Student Photographers
As a student myself, I wanted to write about this subject. Like all professions, we start out as students—learning the craft and enrolling in educational institutions to be taught. Student photographers need to constantly take photos; I know I do—I take photos of everything. Honing skills is crucial, which is why it’s not unusual for students to offer their services at a discounted rate to gain experience. This could include offering to shoot events, family gatherings, and even weddings—the latter being the area of photography I am working on building a career in. There is a lot of discussion online between established photographers and students, with suggestions that students are not suitable for shooting weddings because they: • Lack experience • Charge very low rates • Provide poor service • Haven’t worked as a second shooter or assistant While some of these points are valid to an extent, here’s what I have to say about it. Students gain experience by shooting. There is only s...