First Wedding Prices

[cyanaura]

May 19th. Nervous as heck... Does one generally charge by the hour or a lump sum? How much is reasonable to ask for for the first wedding? Is it tactless or unreasonable to request payment in cash?

[AmpedPhoto]

$1500 min

[SuzyView]

I think it's reasonable to ask for 1/2 at the wedding and 1/2 after you've delivered on the pictures. And cash is not unheard of. Just make sure you keep records of what you did and how much you've spent.

For a first wedding, you'd have to consider what you are offering. If you are with the B&G all day, $1500 really isn't that much to pay. If you were only there for the ceremony and group shots, $800 seems reasonable. If you are unsure, check out some websites of pros in your area and see how much they charge and take 10-20% off since it is your first time.

Now, looking at your signature, I am wondering if you need to invest in a good mid-range zoom. The 28 would distort too much and the 50 1.8 just isn't very the best if the group is large and you need a whole bunch of people in focus. And don't be surprised if you really like the 70-200 IS even indoors. I found out that it's the best lens for reception shots.

[islandphoto]

I think it is reasonable not to charge for your first wedding. I did about 5 for free. It will build your portfolio and get you experience.

[davidgr]

Sounds like you're already committed to shooting the wedding now, so why ask for money now? Should have done that before saying yes.

But the first wedding or two...or three...or four...or however many you think you need to shoot for free is a good idea. :)

[coreypolis]

its 20 days away and you're just now asking this?

[SuzyView]

Don't be too hard on the OP. The OP is doing the right thing. Better now than not at all, don't you think?

[davidgr]

Don't be too hard on the OP. The OP is doing the right thing. Better now than not at all, don't you think?
No, not really. If you expect to get paid for your services (whatever they may be), it should be discussed before agreeing to do the work.

"Yeah, I'll paint your house for you."
10 days later, "Hey, can I have $200 for my time?"
Uh, no, I thought you were going to do it for free.

[forkball]

first wedding? FREE! Unless you've shot a few as a second photographer and feel confident enough in your work to feel comfortable to ask for money. But I think the fact that you're only 20 days out is a bit 11th hourish, don't you?

[cyanaura]

Perhaps I should explain. The client agreed to pay me months ago and to let them them know what they'd be paying. I told them I'd charge somewhere in the range of $500-1000 or $50/hour depending on what was ultimately expected of me. I'm just in the process of letting them know. Thanks for the responses...

[LeesaB]

I did my first for like 200 dollars, then I did the next one for 500, now I get an average of 1400.

[davidgr]

Perhaps I should explain. The client agreed to pay me months ago and to let them them know what they'd be paying. I told them I'd charge somewhere in the range of $500-1000 or $50/hour depending on what was ultimately expected of me. I'm just in the process of letting them know. Thanks for the responses...

Ah, now that we have the rest of the story...or at least more of it. :D

Well, it looks like you've narrowed down the rate somewhat, now all you need to do is decide which way to go, but it also sounds like you still need to find out what the couple is looking for. If it's your first wedding, I'd keep it low and write the rest off to experience. If you've shot weddings before, then charge more, but it doesn't sound like you have. I think I'd go for the flat rate instead of hourly, even though it sort of all works back to how many hours they want you for.

[rhommel]

ill be shooting my first wedding on Sunday, May 6th... the couple were in a rush and have a low budget... they approached me and they wanted to give me a very small amount... i said yes anyway.. so nervous!

[tim]

Free, then cheap, then raise your prices as you get better. I do 25% deposit 50% before wedding 25% on proof delivery, or similar variations.

[calicokat]

I did a few for free to start, great way to gain experience

[rhommel]

ill be shooting my first wedding on Sunday, May 6th... the couple were in a rush and have a low budget... they approached me and they wanted to give me a very small amount... i said yes anyway.. so nervous!

whew! that was nerve wrecking! anyway, i posted this on another thread but i will post it here anyway..

This is joyce.. she's in the car, waiting for the ceremony to start, so I thought id take a couple shots while she's waiting :)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/228/487536641_91530cd1e2.jpg

will be posting more soon...

[dpurslow]

Shoot it for free but charge for prints so your not out of pocket ! - build a portfolio and then work out what to charge.

[remixity]

If you want to charge nothing for your photography coverage, as others suggest, then at least charge for the cost of equipment rental, transportation, and time. I've seen way too many couples trying to take advantage of photography students for the sake of portfolio building. Talent comes at a premium, but technical work ain't cheap, either.

[Shutter22]

I did my first wedding for 100 plus cost of prints. Second for 150 plus cost of prints.

I'm working my way up. :)

[softball29]

My first was several years ago, with film of course. I think I charged 250. They paid for the film, processing and prints.

It's a lot different now. I'm basically around 1,000 as I only really do it for people I know and if I have the time.That usually includes a disc with the prints, but now I have it set up so I can sell online so I'll tweak that a bit.

My only wonder is how much to charge for individual prints. I've never done it that way before!

[jaisai01]

same here i did one for free, and the next i charged $550.00, and now i am charging 1500-2000 depending on when and where...