Wedding Photography HELP!
Nov 19, 2013 21:50:16 #
melody323
Loc: Cincinnati
I'm going to start shooting weddings next summer. I'm in the process of purchasing all of the necessary equipment I will need to produce professional images. I need help with how to price a wedding. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.
What is a fair price? I will offer two shooters at the wedding. I was thinking this:
$1200 to shoot the before, during, after and reception pictures.
$200 for engagement pics.
$add'l amount for save the date cards - price determined by vendor costs and what client wants
$add'l amount for Wedding Photo Album
Does this sound fair. I would split the $1200 with the other photographer. I'm just starting out and I don't want to over price the job, but I also don't want to be working for pennies.
Let me know your thoughts or what you are doing. Thanks!
What is a fair price? I will offer two shooters at the wedding. I was thinking this:
$1200 to shoot the before, during, after and reception pictures.
$200 for engagement pics.
$add'l amount for save the date cards - price determined by vendor costs and what client wants
$add'l amount for Wedding Photo Album
Does this sound fair. I would split the $1200 with the other photographer. I'm just starting out and I don't want to over price the job, but I also don't want to be working for pennies.
Let me know your thoughts or what you are doing. Thanks!
Nov 19, 2013 21:56:01 #
melody323 wrote:
I'm going to start shooting weddings next summer. ... (show quote)
Fair? Who knows? What are your skills? Do you have any experience? Portfolio? Let's see some. What does the market support in Cincy?
Nov 19, 2013 22:17:30 #
melody323
Loc: Cincinnati
I think I've attached 3 pics. I photograph seniors, families, newborns, and kids. I don't have any wedding photography other than my sister's wedding and I didn't have the equipment I have now.
Nov 19, 2013 22:22:31 #
LoneRangeFinder wrote:
Fair? Who knows? What are your skills? Do you have any experience? Portfolio? Let's see some. What does the market support in Cincy?
Exactly! Your abilities will come from experience. Experience should come from working with an established photographer. Hence working with a established pro should give you a good idea of what YOUR LOCAL MARKET will bear. What clientel are you shooting for? Country Club or church basement reception? Which best mirrors your abilities?
Nov 19, 2013 22:25:49 #
As a previous person responded the most important consideration about pricing is your experience level.
Wedding photography is like herding cats, people skils are as or more important than photography skils.
All that being said everyone has a first time but if you havent worked a wedding before I suggest you work with a experienced shooter first. I have met many great photographers that couldnt shoot weddings.
If you can handle the people and the equipment there is an opportunity for a profitable career. As your skil level grows so should your prices. A safe thing would be to let your clients know your experience level until you build a portfolio , and charge accordingly.
I shot weddings for 20 + years and still do in retirement, it can be hard work but is rewarding in many ways .......good Luck :D
Wedding photography is like herding cats, people skils are as or more important than photography skils.
All that being said everyone has a first time but if you havent worked a wedding before I suggest you work with a experienced shooter first. I have met many great photographers that couldnt shoot weddings.
If you can handle the people and the equipment there is an opportunity for a profitable career. As your skil level grows so should your prices. A safe thing would be to let your clients know your experience level until you build a portfolio , and charge accordingly.
I shot weddings for 20 + years and still do in retirement, it can be hard work but is rewarding in many ways .......good Luck :D
Nov 19, 2013 22:29:56 #
You work is nice but have you done wedding photography before? Have you second shot for anyone? Taking on a wedding solo is scary, I have second shot 6 times and have 2 more on the books, own my own studio but I know wedding photography isn't my cup if tea. I don't like the feeling of being out of control, lol
Nov 19, 2013 22:32:39 #
melody323 wrote:
I think I've attached 3 pics. I photograph seniors, families, newborns, and kids. I don't have any wedding photography other than my sister's wedding and I didn't have the equipment I have now.
Actually you have a good eye for individual poses. I'm sure someone can nitpick your examples but I can't. That said senior pics and weddings are apples and oranges with a big learning curve
Nov 19, 2013 22:41:51 #
Annie_Girl wrote:
You work is nice but have you done wedding photography before? Have you second shot for anyone? Taking on a wedding solo is scary, I have second shot 6 times and have 2 more on the books, own my own studio but I know wedding photography isn't my cup if tea. I don't like the feeling of being out of control, lol
Concur. I no longer do weddings-- and haven't for several years. To put this in historic perspective: I shot Verichrome II 160 rated at 100 (220 roll film). I probably did 35 as a "second" before working as the primary on maybe another 75 or so. Frankly I burned out-- and have no desire to ever shoot another one. Best advice: have a shooting script with specific "must haves" culled from a list garnered from meeting with the couple. Have at least one back-up camera as well as lenses. Preview the church, if possible. The only way to know if your prices are appropriate, is to research the local market.
Nov 19, 2013 23:34:17 #
melody323 wrote:
I'm going to start shooting weddings next summer. ... (show quote)
Asking advice from this group is like exposing your underbelly to predators.
Nov 19, 2013 23:36:47 #
joer wrote:
Asking advice from this group is like exposing your underbelly to predators.
Only if she doesn't have the skills to back up her question regarding wedding photography, you will notice no one jumped on her at all. She seems to have a nice understanding of exposure, posing and composition, she does have a yellow skin cast on her model in the 3rd photo but over all the quality of her work is rather refreshing.
Nov 20, 2013 02:04:21 #
Photobobhunt wrote:
...
Wedding photography is like herding cats...
Wedding photography is like herding cats...
Welcome to UHH
- You are going to make a great addition to UHH (Laf)
Nov 20, 2013 03:19:55 #
Still want to shoot weddings? http://petapixel.com/2012/01/26/why-wedding-photographers-prices-are-wack
Nov 20, 2013 05:42:34 #
Find out what local pro wedding photographers are charging-this is important, because if you are unable to made the date, through illness or other means, you will need to suggest another photographer to do the job-that is wedding protocol-so you need to charge aroung the same as them. But....... You had better be as good as them!
Nov 20, 2013 06:30:22 #
Have to agree with all the comments so far including the underbelly comment. I have to admit that when I saw Wedding and Help in the same sentence I tuned in to watch all the warning bells going off and challenges to the experience and skills of the OP.
However, lets try and answer the original question. It does depend on market in many ways, but maybe some advise from seasoned pros regarding pricing strategy would help. For example, many price according to hours worked, throw in so many prints etc.. 2nd shooter is more, but how much more is reasonable? Price separately for save the date & engagement or make all inclusive? Best way to advertise may also be of help.
I am just testing the waters myself so unable to help, but would appreciate the same advice.
However, lets try and answer the original question. It does depend on market in many ways, but maybe some advise from seasoned pros regarding pricing strategy would help. For example, many price according to hours worked, throw in so many prints etc.. 2nd shooter is more, but how much more is reasonable? Price separately for save the date & engagement or make all inclusive? Best way to advertise may also be of help.
I am just testing the waters myself so unable to help, but would appreciate the same advice.
Nov 20, 2013 07:33:01 #
Georgia Peddler
Loc: Brunswick, GA
Will you place a watermark across the middle of your wedding prints?
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