$$Tip the photographer?$$

Just wanting to hear from some of the pros here if you ever receive tips for doing weddings or other events. My friend has a wedding coming up and has no idea if a tip is in order if the photographer does an exceptional job. I told him I would ask here as this would be a great place to get the scoop. So yes or no? And if yes what is a good %? Thanks in advance for any replies.

Not generally.... I was given a tip at one wedding.. the brides mom slipped me an envelope with $50 in it.
I dont expect to be tipped.

No. People don't want to pay what I charge now, so I doubt that any tipping is going to occur.

Thanks for the quick replies

I was given a tip....


... Don't do weddings!

TJ

because I have been so extremely cheap my first year in business I have recieved tips several times. But I expect now that my prices have increased I will not get them as often. My best tip is them being totally thrilled with the pics and service I provide

So I would say depending on how much the photographer has charged the couple as to how much, if any, you tip

I did get a $50 "tip" from a family for whom I shot some portraits. They ordered several hundred dollars worth of prints and added a little extra when they sent the check.

The only time I ever got a tip was when I helped an old lady fill her car with groceries when I was a supermarket bagboy. I told the manager I was surprised that the lady tipped me and he said I wasn't supposed to accept tips. I told him to suck a duck.

Beyond that I charge enough for my packages that I don't expect or even want tips.

Tips are nice.

I used to get tips quite a lot when I was cheap. Now that my prices are a bit higher, I don't get tips anymore...

The rule of thumb I heard once was if the photographer runs his/her own business, a tip is generally not necessary. If the photog is a hired gun for a studio, then he/she is probably only making a few hundred dollars, and a tip is generally appreciated...

Ok, I'm the type who never tip unless perhaps in a nice restaurant. Not the custom here.

If I've spent a huge amount on the photos, no way will I tip. I'll just make sure to give many referrals

jamiewexler wrote in post #2474355
The rule of thumb I heard once was if the photographer runs his/her own business, a tip is generally not necessary. If the photog is a hired gun for a studio, then he/she is probably only making a few hundred dollars, and a tip is generally appreciated...

yea that's what I would do.
If its the owner and I liked the service id buy more stuff and give referrals.

I have not received one yet..

The only tip I'd give my wedding photographer would be "get a different job - one that does not involve using a camera".

rhys wrote in post #2475524
The only tip I'd give my wedding photographer would be "get a different job - one that does not involve using a camera".

Well, I can understand that POV.

[Stirs]