Opportunity Advice

Right guys, since upgrading my camera I've been advertising myself as a 2nd shooter to try and get some experience shooting weddings as its always a handy source of income.

I posted it on photographers.co.uk, and someone replied saying they were urgently looking for a photographer for a wedding this Saturday.

This was the email:

She has also since confirmed guests of around 40 people, its at a registry office and its midday time.

I'm quite inclined to take it and charge them a couple of hundred. Its effectively a new strings wedding were they'll just be happy for a few images.

Question is, do you guys think its a good idea?

It depends if you need the experience or doing it financially. I would say that it would be at least in your interest to get insurance cover for the shoot to be on the safe side. No matter how nice/pleading people are if something goes wrong guess who is in the firing line. so your out of pocket expenses have to be charged for if nothing else. I would also get a disclaimer signed beforehand stating something along the lines that you cannot be held responsible should the photos not be to their liking. There are other things to take into consideration ie equipment failure- illness-accident on way to -failure to attend for other reasons, all need to be discussed beforehand.
This day and age unfortunately in every walk of life you have to cover your back as the trend now is to sue for the slightest thing.

I would be wary of things like this wanting to be done "on the cheap"

Bazza

Thank you for the advice Bazza, is it for me to sort out, or them? I'm totally new to this you see. Pardon my ignorance.

Dan
Seems to me that they are after "professional" photographs for peanuts. Don't forget if they are asking for a disc so they can produce as many photos as they like, cutting you right out of earning any money. If you do decide to give them a disc then do a copy with a great big watermark across every frame so they can view but not use and have to come back to you. Also make it low grade so any enlargements are rubbish.

I belong to another Photographic web site which as lots of members asking the same questions. Will PM you the site.

As for your question you need to discuss with them well beforehand what they expect from you and you from them. This not only lays down the conditions you shoot under but also gets them and you familiar with each other.
Even go out with them somewhere for a relaxed practise before the day, You can tell them how/what and way you want them standing in such a manner and conversely they can put their ideas into practise to see the "dummy " results

That way on the day you should get a more natural posture from the couple and your looked on more as a helpful friend against being the "enemy" their scared of.

Bazza

Yeah, I see what you're saying. I'm not naive enough to give them a disc of high resolution images for nothing, after all it'll cost me to get there, and even if I'm not a fully fledged professional I still need to eat. I will have to book work off as I work part time at the weekends while I study too.

A disclaimer is a good idea, at least then they can't blame me. However, with no official contract anyway would they be able to sue?

Dan this is not my field so can't answer that, however anything in writing is better than just a verbal agreement. Look at my PM to you.
I have added to my last posting.
You would need to discuss any requests for preperation for the wedding - items they want photos of ie shoes -dress -flowers-rings -cars. what they want at the wedding ie exchange of rings- first married kiss -wedding room- getting in/out of car -family photos -best man/bridesmaids photos. At the reception receiving of guests- speeches-cutting cake-first dance- departing.
for some ideas, Oh and don't forget to ask permission where they are holding the wedding if its ok for you to take photos. Get on the good side of the register officer first and they can /should advise what they will/will not allow

As you can see there is a lot more to a wedding shoot than just turning up to take a couple of snaps, Be firm with the guests if doing a group shot, there is bound to be a "fidget" among them. Maybe a small step stool wouldn't go amiss so you can gain a little height for group shots.

In your OP you say they are getting married this Saturday, bit late to think about a photographer seeing the arrangements for a wedding take a lot of time. if your going to do it I would suggest you see them straight away about the above and at least get some of the basics sorted out.

Now if your asking my advice I would have to say no don't do it purely because of the time factor involved. They should have got all this sorted much much earlier and a rushed shoot just won't be as good as a well prepared one.
Bazza

I've condensed down all you've said and wrote them an email saying how late they've left it, I've also mentioned a disclaimer.

I've told them they can't have a CD of images. Lets just see what they say. The photos will be awkward and rushed if this thing goes ahead, I see completely where your coming from.

When starting out in businesses like this I would even do stuff for free - just to get your portfolio - so I say go for it!

I would treat them like a full paying client, because not only will you have a portfolio piece but _they_ will start spreading the word about you like any normal satisfied clients

Once you've arranged a price, tell them you're doing them a special deal an no-one will know how much they paid, in fact to everyone else you are a full-paying client. That will make them feel like they are getting value for money.. and make them more inclined to recommend you

Good luck - look forward to seeing the pics if you do it.

I sent the following based on what was said.

she has replied back and is checking the price with her sister. with £200 I can get a 50mm 1.4. or another 430 EXII.

Good for you, a few ground rules is a must so everyone knows exactly what is expected.

Dan your extremely lucky as I am wearing my sensible hat today.
Bazza