Would It Be A Rip Off To Take This Job?

[Josh V]

They want to pay you $150 per day,shooting up to 8 weddings.But yet they are making $160 per wedding photo package.

So lets see (I hate math):
8 x $160 =1,280
-$150

So they'll get $1,130
And you'll get $150.

Sorry,Im not even a PRO but I wouldnt even do that.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/med/1406134923.html

Or does this sound right to anyone?

[kendickson]

Josh,

looking at their web site - Package A offers a CD with an average of 150 images. So if you were to only 1 of those packages per day you would be working for $1 per image? Not a very constructive use of your time I would think.

[Gary_Evans]

As someone who employs other photographers, can I give you my take on this.

They (the chapel) have all the expenses involved with running a business such as marketing, building maintenance, utility bills (gas, electric, water etc etc), taxes, insurances and so the list goes on.

From their takings they are prepared to give someone almost 13% for what is an actually enjoyable and relatively stress free job. Personally I think thats quite a good deal, my shooters dont get anywhere near 13% of my turnover.

Its a job advert so you dont have to apply if you dont like the deal on offer.

[RDKirk]

From where do you derive 13%?

[badgerdid]

Its more like 12 percent
150/1280*100= 11.718 or 12%

He worked out the percentage after the 150 was removed instead of before. lol
:)

[Willie]

That's like complaining that McDonald's wants to pay you $8/hr when they bring in $20k a day in sales.

[Concretin Nik]

Not likely to be an 8 hour day (probably not hour long ceremonies)... and if you have to shoot 8, and shoot 150 photos... doesn't seem like a lot of time for composition and such. Sounds like simple point and click click click click... I'd guess an easy $150 as long as you're wearing comfy shoes. (Assuming no post work either.)

[Nightstalker]

$360 X 8 = $2880

150/2880 = 5.2%

But - whilst you are working as a photographer you are an employee - how much do they pay their other employees - cleaners etc - probably not $150 a day.

[blackshadow]

Looks like a rip off, sounds like a rip off, tastes like a rip off - lucky you didn't step in it!

[Fenster]

Looks like a rip off, sounds like a rip off, tastes like a rip off - lucky you didn't step in it!

It is an 'in' to wedding photography; I know I have dealt with chapels before and many of them are willing to allow portfolio usage. Plus, as with any position, the quality of your work is telling.

Also, from the perspective of a weekend/college job...assume an eight-hour work day. That's $18.75 per hour, stress-free, cost-free, to pursue your hobby. How many other college jobs can claim that?

[GPR1]

That's not a bad hourly wage, but that doesn't take into account the fact you're providing your own equipment. Amortizing that expense drops that hourly rate dramatically.

[Josh V]

It is an 'in' to wedding photography; I know I have dealt with chapels before and many of them are willing to allow portfolio usage. Plus, as with any position, the quality of your work is telling.

Also, from the perspective of a weekend/college job...assume an eight-hour work day. That's $18.75 per hour, stress-free, cost-free, to pursue your hobby. How many other college jobs can claim that?

Exactly What GPR said.

It is not "Cost free" since your expcted to provide all the equipment.

If everything was there you needed,including the camara, then maybe it would be a decent deal.

Id rather ask the couples as they show up if they would like me to take there photos and Ill charge them $150.Thats $10 less than what the chapel wants.But they probably wouldn't allow you to take your own photographer.Talk about a hustle :confused:

[Josh V]

That's like complaining that McDonald's wants to pay you $8/hr when they bring in $20k a day in sales.

Well if I had to bring in my own cooking tools,pots and pans and my own grease to work then this would be a valid argument.

[Fenster]

Even with an investment (at worst, a 30D, 17-85mm and flashgun) of equipment, I think the amount offered is fair. It is quick, consistent work.

[Willie]

Well if I had to bring in my own cooking tools,pots and pans and my own grease to work then this would be a valid argument.

Fair enough.

But you already own the equipment, don't you?

If my options were work at fast food store/grocery store on weekend for $8-$10/hr or this photo gig, I'd happily drag my equipment to the chapel.

[Biffbradford]

Auto mechanics and carpenters need to have their own tools as well.

[KFormus]

I'd rather invest the time into building a business that can consistently charge $4k+ per wedding.

[MJPhotos24]

I turn weddings down so wouldn't want to shoot it....but if I wanted an "in" to wedding photography then I'd look at working with an experienced wedding photographer as a second shooter or assistant and build that way for probably better pay and more experience for good paying weddings instead of assembly line photography in a chapel studio.