Can I charge people for this?

Hi, I was just wondering what you professionals think. Can I charge people for this quality of work? Or do I still need a lot more practice? What would be a reasonable hourly rate? Rural area. What can I do to improve?

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I've seen people charge a lot worse, that's for sure. In the first one you probably should have used a little fill flash so that you can see her near eye. The second is a little flat because the pose and lighting are all on one plane. You also have a horizon line cutting straight through their eyes, which I find a little distracting.

Everyone always has more to learn, but you're on the right path by asking!

For the first one, the expression isn't that great, and the lighting contrast isn't optimal. Basically, it's a snapshot of the bride but doesn't tell any kind of story.

The second is better, but the composition isn't as interesting as it could be. There's too much sky, and maybe it would have worked if it was really vibrant and scattered with clouds, but it's washed out and dull. The exposure is a little high for my taste but that could be part of your style. The expressions are nice but if you zoomed in closer it would have made a bigger impact.

Good start, but I would say more practice before charging.

And just because others are charging for lousy work, doesn't make it right, or a good idea.

theres a lot more to deciding whether to go into business or not. You've shown us 2 outdoor shots, that really any camera can do well. Weddings are all about lighting, posing, composition, color or tonality. You have to be extremely consistent, well prepared, work extremely fast, be very patient and easy going. Indoor weddings are about one of the most difficult thigns to shoot. Extremely low light, high contrast, not alot of chace to use flash, move around etc. You don't get any redos or 2nd chances.

The business side is the even mroe difficult part. Gettign legal with teh state, insurance, etc comes first. Then finding brides, preparing for the wedding etc. The backend work is where so many go wrong. They just burn a cd and go. Theres a whole lot more than can and should be done, and is often over looked.

Do you like either of these any better? or are they just more of the same? And I see what you mean about the composition of the one with the sky. I see how it should have been better.

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The're fine .. keep an eye on details like the fellows shirt collar and try to use some fill flash on your outdoor shots.

Most wedding shooters don't charge by the hour but have packages that have a minimum amount of coverage in terms of time and pics. So check & see what the local wedding shooters in your area are charging as a guide.

To improve simply try to recreate photos that you find interesting .. or post more shots on wedding (and other) forums for critique. Like Stephanie said I've seen many charge for worse, and often they would also be the quickest to tell you that you're not ready
Mike

Corey,
I apprieciate your candor. It's not like I'm jumping into this without any brains. The people that I have shot weddings for are people who KNOW that I am not a proffesional. They have seen my work (Good & Bad) and would not hire any photographer if I would not or could not help them. And I understand that they are helping me as much as I am helping them. And I absolutely know my limitations for indoors. I have added a couple engagement shots to show you a little variety. OK so I'm not good enough yet, how do I get better if I quit shooting? it's such a catch 22.

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Hey, don't worry. Nobody is telling you to quit shooting!!

Your engagement shots are nicer, but could probably use a little more contrast.

It's just not an easy business and many fail at it. Corey is just letting you (and all other lurkers benefiting from your question) be aware of what hides in the shadows that kills the dreams of other such photographers.

If you are keen and really want to improve (and it sounds like you do) then keep at it and I'll bet you'll see a vast improvement in your shooting even after just a few months. Try to assist and second shoot for some pros and you'll learn a lot. Even seasoned pros learn a lot when following another pro. I am always trying to arrange second shooting weekends with other pros to continue learning what I can. I even follow pros less experienced than me. Be humble and realize you are never finished learning.

I'd suggest that you keep working at it just a little bit longer. Play with fill flash, reflectors, and stuff to set your image quality a notch higher.

You can also get more time in front of brides by attending workshops, classes, or private lessons. Ironically those are some of the cheapest things you can do that make the biggest difference in the quality of your work - possible even bigger than nice glass!

speaking of nice glass, I really need to upgrade. I have a rebel XT with an
EF-S 17-85 f/4-5.6 IS USM lens. I have heard people on this forum say that is is next to useless. And while I tend not to agree (Seeing how it's my only lens) I can't wait to get my hands on something better. If I gave you a $500 budget (Measley, I know) What lenses or lens would you get?

Tamron 17-50 2.8.

Do a season of second shooting with that, and save up for the Canon 17-55.

lol! With $500, I'd go to a workshop!

I've seen people with some serious glass, but their work was still in need of help. They thought they would see the biggest improvement if they had a better lens - so they dropped a few grand. Eventually they notice (and are flabbergasterd) by the difference before and after a class.

2nd best choice are books that will help you understand different things your camera can do, and techincal info about photography and how they are all related and affect your photographs.

And, if you are dead set on a lens and MADE me pick a lens over one on one help - I'd go for the 50 1.8 - 'the plastic fantastic.' Its the most incredible lens you'll find for that price. Then save your money.

With you personally, you'll want to focus on controlling light. Look for a lighting workshop in your city. It will help a lot.

It's hard to determine on a handful of images, it needs a body of work to say if it's consistant or not. But #2, 4 and 5 is fairly good.

Thank you so much for all of your help!!! I have been looking for a workshop. Unfortunately I live in a tiny town 4 hours from anywhere. But that anywhere is Las Vegas, and I know if I keep looking I will find something there. There isn't even a professional photographer in my town ( Well one that does landscape, but terrible (IMO) at people) Or I would do as much 2nd shooting as possible. I'm trying to track down one about 11/2 hours away. Anyway thanks for your time.

Wow - you just missed the WPPI Convention! Check out the PPA and WPPI lectures and workshops. We offer stuff, but not in Vegas. Im guessing your best bet is the local chapter of the PPA. Check it out. It should be very helpful.