Pro-Bono Services?

I have definitely heard of people using college students to video record where the student gets paid for their work and has certain rights to your video.

I would think you could contact local universities about having the professor for the class putting you in touch.

I woulds till draw up a contract with that person so there is a written document describing the terms of the agreement.

I doubt you will get any free services from anyone.

Right I wouldn't even be okay with free, just using the term pro-bono for description! Definitely don't have $3000 extra though!

I prefer vetted professionals. But it's all about what's important to you.

I have no experience with this, but just wanted to chime in that using someone who is not a professional will always pose a risk (such as getting drunk, being late, not performing what or how you want them to, etc) and there won't be anything you can do about it. I understand wanting to save money, but all these vendors cost money for a reason -- they're reliable, professional, and will provide quality. You need to decide whether you'll be upset or not if something doesn't pan out on your wedding day. If you will be, then save yourself the stress.

You can email local university art/photo dept chairs to see if they have any students they would recommend?

There is nothing that a person building a portfolio hates more than hearing the words Pro-Bono and for exposure. Always offer to pay. Don't expect things to be free because you are offering "exposure."

And what do you have to offer them in your tit for tat idea?

@Rebecca, my bad for not saying it right and using the word Pro-Bono improperly. I would NEVER just let someone do all that work for free! I would be willing to pay what they wanted for a good rate for exposure or for whatever reason they wanted. I've seen photographers doing discount sessions and using the term exposure, so that is just the word I chose.

@Miranda - Pro Bono actually means without charge. For Exposure also implies for free to those in the creative arts. What ever you do, do NOT approach people with either of those phrases. They will not be happy.

If you really don't care about the result, then go for it, but most venues want proof of insurance for every vendor except your officiant before they will let them in the door.

What kind of 'exposure' are you planning on giving them?

And 'pro-bono'' generally means work done for free for low income clients.

@Celia & @Rebecca I know I used bad wording! lol Thank you both for helping me out in that area. It isn't that I don't care about the quality, but I feel like we could help each other out by me getting a discounted price (they're still getting paid) and them getting practice or whatever you want to call it, they can use it in their portfolio right? Sorry if everything I say sounds stupid, i'm legitimately just wondering.

It doesn't sound stupid, just probably not possible......no apologies necessary ;-)

Check with your venue where you are having the reception because most venues require all vendors to have insurance.

If we were talking about a Wall Street lawyer and I needed one, absolutely. Someone to tape my wedding highlights and set it to music? You get what you pay for (and Celia's right about the insurance certificates).

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