Hiring a student photographer near Roch.,NY?

[olivia_NY]

I want professional pictures for my wedding (I am always the "photographer" at family get-togethers...I LOVE pictures!!), but looking at some local photographer's websites, there is NO WAY we can afford them! I've seen several articles, etc that recommend hiring a photography student - but how does one go about that? I don't know any photography students. I emailed a professor at our local college, so hopefully that will turn up some leads, but does anyone on here know anyone else in my area? I live south of Rochester, NY. Thanks!

[PGDesigns]

Emailing a photography professor from a local college is a great way to find a student looking to build their portfolio.

I posted an ad on Craigslist to find my photographer. The first reply ended up being the one we went with. Her portfolio looks good, she was in my price range (barely), and she is just getting started. We also scheduled an engagement session with her to see additional proof of her work. We'll be doing those pics in the next few months when it is not so hot out and she is not so pregnant. :D LOL

[starsthrumysoul]

Hey! I'm in Rochester NY too, and my cousin (who is going to St. Johns University on a full Photography scholarship) is taking photos at our wedding next June. He's never done a wedding before, but he's done other events, and his portfolio is beautiful! He's doing our engagement shots - maybe I'll post once we get them taken (later this month).

Anyway, we're hiring student musicians to play during our ceremony. A lot of colleges that have a specialty (like Eastman for music) will have a place on their site where you can request services. And it's nice because you know that they'll be talented, but cheap!

[Jacobs_Girl]

Rochester, NY bride here too :)

Well the wedding itself is closer to Canandaigua, ny but the reception is in Rochester.

My wedding planner also told me a while ago when I couldnt find a a quartet for my ceremony to try the local high school teacher.

good luck

[Scrwballsgrl]

So how would you go about finding a student photographer? I thought about looking into this after reading the post. I don't know any professors at the local college do you think they have a student board where (someone I know would have to look on it for me as I'm not a student at any of the colleges) they may have things like this posted? Or would I just try to go through the college to the photography dept?

[PGDesigns]

So how would you go about finding a student photographer? I thought about looking into this after reading the post. I don't know any professors at the local college do you think they have a student board where (someone I know would have to look on it for me as I'm not a student at any of the colleges) they may have things like this posted? Or would I just try to go through the college to the photography dept?

When I planned on searching for a photog from my school's photography department, I searched the department's web site for the professors. From what I heard, the professors here will usually announce the opportunity to their students. It wouldn't hurt to post on boards in the department either.

I ended up posting an ad on craigslist looking for students or photographers who were looking to build their portfolios.

[Scrwballsgrl]

How did you word your letter to the professor....I've found a photography dept. professor on one of our local college web sites. But didn't know if that is the right way to go about it? what do I tell them?

[kimekia5519]

I also posted an ad on Craigslist under the event catagory and received quite a few responses from local photographers. Some of their portfolio's are outstanding and since they are just getting started, they are willing to work with your budget.

[KristinGriffin]

I went to RIT for grad school and they have a fantastic photography department that was ranked 5th in the country! They have over 800 undergrad and 30 graduate students majoring in photography there. I'd try contacting Richard Gray (he's currently running the MFA photo department) at rlgpph @rit.edu He might be able to put you in touch with a talented student - tell him Kristie Gleason Griffin sent you! :)

Just make sure when you are picking a student that you are comfortable with their style, portfolio and personality. Remember, the classroom is a really different place than a wedding - so you want someone who can handle a strict timeframe and works well with you. I'd hesitate from hiring a student who has never shot a wedding before - you don't want your wedding memories ruined because they weren't ready... We all have to start somewhere, but many students may already have apprenticed with a wedding photographer to get their foot in the door and would be more prepared to strike out on their own. The other bonus of finding an RIT student is that they have access to borrow pro-level equipment from the school. They could rent a few cameras so they have a backup on your wedding day in case of equipment failure, and they have access to some of the best tools out there!

Good luck in your search - if you call Richard, tell him I said hello! :)

[wannabeNurse2]

I found a bunch of photographers that are just starting out on craigslist. Some were photography students, but some had worked with popular studios. They were just wanting to branch out on their own.

[ChristineLS]

I realize this is an old thread, but as far as I know, there are photo departments at:

Buffalo Region:
University at Buffalo
Buffalo State College
Canisius College

Rochester-ish Area:
RIT
Alfred (MY FMIL went her and she's fantastic)
St. John Fischer

Syracuse Area:
OCC
Syracuse University
Probably LeMoyne, but I'm not 100% sure

Syracuse, University of Rochester, University at Buffalo also have music departments that you could hire student musicians out of. I know for SU and Rochester students, weddings are a common student gig. A bunch of my HS friends went/go there.

From Rochester, Syracuse and Buffalo are both 1 hour away by the I-90, hence why I include them here.