Tell me about your cheap/fast packages (weekday weddings, small-time backyard gigs)

I've got a couple of almost-free friends-and-family weddings under my belt, and am starting to get regular inquiries for more weddings.. While I don't expect to pursue weddings as a full-time thing (I don't advertise them at all) I'd like to have a couple of different packages ready to quote when people ask.

I know some of you have offer "small" packages that you can knock out easily, so I'm just trying to get some ideas. While I'm not specifically looking for your pricing, and I really just want ideas of what you offer and what clients usually like to buy, I wouldn't object to hearing about what you charge.

My current inquiry is from a past client who knows and likes my work, and is generally satisfied with my pricing. She's not looking for much - just a couple hours coverage for a backyard thing, no tedious extended portrait sessions or engagement or anything like that. The client is actually the officiant, and will be hosting the wedding at her house in her backyard. Apparently the bride wasn't going to have any photography at all, and my client thought that wasn't acceptable

I'm thinking 3 hours coverage at my normal hourly rate, then a small selection of ala carte prints? I don't think a book would be a good value for either of us, since it takes another couple hours to process and lay out. What do your small-budget clients like?

Thanks!

P.S. Yes, I'm aware that the "cheap" clients are often the most hassle, but this client has hired me several times in the past, so we both know what to expect.

P.P.S. I'm not concerned about actually doing the work; I have gear and backup gear and insurance and a contract; and experience doing event coverage, portraits, directing people, etc. I just don't often sell prints, nor packages of this nature.

I offer a 'civic wedding' package aimed at those getting married at City Hall. It includes 1.5 hours of availability for a fee of $290. A couple of things to note. First, because everything is sort of contained at City Hall (which I can basically walk to) and I know the area well, I don't spend any time researching; and I might only spend 20 minutes in total preparing. Second, I don't advertise this package with my normal packages--it can only really be found via a specific google search OR via some form of free advertising (craigslist variant called 'kijiji'.). It should be obvious why I might partition things like this.

I offer this package mainly to give myself the opportunity of fitting in a few gigs during the week--if that happens to suit me at the time.

I also offer a 4-hour package (the lowest priced package on my main pricing page) for $1150.

I include digital files with all of my packages, no prints.

I'm currently working on a $350 per hour basis (2-5 hours) but I won't book them more than 6 months in advance... and then I'll only take them if they fit in with "life".

I don't have a pre-set package for these types of things. It depends on how short and how simple. Is it close to my home? Is it during a time of day that still allows me to enjoy my weekend? Does the event sound fun and easy going? Is it going to offer me an experience or something for my portfolio that I want? How much was I looking forward to that personal time off?

I try not to shoot anything for less than $1,000 no matter how short. At the same time, I do true close friends and family for free as my gift. The point is only you know the answer to these questions for yourself.

Christopher Steven b wrote in post #16817703
I offer a 'civic wedding' package aimed at those getting married at City Hall. It includes 1.5 hours of availability for a fee of $290.
....
I include digital files with all of my packages, no prints.

Thanks for the info.

memoriesoftomorrow wrote in post #16817711
I'm currently working on a $350 per hour basis (2-5 hours) but I won't book them more than 6 months in advance... and then I'll only take them if they fit in with "life".

Peacefield wrote in post #16820858
I try not to shoot anything for less than $1,000 no matter how short. At the same time, I do true close friends and family for free as my gift. The point is only you know the answer to these questions for yourself.

Thank you both for the insight, though my question was more about "What products do clients generally want" and less about pricing.

I'm not yet good enough at weddings to ask $350/hr; my current rate is $100/hr.

Short hours coverage couples tend to just want files in my experience. So that is what they get included in the cost. Pretty much shoot and burn (with some editing thrown in the middle).

At $100 per hour I'd hope you have a minimum print order otherwise your real hourly rate (taking into account editing, meetings etc) could be very low if they don't order much.

Biggest mistake is under pricing your services. You will never regret making more but will regret not charging more.

stathunter wrote in post #16821295
Biggest mistake is under pricing your services. You will never regret making more but will regret not charging more.

and it hurts other people in your area but thats a whole 'nother can of worms


I don't currently have a "Civic" package, I don't offer discounts for Sunday or Friday weddings either

Civic M-Th may be a good option.

nathancarter wrote in post #16821097
though my question was more about "What products do clients generally want" and less about pricing.

There's no one answer to this question as there is no such thing as a typical client. I'm always surprised. Clients who seem very budget conscious often spend the most on albums, enlargements, etc. Then other clients who appear to have the largest wedding budgets sometimes end up being my disc-only clients.

If you're not set up to offer products, go ahead and ask them what they think they value.

jmikolich wrote in post #16821694
I don't currently have a "Civic" package, I don't offer discounts for Sunday or Friday weddings either.

I've never got the logic in charging less to do the same amount of work just because it is a different day of the week.

Peacefield wrote in post #16823235
There's no one answer to this question as there is no such thing as a typical client. I'm always surprised. Clients who seem very budget conscious often spend the most on albums, enlargements, etc. Then other clients who appear to have the largest wedding budgets sometimes end up being my disc-only clients.

Thanks Robert. Not quite what I was hoping to hear, but it definitely helps me plan things out.

memoriesoftomorrow wrote in post #16821257
At $100 per hour I'd hope you have a minimum print order otherwise your real hourly rate (taking into account editing, meetings etc) could be very low if they don't order much.

I understand that concept. You're correct: My real hourly rate alone is low enough to be unsustainable. However, I'm not yet experienced enough with weddings, nor is my final product high enough quality, that I can justify charging top-tier rates. My wedding work so far has been technically competent, but not particularly interesting, stylish, or emotionally compelling.

Here's my most recent one, the bride is my cousin so she got the friends-n-family rate. Disclaimer, very few pre-ceremony portraits since members of both parties were nearly two hours late.

nathancarter wrote in post #16823617
I understand that concept. You're correct: My real hourly rate alone is low enough to be unsustainable. However, I'm not yet experienced enough with weddings, nor is my final product high enough quality, that I can justify charging top-tier rates. My wedding work so far has been technically competent, but not particularly interesting, stylish, or emotionally compelling.

Look at it this way... per hour you could end up making the same amount as the cost of feeding a family of four at MacDonalds. Do you really value yourself that low?

memoriesoftomorrow wrote in post #16823490
I've never got the logic in charging less to do the same amount of work just because it is a different day of the week.

Totally agree with you on this one. Makes no sense to charge less.

memoriesoftomorrow wrote in post #16823490
I've never got the logic in charging less to do the same amount of work just because it is a different day of the week.

scorpio_e wrote in post #16823670
Totally agree with you on this one. Makes no sense to charge less.

Speaking from a Bride's perspective - When the Bride book you on weekday, she think she should get a discount b/c your usual wedding days (Saturday & Sunday) are still open to book other weddings. This is straight from Brides who asked me for discount for her Wednesday & Friday wedding.
I know it does not change the amount of time and work for the P. but she has a point and being thoughtful to save the weekend date open for you to get more works

Tigerkn wrote in post #16823825
Speaking from a Bride's perspective - When the Bride book you on weekday, she think she should get a discount b/c your usual wedding days (Saturday & Sunday) are still open to book other weddings. This is straight from Brides who asked me for discount for her Wednesday & Friday wedding.
I know it does not change the amount of time and work for the P. but she has a point and being thoughtful to save the weekend date open for you to get more works

But she doesn't have a point. Most wedding photographers are only going to take on a set number of weddings each year. They don't care what days are booked. A wedding is a wedding whether it happens on a Tuesday , Saturday etc.

There is really nothing thoughtful about you earning less for doing the same amount of work. The only person being thought about there is the bride thinking about herself.