Pro Wedding Photographer Demands
Oct 27, 2012 08:30:59 #
steve_stoneblossom
Loc: Rhode Island, USA
mikeysaling wrote:
Never mind weddings - very depressing things and as for wedding cake ............ makes the female go off sex. Anyway how about a contract for divorce photography - uncle bob nowhere in sight - both mothers smiling (i told you so) and anyone that attends MUST photograph the event on their mobile phone . To be honest who even looks at these 'photos' a year after the event -- the industry (if it is one) will decline with the number of non-weddings.
Just MO
Just MO
What in God's name are you ranting about?
Oct 27, 2012 08:32:49 #
Oct 27, 2012 08:33:35 #
Id be very worried if some one had to take thousands of photos to get a copa good ones.. Even a monkey would get some good ones with that nuber of shots.
Oct 27, 2012 08:58:53 #
The majority hit the nail on the head-too many "Uncle Bob's" have created a hostile environment for the Pros-ruined many wedding shots so the result is a contract to minimize the problem. The wedding couple is THE most important issue. If THEY want Uncle Bob they will ask him to shoot the wedding. If not-leave the camera at home & enjoy the wedding. It was a liberating event when I attended a wedding not as the Pro but as guest! Best of luck to the B&G !
Oct 27, 2012 09:09:40 #
GrandmaJoy
Loc: North Carolina
EstherP wrote:
When our son got married, there was a similar clau... (show quote)
That sounds like a real professional.
Oct 27, 2012 09:13:09 #
At my daughters wedding photograper requested she took photos at church, reception ( I assured her she was the proffesional I was the amatuer) I was condemed to shoot morning photos as bride and bridesmaids got ready ! Photographer would not use high iso in darkend church "she said it would introduce noice", (rightly so) second shooter outside nikon (auto settings) so not to many church photos. Driver of the buggatti we hired had to go and find the photographer to tell her the car had arrived with the bride? some good photos taken outside the church, as it was spitting we went to venue.photographer did not assert control so only one group photos taken despite having a large hall ameneties upstairs. Photo booth then was set up photographer was then at home with her strobes ect did some good shots extra monies paid for that service . when I realised what was happening I was to drunk to use my camera. Daughter paid all monies as not wanting to make a fuss .My point is you dont always get what it says on the box .
morning at Brides house
Brides house
Brides house
Oct 27, 2012 09:16:39 #
I have done several weddings and I do not consider me a professional. At all my weddings and any similar functions I let everyone know I need to have everyone hold off on there photography and flashes until I take mine (This generally does not apply to the photos during and immediately after the ceremony as this is the posing of the formal shots). For weddings most folks are on there way to the reception. Any who chooses to stay can and most of the time anyone is allowed to shoot after me (with time being a factor) as the subjects are posed in most cases.
The bride and groom are the most important part of the wedding but how about family?
Yes give the hired photographer there respect but THEY SHOULD NOT deprive the family there own private memory's.
As for the price it is out of line for what it seems they got.
EstherP said it best.
The bride and groom are the most important part of the wedding but how about family?
Yes give the hired photographer there respect but THEY SHOULD NOT deprive the family there own private memory's.
As for the price it is out of line for what it seems they got.
EstherP said it best.
Oct 27, 2012 09:21:17 #
steve_stoneblossom
Loc: Rhode Island, USA
@ big d: No one said every wedding photographer is a good wedding photographer.
Too drunk to take pictures? Unfortunate, but sounds like you had a good time!
Too drunk to take pictures? Unfortunate, but sounds like you had a good time!
Oct 27, 2012 09:27:16 #
I am a wedding photographer also,,and do not put an "Uncle Bob" clause in. I have been asked on occassion if it's ok (by the B&G) if someone else takes photos. I tell them this,,I don't really mind. Then I remind the B&G that they are paying me to provide them with a service, and they are expecting me to provide. If someone else is taking photos and preventing me from providing said service,,that's not fair to them. The B&G are usually the ones that remind Uncle Bob of that. That has always eliminated any problems up front.
I will add that Esthers comment about the pro giving others their chance is something I also do,,and has never slowed me down, and seems to keep everyone happy. This is usually rare though, as most often I am the only one taking photos,,especially the formals before hand. In the church during the ceremony,,well,,even the pastors have a hard time curbing the guests with their cameras. That's just a hurdle you have to try and overcome.
Finally, 900-1500 is way more than even I take. I'm usually in the 300-400 range, that includes formals, ceremony, recieving line and reception. Then that gets culled to about 150 for delivery (slideshow DVD included). I will say that $4500 just for a CD of images may seem on the high end,,but what is on the CD? Retouched and enhanced? High number of images? There is the wear and tear on gear to consider,,photographers time (maybe lot's of PP), travel and just plain working. Maybe the guy is worth the $$$,,tough to say. If he does what he should,,doesn't seem out of line.
A positive friendly attitude will get the photographer farther with "Uncle Bob" than an "I'm a professional" chip on your shoulder attitude. Best of luck in dealing with this photographer,,I hope it works out for all of you.
I will add that Esthers comment about the pro giving others their chance is something I also do,,and has never slowed me down, and seems to keep everyone happy. This is usually rare though, as most often I am the only one taking photos,,especially the formals before hand. In the church during the ceremony,,well,,even the pastors have a hard time curbing the guests with their cameras. That's just a hurdle you have to try and overcome.
Finally, 900-1500 is way more than even I take. I'm usually in the 300-400 range, that includes formals, ceremony, recieving line and reception. Then that gets culled to about 150 for delivery (slideshow DVD included). I will say that $4500 just for a CD of images may seem on the high end,,but what is on the CD? Retouched and enhanced? High number of images? There is the wear and tear on gear to consider,,photographers time (maybe lot's of PP), travel and just plain working. Maybe the guy is worth the $$$,,tough to say. If he does what he should,,doesn't seem out of line.
A positive friendly attitude will get the photographer farther with "Uncle Bob" than an "I'm a professional" chip on your shoulder attitude. Best of luck in dealing with this photographer,,I hope it works out for all of you.
Oct 27, 2012 09:31:21 #
After spending a fairly good portion of my weekend life doing weddings professionally, (30 to 40 a year), I can advise you that getting a contract signed & agreed upon price. That all the rest will fall in place. Times are different now. Digital imaging has allowed everyone to be fairly good. Your professional attitude, posing, and control of the event will show your customer and everyone else that you are the true professional photog.
when I started it was with a 4X5 speed graphic for BXW, a Rollei for color, 2 strobes, a tripod and extra stand. That alone made me the Pro. As a guest, respect the Pro and his expertise. I think in most cases he will appreciate it and cooperate. Good Luck :thumbup:
when I started it was with a 4X5 speed graphic for BXW, a Rollei for color, 2 strobes, a tripod and extra stand. That alone made me the Pro. As a guest, respect the Pro and his expertise. I think in most cases he will appreciate it and cooperate. Good Luck :thumbup:
Oct 27, 2012 09:51:31 #
Pentony wrote:
quote=EstherP At a signal from the photographer,... (show quote)
What an intelligent reply. You will never stop the "uncle Bob's or aunt Julie's" so work with them or at least not against them. Months after the wedding as potential customers are discussing who they might hire who do you think will get positive comments? The guy who was a dictator and pissed everyone off or the one that worked with them. The day is about the wedding couple and you must be sure they are pleased with you work which includes more than the finished photos/files. If there is too much interference a kind word to the bride or groom spelling out the potential of reduced results do to others interference should do it. Perhaps contracts should have a series of line item checkoffs such as 1) No other photographers, pro or amature will be allowed, 2) Others may take photos but only after I have shot my posed photos 3) any one at any time may take photos as long as they are not directly interupting my work. By reading and initialing one of these items it draws their attention to the circumstances and gives you an opportunity to explain the possible reduced quality if they choose anything except for #1
Absolutes don't make it in this world. Compromise and solve a problem.
Oct 27, 2012 10:00:18 #
rcirr wrote:
Ok...my nephew is getting married and I am getting... (show quote)
First Of All One Misconsept Is that Just Because you Have A contract Doesn't Mean You Put ANYTHING In And It's Legaly In your Favor. There Are laws Regaurding What Things Are Legaly Reasonable.The Couple Can Not stop Their Friends From Taking Photos.All you do by trying to do this Is Cause Hard Feelings With the guests.They Could be future Business.
We Always Look At from the View That WE Already Have our Money. We Even Let Them Shoot When We Shoot.We Only Had To say No One time When A Guest Wanted to Borrow My Tripod
When I Was Shooting from The Back Of the Church. The Gull Of the Guy!
And Yes That Is Entirely Too Much to Charge For What They are Not getting . I'm Really Supprised That They Signed Up for so Little to Be received.
Back Ground To Be Photo Shoped
Background To Be Photo shoped In Future
Oct 27, 2012 10:02:37 #
Wahawk wrote:
TOTALLY agree!! $4500 and NO prints??? That is TOTALLY out of line!!
It does seem exhorbitant, but if he gives you all the pictures on DVD that presumably means that you can make as many prints as you like without paying him for his expensive printing.donrent wrote:
Oh, btw, that $4500 fee for what he does sounds totally unreasonable to me..........
TOTALLY agree!! $4500 and NO prints??? That is TOTALLY out of line!!
Oct 27, 2012 10:12:51 #
There seems to be a fair amount of comment regarding post- camera processing as being part of what appears to be increased cost estimates in the digital era..... I wonder what those photographers did when they had to make do with film..
Oct 27, 2012 10:14:23 #
shutterbug64
Loc: Colorado
I'm a pro of 45 years. I quit counting how many weddings I have done. Digital has completely changed the thinking of quality and experience. The price you pay for a professional is all relevant. You get what you pay for and it's a fine line if you are paying for the photographer's ego or the service and peace of mind he provides. I quote one of the bloggers "You pay peanuts you get monkeys"! As far as other photographers and contracts, I have gone against the grain for all my years. No contract but 2 consultations with both the B&G present. I tell them that other cameras are allowed but they must stay to the side, not next to me, only take pix when I lower my camera and I will not wait for them to take pictures. Before I made this rule I was photographing a wedding and it was a slew of cameras going off and one person stated "I would have gotten that picture but the photographer got in the way". I sat my camera down, walked up to the B&G and asked if they wanted me to photograph their wedding or them. They said they wanted me and didn't know how I put up with it this long. I asked if I could speak with them, they said by all means. I took control and there was no problem the rest of the day and I added it to my requests of the B&G and guests. There is a great responsibility put on the photographer of an event that won't happen again and cannot be retaken. A professional has an investment in his experience and equipment and is spending his time to make an event remembered for a lifetime. What he is paid can only be correct if him and the other party agrees it is a fair price. The party paying it is the one that has to be satisfied. It is not up to us as outsiders to criticize it. That price for some photographers is a steal but for other photographers it is out right stealing. Let the Bride and Groom have their day. Use the images they get to make the DVD. It's their decision. Do as they say or if they sign the contract do as it says. As I tell my B&G's, "It's your day, I am there to make it happen for you." As a professional photographer I have that control and it's up to me to make sure they have the memories.
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