Stupmed..............

[Kiddo]

I'm a little stumped on what to charge for a wedding that I've been asked to do in May.

Here's the story..

A lady e-mailed me saying that she was going to have a very small wedding. I'm thinking that she just means not a lot of people. Nope she means a really small wedding. The whole thing is only going to take an hour. No reception, no dance nothing, and she only wants about 24 pictures.

The smallest package I offer is $500.00, but for this one it's way to much. Anyone have any ideas on how to handle this?

And I might add, this is my first wedding if she decides to book with me.

Any suggestions??

Thanks!

[italypa99]

well if your smallest package is 500.00 what do you do for 500 ? look at it that way if its half of what you do just charge a couple hundred if anything get some word and mouth going on make them happy and they will tell people about you might get more business

[Kiddo]

well if your smallest package is 500.00 what do you do for 500 ? look at it that way if its half of what you do just charge a couple hundred if anything get some word and mouth going on make them happy and they will tell people about you might get more business

For $500.00 it's me at the wedding for the day, reception and 1st dance encluded and about 80 prints, with one of those they pick 11x14 and I get it framed. Any extra prints and stuff they want is extra and I have another price list for that.

[tnicol]

Having been in exactly the same situation a few times recently I empathize with you. If wedding photography is something you really want to do, and experience and exposure are important, you'll probably end up doing it for way less than it's worth. People think when they ask you to take pictures for an hour or so, they're paying for an hour of time. Obviously its a lot more than that. If you charge $500 they probably won't book. If you charge $50 they will and you'll be working for nothing but the experience. I've charged from $50 to $200 for the work you describe and neither was enough. My advice is to charge something you're comfortable with - lets say it's $200, don't provide a CD, and sell reprints to your client and her guests at a competitive rate to increase your profit a little.

[picturecrazy]

I have a daily rate and I stick to it like glue. If people want me on that day then they pay that rate, whether it's 12 hours or one hour. I gave a reduced rate for a short wedding once and never will again, because I got another request for that same date a week later who REALLY wanted my services and wanted to pay full price. Now I've realized that people who really want you are willing to pay your fees, whether 2 hours or all day.

BUT.... If you are just starting out (I'm guessing you are, if you offer a $500 package) and need the experience, then maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea anyhow, since it's in a couple months and the chances of booking that date with someone else are low. If she is a really good looking girl then and I was in your position, I'd definitely do it so you can boost your portfolio. Sounds terrible but it's a reality in our field.

[CyberPet]

What happens if someone else shows up on the same date and wants to book you 8 hrs? You should have a minimum fee to cover for any loss if you have to turn away higher paying clients.

[sblais]

What happens if someone else shows up on the same date and wants to book you 8 hrs? You should have a minimum fee to cover for any loss if you have to turn away higher paying clients.

But I agree with Lloyd. For well-established photographers, this would be a no-no. But for starting photographers, it's a very good occasion to get some experience and hopefully a few portfolio shots. The wedding is short, but it gives you an opportunity to put to test your skills without the stress (physically and mentally) of a full-day coverage.

I did this in my first year. Now, being quite a bit busier, my minimum package is of 4 hours, with no exception. I'm considering changing this again for 2008.

[csm328]

Picturecrazy and Cyberpet hit the nail on the head. Do a risk assessment. If there's practically no chance of someone else wanting you on that day, reduce. If there is, and it conflicts with what they want, charge them the daily rate. Who knows, maybe you could squeeze in 2 on the same day? Best of luck.

[jessiper]

The OP said that this would be their first wedding, which many people on here would say to do their first for free, so I don't think it's a bad idea to give the client a break so kiddo can build his or her portfolio. If the bride only wants one hour w/24 pictures, I'd say do it for $200 w/a disc, and that's all. I think that's fair for your first wedding and only for an hour.

[tim]

I would pass, given the overheads I probably wouldn't make a profit, and if i did it'd be too small to bother with. Leave it for someone else.

[Scott_Quier]

For someone as busy as Tim, this is a no-brainer - leave it for someone else.

As this is the OP's first wedding, set a price (low) as you are going to be shooting this for the experience more than anything else.

As has been stated above, this is a great opportunity to get your feet wet without the stress and physical challenge of an all-day event.

Something like $200 for the coverage and then negotiate the print package. I would think, at that price, that prints would be extra.

[LBaldwin]

OK,

Write this down!! I would like to get paid a real sum of money to shoot weddings. As this has been coverd ad infinitum do a CODB (cost of doing business) first.

Since when is a wedding EVER just a few hours work. BS. There is PP, color correction,
vehicle costs, computer time etc. If you cut your costs to get the gig then it will be really hard to raise your prices later to anyone who gets a referral from this client. DUH.

If your minimum is 500 then stick to it. Trust me the cheaper the bride the bigger the hassle. If you don't know what your CODB is get it figured out then set your profit margins from that and pay yourself first.

Les

[song4themoon]

I have a on location portrait package that I charge with $180 (low for my area but thats what I am charging right now). I would offer something in that area.

[tim]

I wrote about this in my FAQ. First weddings when you have no experience should probably be done for free.

[Mario.]

OK,

Write this down!! I would like to get paid a real sum of money to shoot weddings. As this has been coverd ad infinitum do a CODB (cost of doing business) first.

Since when is a wedding EVER just a few hours work. BS. There is PP, color correction,
vehicle costs, computer time etc. If you cut your costs to get the gig then it will be really hard to raise your prices later to anyone who gets a referral from this client. DUH.

If your minimum is 500 then stick to it. Trust me the cheaper the bride the bigger the hassle. If you don't know what your CODB is get it figured out then set your profit margins from that and pay yourself first.

Les

This is so true you have no idea. You lowball yourself once, and it never stops from there. If you aren't comfortable shooting yet, then..

I wrote about this in my FAQ. First weddings when you have no experience should probably be done for free.