I've been asked...

[BenWall]

To do someone's wedding!

I was in Darley Dale (near matlock) yesterday, and while waiting for my girlfriend to have her hair cut I kept myself busy taking photos. I met a bmx'er in the park who wanted me to take some pictures and send them via email, then on the way back I took some pictures of a dog that was looking over a wall. Starting chatting to the owners and showed them the pictures etc, they wanted me to send them the pictures and asked whether I would do their wedding. I said don't expect professional grade photos, as it would be my 1st wedding. They said Im sure I can produce some good shots. They was very nice people and I can't wait to do it

 

[mickstoke]

that dog pic is class mate! shouldnt have any probs!

 

[Justin]

Good news! Make sure you charge wedding photographer rates

 

[Ian]

Excellent news Ben! It sounds like the best way possible to be asked to do a wedding, not so much pressure!

 

[BenWall]

I don't know what to charge, not a lot though maybe £100. Thanks

 

[Justin]

Most photographers are A LOT more that that..

 

[Ian]

Yeah but then the pressure really is on. If he charges £100 and explains why then they should like whatever he gives them and probably even recommend him to others. I know it's undercutting everyone else, but it's still money! One thing I would say is if you do want to do it more often Ben it could be awkward to change the price once people hear about it.

 

[Moz168]

Charge whatever you like. £100 is a good price for your first wedding, just provide the images on CD or you could make extra on prints.

Well done on getting the gig and good luck on the day, you'll be shitting it. lol.

 

[vibrio]

I don't know what to charge, not a lot though maybe £100. Thanks

depends what you are going to give them. I charge £400 for friends plus prints non friends £800. just remember that you not onlyhave to spend time taking the pictures, aranging the guests making sure you get everyones photo but you have to process the images and then present them to the people. £100 is not much at all.

 

[ukaskew]

I don't know what to charge, not a lot though maybe £100. Thanks

I got my first wedding in pretty much the exact same circumstances, I charged £100 (seemed a reasonable balance between covering my costs, and them not expecting too much out of them), the fee was for a disc of high-res photos only, so they could do what they liked with them (organising photobooks etc would be a minefield, and get very very expensive/time consuming). They were fully understanding of it being my first wedding so the charge reflected that, and the fact that I had their blessing to use the photos to promote myself if I wanted to take it further.

Looking back I'm pleased I gave it a go, fortunately they were thrilled with the photos, unfortunately I hated the actual experience and would never do it again (even though they were as nice and relaxed about everything as you could possibly imagine). One of those things you enjoy or not, I guess. Shame I didn't enjoy it because I was surprised at how good the results were and it could be a good earner.

 

[LaurenF]

Good work Ben. When are you doing it?

 

[Soph]

Gaz's dad wants him to take pictures at his stepsister's wedding when his dad can't take them. Think it's a cheeky pisstake mind.

I think you'll get some very good shots though Ben, your pictures are of a very good standard.

 

[GeordieClioDriver]

Nice one! top work!

I've got two weddings coming up that i've been asked to do! ... Need to get some practice in asap lol.

 

[BenWall]

Getting a D300 next month too so that should help proceedings.

I'm going to discuss with the client what she/he wants etc. £100 for CD with hi res images. Or at extra costs create a photo album.

 

[Track'd]

IMO the dog is too soft and other 2 are over exposed Anyway you'll learn a hell of a lot from the experience and i'd suggest charging more than £100, regardless of your experience. Just shoot like crazy so you have a lot to play with at the end.

 

[Coby.]

My Sister paid £1500 for her Wedding Day Photographer but she was there form 9am at my parents house taking Photo's of them getting ready right though until about 7pm as the Reception started to get going.

 

[Nigel]

I've done one, results turned out well. I thought it was a nightmare though. I hated most of it. I've been asked to do another but I've ended up declining. The stress just isn't worth it for £100 - £200 IMO.

Good luck, I hope you have decent glass to go with the D300.

 

[Revels]

I wouldnt like to do one. Id just be too scared that I wouldnt have enough decent shots to give them at the end of the day.

Its not like you can try again. But best of luck to you, Ben. Im sure you'll be fine!

 

[Ian]

Just shoot like crazy so you have a lot to play with at the end.

I'd totally agree with that advice.. it's hard to tell what you've got til you get them on a decent screen, so the more you have the better.

Not a lot of love for wedding photography by the sound of it!

 

[Track'd]

Not a lot of love for wedding photography by the sound of it!

It's by far the hardest aspect of photography imo. That's why people who have been doing for a long time can charge what they do. People underestimate the metering and exposure skills, and not just let the camera take care of it.

Each part of the day will require different knowledge and skills, from a dimly lit church to the unpredictable weather!

I'd suggest spending from now until the wedding looking at other photographers portfolios to find angles/views, then the rest playing with camera and flash in different situations

 

[LaurenF]

My friends friends got a friend of theirs from uni to take their wedding photos. They were stunning

slideshow (I'd mute it if you're going to watch this btw)

 

[Feirny]

First bridesmad is it Sonia from eastenders??

 

[LaurenF]

No, that's me silly!!

On a serious note, I fail to see the resemblance so lets leave the Sonia comments now, cheers.

 

[vibrio]

No, that's me silly!!

On a serious note, I fail to see the resemblance so lets leave the Sonia comments now, cheers.

I see it too TBH

 

[LaurenF]

 

[vibrio]

nothing hard about wedding photography its only taking pictures of people.

people charge alot because they can get away with it lol

It's by far the hardest aspect of photography imo. That's why people who have been doing for a long time can charge what they do. People underestimate the metering and exposure skills, and not just let the camera take care of it.

Each part of the day will require different knowledge and skills, from a dimly lit church to the unpredictable weather!

I'd suggest spending from now until the wedding looking at other photographers portfolios to find angles/views, then the rest playing with camera and flash in different situations

 

[BenWall]

All the above seem to put me off a little lol. But meh, will still do it, have to learn for ones self.

With the exposure on the photos, I edited them on my Macbook, which I should never do as they always comes out overexposed on other PC's.

 

[vibrio]

All the above seem to put me off a little lol. But meh, will still do it, have to learn for ones self.

With the exposure on the photos, I edited them on my Macbook, which I should never do as they always comes out overexposed on other PC's.

depends on the calibration of the monitor.

 

[.Gem.]

I love that dog picture!! Fab!!

Good luck, enjoy it

 

[BenWall]

depends on the calibration of the monitor.

Yeah its not calibrated