Asking Friend To Shoot Engagement Photos

I'd go with an amateur photographer who's trying to build their business instead if a friend with a camera. ETA: the lady who is doing my engagements and bridals is a photography student and she only charges $135 a session since she's building her portfolio.

I wouldn't just randomly post that on your FB. But searching for a photographer that's trying to build their portfolios is a great idea.

OG Alecia -

I don't have anyone specific in mind. I just know some friends who have nice cameras and posts their photos sometimes, but they don't do it professionally

MsDtoR2019 -

Interesting! How would you go about finding an amateur photographer?

I wouldn't just post in fb and hope this friend volunteered... that's kind of tacky and rude. If you want to ask, just ask. Don't present it as a favor. It's a job you're paying them for...

Melissa -

That's what my post is about: HOW SHOULD I ASK

I literally just said, don't know why you have to caps at me. If you know certain people that do this, present them with "we want to do engagement pictures and want to hire you" I really don't know why this is so hard...

I found mine through a friend. But when I was building my photography business, I would post in Facebook groups that I was building a portfolio and was willing to do discount shoots.

I've also found some by going to local colleges that offer photography lessons and ask around there.

Do you have a local Facebook group in your area? Like a resale group? I always see people asking for families to build their portfolios.

Thanks, MsDtoR2019 & MeettheBrowns

I'll look around for some groups

Having a nice camera no more makes you a decent photographer than having a good saute pan makes you a chef.

Celia -

I know, but we don't care that much about the engagement photos, that's why we don't care if it's done by a professional, we just want a few digital copies to use for random/whatever things.

And we have some friends who dabbled in photography as a hobby, but didn't pursue it professionally, so we know what they are capable of. And we'd obviously pay them for their time, but really just want photos ... and if no one wants to do it, I'm fine with someone using a nice smartphone (lol.. seriously though). We just legit don't have many photos of us.

I'd go for it. Engagement pictures aren't a mandatory thing. If they don't turn out you aren't out much and can always pay someone to do them if you want later on.

Thanks all. I did ask through Facebook if anyone knew an amateur photog or if they themselves were interested in photographing, and a bunch of people recommended people they knew! One even volunteered herself.

don't just post on fb..... if you know a few people you are comfortable asking I'd private message them

My Mom does photos for fun, too. She asked if she could do our photos since she has a professional camera and would do them for cheap. My advice would be to look at photos they've taken in the past and request they do some research for couples photos. Do the research yourself, too! You can give a ton of ideas for poses to help your friend out so they only worry about lighting. Research is key, though.

A nice camera doesn't make someone a good photographer- just like how nice cookware doesn't just turn you into a 5 star chef. Find a photographer who is new to the business or even a photography student or recent college graduate. Also, I'd personally recommend using your wedding photographer. Parent books are very affordable on sites like Shutterfly, so you get more bang for your buck having them do an engagement shoot with you. Good luck!

@que where are you from if you don't mind me asking. I have a photographer who is doing my E-photo and my wedding photos he works with your budget.

Don't ask... this is a recipe for disaster. You will have these photos to commemorate this time in your life for THE REST OF your life. Why entrust that to a friend who is "good enough"?

Hire a professional!

Definitely nothing wrong with having a friend or amateur snap a few photos so you can have some digital engagement shots.

My FSIL shot our epics for lunch and a bus ticket and some snacks for the bus. We had way too much fun doing them, her even more than us.