of guests, such as parents, grandparents, etc.
The great thing about those who know you well taking pictures is that they get you. They know that you love to laugh or that you enjoy children. They will capture that perfect shot of you helping the flower girl buckle her shoe or you laughing with your great-grandmother.
Before and After the Wedding
Another idea to save money but still have a few beautiful photos of the bride and groom is to go to a studio either before or after the wedding. Put on your wedding clothes, style your hair, and so on and go into the studio for some photos.
There are many different type of photo studios, from one at JCPenney to a private studio that charges a bit more money or even a photographer that will take you to a location. Still, you’ll likely pay hundreds instead of thousands for a handful of beautiful shots that you can cherish for the rest of your life.
