Looking For A Cheap Wedding Photographer

by Claire
(UK)

I am trying to organise a wedding and am having trouble finding a cheap wedding photographer who can do a good job. Unfortunately we do not know anyone who's a professional who can do it for us. Do you have any tips for this, we live in South Yorkshire?

Answer:

If you're looking for a cheap wedding photographer, there are a couple of places I'd suggest.

First off, try craigslist.org. This is a website where people can advertise their services. It's a bit like placing an ad in a newsagent's window. You may get lucky.

Have a play around and see what you can find. I found this ad for a photographer in Huddersfield: http://sheffield.craigslist.co.uk/sks/658756607.html

Speak to professional photographers who don't do weddings. They normally charge a lot less than 'wedding' photographers. They're still specially trained though and you'll get good photos.

Think about how you can reduce your costs. For example, if you're happy to buy the photograph album and put the album together, then you'll save a fortune. You'll only end up paying for their time on the day, rather than their time afterwards and a heavily marked up photo album. One reader got some really lovely high end photo albums off eBay for next nothing, so it's worth thinking about (it'll knock about £150 off your quote).

If you're happy to take a bit of a risk, try your local art college or university. They'll have plenty of students who need the extra cash and are willing to give up a Saturday. They'll also need to build a portfolio, so you 'll be helping them out. Just make sure you review their work before you decide on who to go for. Look for students who have taken lots of people shots. They'll be used to working with human subjects so you'll get better results. (Rather than those used to working with landscapes.)

Another alternative is to try some of the high street shops that have photography studios. I'm thinking of places like Snappy Snaps, who have a studio out the back and do portraits etc. If you speak to the photographer, they may be able to help you. The idea here is that you're going for someone who isn't a 'wedding' photographer. Even if they can't do it, they may know of other photographers who would be able to help. It's worth a try.

I hope that helps. Don't forget, you'll have plenty of guests who'll be taking lots of shots of friends, people and you and your new hubbie. Just make sure you stand around and let them take lots of photos of you - that way you'll be sure to get some good ones. I always find guests are dying to take photos of the newly wedded couple just after they've tied the knot. I ended up with 500+ photos from friends, not including the 400+ I got from my photographer!

Best of luck and do let me know how you get on.