Few people see a bride on her wedding day before she walks down the aisle or notice the stolen glances between the couple during the ceremony. But some Ohio University students get paid to capture these moments.
Instead of working a typical part-time job, students with photography experience are earning money as wedding photographers. Erin Raby, a senior studying commercial photography, has shot six or seven weddings during the last four years.
“After my freshman year, a girl who was in a student (organization) that I was in … asked me and my friend to shoot her wedding because we had shot an event and she liked our pictures,” Raby said.
“And after that it kind of just went by word-of-mouth with their friends. So I shot their friend’s wedding and then kept on going with it because it’s a way to make money as a student.”
College students charge much less than professionals, giving couples the chance to capture their wedding day memories without breaking the bank.
Michelle Kappeler, a junior studying commercial photography, recently took wedding photos for a couple that had originally planned to have a family member shoot the ceremony.
“I think they’re going to be really surprised at the quality of the images because they probably think we don’t know what we’re doing, but they turned out really nice,” Kappeler said. “And at least they have something now. They were just going to have crappy point-and-shoot photos from all the relatives.”
Not only do college wedding photographers give couples the chance to save money on an important part of their day, they gain experience in a popular field of photography.
Sarah Shanks, a sophomore studying studio art, said her experience with wedding photography could become a viable career later in life.
“As an art major, it is a career that can actually give me a living,” Shanks said. “I’m glad I’m starting out now so I can build a portfolio and get my name out.”
Students who are well versed in commercial photography and photojournalism have used their talents as part-time wedding photographers.
“Commercial students would be good at the posed pictures, the more portrait side, while photojournalism students would be extremely good at the more candid,” Raby said. “I think they’re all qualified for it — it’s just the amount of creativity and effort they’re willing to put into it.”
“I think my favorite parts are the posed couple pictures just because you get to know the couple more, and you are able to have more fun with them,” Raby said. “You can be more creative with what you do instead of just doing candids the entire time.” Shooting photos at weddings also gives students the chance to capture small moments that often go unnoticed.
“It’s a really special opportunity to capture that special day for the clients and reflect the way they feel,” Shanks said. “I love capturing the smaller moments like bridesmaids trying to help the bride up stairs in a big poufy dress. Those small ones you wouldn’t think of as usual wedding photos are my favorite.”
bm257008@ohiou.edu
