Buddy starting an Entertainment business

Actually more of an acquaintance. A DJ guy of mine called me today because he wants to start an Entertainment business. He wants to offer packages for brides such as, pay $xxxx and you get a DJ, videographer, photographer, etc.

With me only having a couple weddings under my belt, it sounds like a good idea because he's known in our area and I know he can get me business. His idea was they would call him, he would tell me what date, I go shoot and he pays me. Thing is, he thinks that the experienced well-known photographers around our area (Chicagoland) charge only $1000...I stopped him there to tell him that price is on the very low side.

From what I got from him, he's only looking to pay me $400-500 for the wedding. I wouldn't mind it if all I did was shoot and give up the card for someone else to edit but that's not the case. So we spoke and he told me to put something together. I was thinking IF I should do this, it would be limited shooting time. I'm not sure how to approach this because I take pride in my work and don't want to be sold short, but it would be nice to build the portfolio.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying pay me thousands of dollars but my time is important to me.

Quick note, this would be almost a side job to my own photography business.

Thanks in advance
-BJ

Send him links to the prices pages of a few good photographers around your area, he'll get an idea of prices. Give him a price for shoot and burn for a limited amount of time, and make sure you have the right to sell extra time and albums with no kickbacks. If he doesn't like your price then he finds another photographer.

Most people realize you get what you pay for. Packages are about convenience, with a side effect of a small price savings sometimes.

It sounds to me like he wouldn't be wise to offer your services if you only have a couple of weddings experience if he's a proper pro. You need to build it up until you're really solid, or price it cheap.

It'll be tough to get something you both can agree upon. These all-in-one shops sell largely on price; he needs to price photography inexpensively which means he'll need you to be even more inexpensive.

Maybe do a couple on the cheap for the experience and portfolio building as both of those things are compensation, too, but I doubt you'll find a long term future doing this with him.

After all of the work and editing 400 to 500 is really low. When the DJ tears down they are done. You still
have a good 8 to 10 hours of editing ahead of you.

Thanks for the feedback. Yeah, that's what I have to explain to him is the post work that has to be done. I agree do a couple small ones to build up the portfolio but longterm isn't in my best interest.

Solo87 wrote in post #14077279
Thanks for the feedback. Yeah, that's what I have to explain to him is the post work that has to be done. I agree do a couple small ones to build up the portfolio but longterm isn't in my best interest.

Even though it doesnt sound like he values photography, make sure you tell him up front if this is your plan. If he wants to do an all inclusive one stop shop and his sole photographer bailes unexpectedly, you have just put a huge hole in his business.

Red Tie Photography wrote in post #14078221
Even though it doesnt sound like he values photography, make sure you tell him up front if this is your plan. If he wants to do an all inclusive one stop shop and his sole photographer bailes unexpectedly, you have just put a huge hole in his business.

Duly noted. Trying to manage expectations off the bat. But now I have to think about pricing, rights, etc right.

scorpio_e wrote in post #14077176
have a good 8 to 10 hours of editing ahead of you.

I find it's more like two full days culling and editing. Usually my assistant does 8-12 hours, then I spend a few hours tweaking. Albums take me an extra 4-8 hours, by the time files are generated, album design, proof done, etc. Plus then there's changes made by the couple.