How deal with the "free" Photographers

We sometimes get the question about the "free" photographers available out there as a way to compare our services with the services provided by free or cheaper photographers. The is particularly true since a lot of "photographers" think they are qualified because they bought an expensive camera and online classified are filled with such offers.

Our Services

Our goal is to provide very high quality on a shoe-string budget in order to create an exceptional value. One of our distinctive characteristics is value. We think professional photographers are worth what you pay them and most can produce exceptional quality, but at heafty price. The other extreme is filled with free or nearly free pricing but lack experience needed to achieve good quality in many conditions. We feel like we balance the two extremes with the SEMIPRO approach by using highly skilled amateurs.

The Risk

Although using SEMIPRO carries some risk, using free or ultra-cheap photographers introduceds considerable risk. Do they have the experience to photograph a wedding under pressure. Can you trust your "once in a lifetime" events to someone doing it for free? If they had the experience and talent needed to photograph a wedding or special event, why aren't they should be charging a reasonable fee to do so? You could end up with no good photos. Free photographers are often just starting out and many times do not have adequate understanding of photography, weddings/special events, or other key information only experience provides. The end results could be a complete mess -- leaving you with no acceptable photographs to remember your most cherished moments.

Free isn't always free

There are some photographers that use an alternative business model -- they charge high prices for prints and/or images but show up to take the pictures for free. They know once you see the pictures, you will pay almost anything to get them. We feel this is a bit deceptive and we prefer the "up-front" business model where our clients know in advance how much they will be spending on photography services. This might be a method used to offset the lack of confidence or experience, but still have a chance to sell images -- depending on how well they turn out.

Support Your Local Student

Everyone must start at the bottom and work their way up. We highly recommend inviting well meaning students/beginners as backup or secondary photographers. Basically, they are your guest that will provide you their photographs as their gift for attendance. Normally, you will also agree to be used in their portfolio (which is reasonable). We cannot stress enough, not to rely upon your "photography students" as your sole method to document your special day or event.

SEMIPRO and Students

If you decide to invite photography students, please let us know in advance. We would be more than happy to assist your students in any way possible. They also should be informed about who the primary photographer will be -- so there are no misunderstandings or hurt feelings.