Interesting ? from a bride to be. Free or discounted photography services...WWYD?

she should've eamiled Oprah instead.

if she's a friend, i'd do it
if she's a good friend of a good friend, i'd do it.
if i can count it as a donation and get a big tax write off... i'd consider

if they really can't afford professional photographers, they'll just have to make do with a relatives who have cameras to cover. it's really not the end of the world.

I think everyone should re-read the original email:

"...As an example, we are interested in unlimited high-res photographs on a DVD, a digital album, an engagement session, video coverage, with an edited video and possibly an enlargement photo.


...I really like your work, but In all honesty, we are looking for vendors who can work with me to provide services free or at an extremely high discount. I know you are in a business, and free services are difficult, but if there is anything you can do to accommodate me, I would really appreciate it. ..."

Nowhere did she say "big fancy wedding" and demanding? Really? Most demanding brides I've had to deal with have never once said "If there is anything you can do accomodate me.." They say things like "I WANT ___" or "YOU WILL ___" or "I want a photo taken at (location). I don't want it too dark, I want to look like a princess, but not too much one. Okay? I also want i want my bouquet off to the side, and you'll need to photoshop me so I don't look too fat. Can you also do something about the bricks? I don't really like the color. We also need to do it fast, because I want to spend time talking and drinking with the bridal party and my family."

You might also notice that the OP's signature says he's a photographer to the Indian Community in Chicago. It's probably not a coincidence that the email came from someone seeking coverage of an Indian ceremony and reception, emailed to a photographer who specializes in Indian weddings.

We really need to stop the knee jerk reaction when a potential bride asks for something extra or questions our prices. It's always ..."They have no respect for photography! They're cheap! I'm not going to waste my time! Bah!"

Yes, of course photography is a business; and yes, of course we want to make money. But hopefully the bottom line isn't the ONLY factor.

Red Tie Photography wrote in post #11711089
I was thinking about this. Is there anything personalized that says she is talking to you, and not copy and pasting it to every photographer in the area?

Hey, good point - it does look like spam.

These are the facts without all the fluff.

- upcoming wedding in xxxxxxxxxxxx on April 2, 2011.
- Indian reception from approximately 7-12pm.
- unlimited high-res photographs on a DVD,
- a digital album, an engagement session,
- video coverage, with
- an edited video and possibly an
- enlargement photo.
- provide services free or at an extremely high

Its this alot, or the bare minimum.

Gedanken wrote in post #11713772
Hey, good point - it does look like spam.

Not so much spam, ... but a bit of phishing just seeing who will respond. Nonprofits do it all the time to solicit donations in work or items.

kjonnnn wrote in post #11713776
These are the facts without all the fluff.

- upcoming wedding in xxxxxxxxxxxx on April 2, 2011.
- Indian reception from approximately 7-12pm.
- unlimited high-res photographs on a DVD,
- a digital album, an engagement session,
- video coverage, with
- an edited video and possibly an
- enlargement photo.
- provide services free or at an extremely high

Its this alot, or the bare minimum.

Unless the email has been edited...

Point #1- Correct, this is what the bride wants.
Point #2- I didn't see a time on there, although if it's only 5 hours that's not too demanding.
Point #3- Nowhere in the email.
Point #4- Nowhere in the email
Point #5- Correct, they would also like a videographer
Point #6- Nowhere in the email
Point #7- Nowhere in the email
Point #8- Nowhere in the email

Where are you getting this stuff? Was the email edited before I could read it?? If not, you are making a lot of assumptions and putting a lot of words in this bride's mouth.

What it sounds like to me, is the OP could turn and burn this one. Show up- snap pictures, get rid of the bad ones, do a bulk retouch in Photoshop, burn it on a disc, send it out. For the video they could just send it as is and offer to edit for extra or let the bride and groom just enjoy it as is. Really, beyond shooting there's the potential here to have only 3-4 hours of PP work. Unless the OP wants to be generous and touch up each photo but neither you nor I know if the bride even wants to pay for that.

kjonnnn wrote in post #11713776
- Indian reception from approximately 7-12pm.

this is really 7am to 12pm(noon)? you could probably shoot another wedding afterwards lol

i'm willing to bet that its meant to be 7pm to midnight though. something def. worth clarifying.

PeaceFire wrote in post #11714278
Unless the email has been edited...

Point #1- Correct, this is what the bride wants.
Point #2- I didn't see a time on there, although if it's only 5 hours that's not too demanding.
Point #3- Nowhere in the email.
Point #4- Nowhere in the email
Point #5- Correct, they would also like a videographer
Point #6- Nowhere in the email
Point #7- Nowhere in the email
Point #8- Nowhere in the email

Where are you getting this stuff? Was the email edited before I could read it?? If not, you are making a lot of assumptions and putting a lot of words in this bride's mouth.

What it sounds like to me, is the OP could turn and burn this one. Show up- snap pictures, get rid of the bad ones, do a bulk retouch in Photoshop, burn it on a disc, send it out. For the video they could just send it as is and offer to edit for extra or let the bride and groom just enjoy it as is. Really, beyond shooting there's the potential here to have only 3-4 hours of PP work. Unless the OP wants to be generous and touch up each photo but neither you nor I know if the bride even wants to pay for that.

What do you mean no where in the email? The original poster put a quote from the email in his post.


I am interested in your photography and videography services for an upcoming wedding in xxxxxxxxxxxx on April 2, 2011.

It would include an Indian reception from approximately 7-12pm.

As an example, we are interested in unlimited high-res photographs on a DVD, a digital album, an engagement session, video coverage, with an edited video and possibly an enlargement photo.

This wedding is being put together very quickly. I have been diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension (a fatal heart condition) in which I am on IV meds (a continuous) IV in my chest), and get extremely breathless. My fiancé and I are paying for the wedding ourselves, and are trying to save money for healthcare expenses (of which may be a lung-heart transplant). Also need the photographer and videographer to be extremely patient with me during the wedding and photo sessions.

I really like your work, but In all honesty, we are looking for vendors who can work with me to provide services free or at an extremely high discount. I know you are in a business, and free services are difficult, but if there is anything you can do to accommodate me, I would really appreciate it. I know this is an odd request, but we thought it doesn’t hurt to ask. (Perhaps someone out there is extremely gracious) Thank you for your time.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Warm Regards,

KSPhotography wrote in post #11707507
Got this email last week and not sure how to proceed. I would love to help out but am wondering if I'm getting scammed. I've asked for a face to face meeting and looking to see if things are on the up and up.

I am interested in your photography and videography services for an upcoming wedding in xxxxxxxxxxxx on April 2, 2011.

It would include an Indian reception from approximately 7-12pm.

As an example, we are interested in unlimited high-res photographs on a DVD, a digital album, an engagement session, video coverage, with an edited video and possibly an enlargement photo.

This wedding is being put together very quickly. I have been diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension (a fatal heart condition) in which I am on IV meds (a continuous) IV in my chest), and get extremely breathless. My fiancé and I are paying for the wedding ourselves, and are trying to save money for healthcare expenses (of which may be a lung-heart transplant). Also need the photographer and videographer to be extremely patient with me during the wedding and photo sessions.

I really like your work, but In all honesty, we are looking for vendors who can work with me to provide services free or at an extremely high discount. I know you are in a business, and free services are difficult, but if there is anything you can do to accommodate me, I would really appreciate it. I know this is an odd request, but we thought it doesn’t hurt to ask. (Perhaps someone out there is extremely gracious) Thank you for your time.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Warm Regards,

What would you check for or what would you do? I always feel that if we as pros can help a person in need, we should, so that part of me wants to help out, but also don't want to get scammed.

I only do photography so no videography from me. Also, somewhat weird that this bride has a list of what she wants out of the whole thing.

I think you missed the first post Peace

PeaceFire wrote in post #11714278
Unless the email has been edited...

Point #1- Correct, this is what the bride wants.
Point #2- I didn't see a time on there, although if it's only 5 hours that's not too demanding.
Point #3- Nowhere in the email.
Point #4- Nowhere in the email
Point #5- Correct, they would also like a videographer
Point #6- Nowhere in the email
Point #7- Nowhere in the email
Point #8- Nowhere in the email

Where are you getting this stuff? Was the email edited before I could read it?? If not, you are making a lot of assumptions and putting a lot of words in this bride's mouth.

What it sounds like to me, is the OP could turn and burn this one. Show up- snap pictures, get rid of the bad ones, do a bulk retouch in Photoshop, burn it on a disc, send it out. For the video they could just send it as is and offer to edit for extra or let the bride and groom just enjoy it as is. Really, beyond shooting there's the potential here to have only 3-4 hours of PP work. Unless the OP wants to be generous and touch up each photo but neither you nor I know if the bride even wants to pay for that.

yeah, unfortunately you are way off-base. on a separate note, what is the address for your website peacefire?

tricky500 wrote in post #11707657
Doing good does feel good, but if you want to do good, go to a homeless shelter or a local animal shelter and volunteer your time there. Those people need help daily. Photography of a special occasion is important but when it comes down to it, it's just another luxury people have become accustomed to..

This

First, thank you everyone for your comments and suggestions.

I sent her a message a few days ago (right before making this thread unfortunately) and no response as of yet. Perhaps my mentioning that I would like to meet them in person pushed them away. Or perhaps it was the fact that I said there was no way I could do it for free, but would potentially discount.

Either way, nothing from the bride to be, maybe she found a "professional" who would do it for free with his shiny new T2i kit.

Thanks for the great conversation everyone. As usual, asking a simple question, I learn a ton!

She said "for instance, we are interested in...", not "this is what we want". To me that implies she's negotiable. Just sayin'.

But from what the OP just posted, sounds like it was a scam.

PeaceFire wrote in post #11718110
She said "for instance, we are interested in...", not "this is what we want". To me that implies she's negotiable. Just sayin'.

But from what the OP just posted, sounds like it was a scam.

Well it is nice that she is willing to negotiate what she gets for free.

KSPhotography wrote in post #11717805
First, thank you everyone for your comments and suggestions.

Either way, nothing from the bride to be, maybe she found a "professional" who would do it for free with his shiny new T2i kit.

thanks for the laugh

Glad to see you stick to your guns.