Possible first wedding? Would you take this?

Saw an ad posted looking for a photographer for a wedding. I have never shot a wedding before officially but it seems this one is very tight on money, ad offering $100 plus cost of film. Now, this could be a good opportunity to do my first wedding, wont need film so thinking I could get $150 for it for a few hours.

I know a lot of people will say no way cause of the price, but I have been in a situation where if the price wasnt low, I would have no pictures of my wedding and looking back now at those pictures, I am glad I have them. My brother inlaw just went through this a month ago as well.

So would $150 be worth the experience for 3-4 hours? I could use both the experience and the money...

Thoughts?

do whatever you want, but just know that ironically, people who pay the least expect the most. It's weird (and also a very general statement)

No matter how much/little you are getting paid, make sure you have a signed contract between both parties so it's spelled out clearly what they want and what you'll deliver.

I'm with Lloyd.

Do it and put everything in the contract.

I have to agree with the less they pay the more pain they are.
The cost of film thing has possibilities (selling prints).

I'd meet with them.

See how they act.

I would say no, do not take it.

$100 payment would be an insult to your skill.

might as well do it for free. At least they know they can't penalise you for your generous "wedding gift". Sometimes people think they are the Royalty because they are 'paying'. $100 is an insult.

delhi wrote in post #4872488
might as well do it for free. At least they know they can't penalise you for your generous "wedding gift". Sometimes people think they are the Royalty because they are 'paying'. $100 is an insult.

The above attitude seems typical of some people on this forum. I understand it if you are an accomplished professional, however, most of us are not, and you must start somewhere. Also, no offense to anyone, but to some people who take pictures (yes even some on this forum:oops $100 is 10x what they're worth in terms of photography skill.

I agree with the do it for the experience, not the money, but make SURE everything, every little thing, is spelled out. Don't be a pain about it, just tell them you want it written so you are sure to make them happy. If they react badly to THAT, then yeah I'd say run away. Otherwise, do it for the experience. There are not any photographers I know of (including pros) who do not benefit from more experience, even when it is from humble places.

Just my 2 cents. Sorry for the ramble.

I'd go for it Corey. Great experience and$150 is $150. As said already, get a clear, concise contract. Very best of luck.
Great opportunity to get rid of some of those business cards too

cory1848 wrote in post #4864305
Saw an ad posted looking for a photographer for a wedding. I have never shot a wedding before officially but it seems this one is very tight on money, ad offering $100 plus cost of film. Now, this could be a good opportunity to do my first wedding, wont need film so thinking I could get $150 for it for a few hours.

I know a lot of people will say no way cause of the price, but I have been in a situation where if the price wasnt low, I would have no pictures of my wedding and looking back now at those pictures, I am glad I have them. My brother inlaw just went through this a month ago as well.

So would $150 be worth the experience for 3-4 hours? I could use both the experience and the money...

Thoughts?

ewwwww gross. i wouldnt touch it with a ten foot pole.

tlc wrote in post #4875517
ewwwww gross. i wouldnt touch it with a ten foot pole.

As a working pro and "the photographer your mother dreamed about", no one would expect you to touch it with a ten foot pole.
The question is, should Corey? I would say go for. If they really are a pain, even better. He'll get to see how hard it is dealing with people when not at their best.
Have a chat with the b+g, and explain that you're doing for experience, so you can't guarantee results. If they're not happy with that, wish them luck in their search for a 'tog, and walk away.

bildeb0rg wrote in post #4875657
As a working pro and "the photographer your mother dreamed about", no one would expect you to touch it with a ten foot pole.
The question is, should Corey? I would say go for. If they really are a pain, even better. He'll get to see how hard it is dealing with people when not at their best.
Have a chat with the b+g, and explain that you're doing for experience, so you can't guarantee results. If they're not happy with that, wish them luck in their search for a 'tog, and walk away.

hehe. here's the thing - people looking for a cheap wedding photographer are ... well.. cheap. be very very careful becasue these types of people can be some of the worse to work wtih. they will expect so much - and then not buy anything.

of course as you said above, its a good way to expose (haha) yourself to different situations.

i've had my share - starting out its a horrible road to pave, but we all must do it - i just wish there was an easier way for people who are just starting out.

i guess experiencing it is probably the best way so i guess maybe you should try it.

Don't underestimate post processing time.

[QUOTE=tlc;4875676]... i just wish there was an easier way for people who are just starting out.

quote]

Second shooter springs to mind, but then it's hard to find a seasoned pro that's willing to share twenty or more years experience with a possible future competitor.
Making our own mistakes, and taking a few knocks, is all part of the learning curve.
Time to step up Corey...

[QUOTE=bildeb0rg;48756​98]

tlc wrote in post #4875676
... i just wish there was an easier way for people who are just starting out.

quote]

Second shooter springs to mind, but then it's hard to find a seasoned pro that's willing to share twenty or more years experience with a possible future competitor.
Making our own mistakes, and taking a few knocks, is all part of the learning curve.
Time to step up Corey...

well there you go corey... you've been called out... now you have to take it!

good lluck and do let us know how it turns out!

cory1848 wrote in post #4864305
So would $150 be worth the experience for 3-4 hours? I could use both the experience and the money...

Thoughts?

To me? NO WAY! You have to decide if it's worth it to you by yourself. Do not do this or any wedding without a signed contract and liability insurance.

As I mentioned look into the possibility to sell prints if it is there.

The PROs these day seem to be afraid of extra competition so they are reluctant to share anything (at least in my area). In the end the people starting out will go out and do weddings at more reasonable rates which will have an effect on the market price and the prices the PRO charges will be affected (Yes there are those who will pay for quality but it seems like a lot more seem to be price driven).

I would do it if I needed the money (and who doesn't).
Shoot and burn (well RAW+WB fix in CR4 or whatever you use+levels+S curve) but some of this can be done with some actions to save you time.

Another thing. And this is the big one. I hope you will sell yourself hard at the wedding.
Cory, I would pass out business cards at each table and say "the pics will be online so you can see them". Link everything to your gallery (hopefully you have one where you can sell prints directly). Some people may say this is tacky but even we have to remember that everyone gets paid in full. They want cheap wedding well you have to pass some cards to get some clients to recoup the cut down cost you got for this wedding.
There may be an issue with referrals coming from that wedding expecting a cheap price to but I'd cross that bridge when you get to it.