Got asked "Can you do my wedding, you have a good camera"

scottishguy

scottishguy

Suspended / Banned
Messages
1,100
Name
Keith
Edit My Images
No
Got asked that annoying question, Can you do my wedding as you have a good camera.
I'm not too bad at photography, have some good shots, some great shots(even if I say so myself lol)
99% of them are wildlife or landscapes, very few have people in them lol.

120 mile round trip and invited as a guest too.
Asked loads of times to do it and eventually said yes after a few hours of pestering lol.

Should be a fun day, hopefully!!!!
 
If they are asking you to work you are not a guest, you won't enjoy the day as such.

If I am a guest at a wedding I expect to enjoy myself as one.
 
Firstly, 'best of British'.......I surmise you will need a bucket of luck ;)

Is this a friend, a friend of a friend, relative?

Have you put in place something (in writing?) to manage the B&G expectations?

Even if you are not getting paid, they will no doubt expect more than you may be capable of or able to provide?

For the record, I was asked as a favour to old friends of SWMBO to shoot their Ruby Wedding party. I setup up an a expectations understanding which they agreed to :) plus and do bear in mind the time in total it will all take.

The post processing took me approx 8hours spread over a two week period, I provided digital files in two forms ~ one set suitable for email distribution and the other prepared for larger size prints.

They ended up getting an album made and good it looked to, though they had added snaps taken by others and frankly they were only record shots and IMHO nothing like the standard I had provided.

So, as long as you are doing it with your eyes wide open and can meet or exceed their expectations do it..........but do not expect to enjoy being a guest ;)
 
Box Brownie said:
Firstly, 'best of British'.......I surmise you will need a bucket of luck ;)

Is this a friend, a friend of a friend, relative?

Have you put in place something (in writing?) to manage the B&G expectations?

Even if you are not getting paid, they will no doubt expect more than you may be capable of or able to provide?

For the record, I was asked as a favour to old friends of SWMBO to shoot their Ruby Wedding party. I setup up an a expectations understanding which they agreed to :) plus and do bear in mind the time in total it will all take.

The post processing took me approx 8hours spread over a two week period, I provided digital files in two forms ~ one set suitable for email distribution and the other prepared for larger size prints.

They ended up getting an album made and good it looked to, though they had added snaps taken by others and frankly they were only record shots and IMHO nothing like the standard I had provided.

So, as long as you are doing it with your eyes wide open and can meet or exceed their expectations do it..........but do not expect to enjoy being a guest ;)
Click to expand...

It's the gf's family member, told her I aint a pro tog, she don't care though. I done a family pic for an 80th ( about 50 people in the pic ), it did turn out well though.

I am getting paid for it, I have advised her I am not a Pro. She said she will be happy with photographs that capture special moments, ( no pressure there then lol )
Should be a fun day out.

Being paid £300 for the day.

So cant complain, but she knows the risk lol
 
Hi Keith
if i was you i would get some fast glass for the low light situations you might get at the church and at the reception as your kit lens's wont cut the mustard. also a decent flash is handy
im sure if you in livi camera club someone might loan you a couple im a nikon man so canny help you
by the way im just up the road in seafield
 
scottishguy said:
told her I aint a pro tog, she don't care though.

I am getting paid for it, I have advised her I am not a Pro.

Being paid..............but she knows the risk lol
Click to expand...

Sorry to put a slightly different spin

She will care if they are not up to scratch
You are a pro, you are getting paid
The risk is yours once you take money ;)
 
scottishguy said:
It's the gf's family member, told her I aint a pro tog, she don't care though. I done a family pic for an 80th ( about 50 people in the pic ), it did turn out well though.

I am getting paid for it, I have advised her I am not a Pro. She said she will be happy with photographs that capture special moments, ( no pressure there then lol )
Should be a fun day out.

Being paid £300 for the day.

So cant complain, but she knows the risk lol
Click to expand...
Hate to break this to you; but...
When you accepted the £300 offer, you accepted the risk.
 
Well the die is cast!

With a 120 mile round trip I take it have not scoped the location? Is it church or registry office, where is the reception? In other words what sort of challenges with the venues will you face? What sort of backgrounds are there for likely group shots or indeed any of 'memorable' moments the bride anticipates you will capture.

As noted above by Holty, how will you cope with the available light and/flash as needed? What contingency have you in place camera failure?

Sorry to ask the obvious and if you have "this" all covered then great and I hope this day goes well :)
 
Oh the doom and gloom. You're bound to fail because you haven't scouted the location! Your bound to get sued because they are paying you!

Ignore this thread, go for it and enjoy it.
You've told them you are not a professional photographer and they will more than likely be very happy with whatever you do.

When I got married, we couldn't afford an expensive photographer. I asked a friend and my dad and whilst we don't have perfect photos, they are great memories that in all honestly rarely get looked at.
 
If they're more impressed by your camera than your pictures, they're looking at the wrong thing. I have a feeling they looked at how much pro togs cost and decided this was a cost they could try dispense of.

Could use this as an opportunity to try building a wedding portfolio if you want to try get your foot into that business?! Flash and fast lenses would make all the difference though.
 
Last edited:
ecoleman said:
Oh the doom and gloom. You're bound to fail because you haven't scouted the location! Your bound to get sued because they are paying you!

Ignore this thread, go for it and enjoy it.
You've told them you are not a professional photographer and they will more than likely be very happy with whatever you do.

When I got married, we couldn't afford an expensive photographer. I asked a friend and my dad and whilst we don't have perfect photos, they are great memories that in all honestly rarely get looked at.
Click to expand...
Did you pay them?
 
ecoleman said:
Only to cover the cost of film and processing, but I really don't see the relevance.
Click to expand...
I'm sorry you don't see the difference.

Doing anything 'as a favour' is completely different to doing something for money.

The customer believes they have a valid expectation of the service being delivered to a certain standard.

I've shot plenty of 'free' weddings, I'll encourage everyone to shoot for free, for fun or to build a portfolio, but entering into a business transaction unprepared is a foolish thing to do IMHO.
 
Phil V said:
I'm sorry you don't see the difference.

Doing anything 'as a favour' is completely different to doing something for money.

The customer believes they have a valid expectation of the service being delivered to a certain standard.

I've shot plenty of 'free' weddings, I'll encourage everyone to shoot for free, for fun or to build a portfolio, but entering into a business transaction unprepared is a foolish thing to do IMHO.
Click to expand...

Agree, out of pocket expenses legally is not the same as charging for a service.

It also stops the 'guest' from enjoying themselves. They are then there to work, taking money, does change everything
 
andyscott said:
Sorry to put a slightly different spin

She will care if they are not up to scratch
You are a pro, you are getting paid
The risk is yours once you take money ;)
Click to expand...

"She will care if they are not up to scratch"

Bloody right there.

Soon find out how easy it is to go from hero to zero in a flash (or the click of a shutter).

Pretty sure that folk who try to save a bit of cash by not employing a pro still actually expect pro quality results.
 
No need to get outraged. They basically asked "You appear to have professional tool, do you work as a professional; and if so could we hire you?". Its a yes or no question with no TP rant required.
 
These are my thoughts as a layperson...

I think the question is ... if they go wrong will the person either forgive you or can you accept you might loose them as a friend? Thats the extreme of course but never let photography come between you and a good friend would be important.

Make it clear to them your limitations and what you are prepared to do. Are they wanting a few group shots outside the church / the reception hotel; perhaps a few as the bride walks up the aisle and some pictures during the speeches. Or are they expecting you to provide a full package.

What their expectations are will determine if you should accept or not.

You should (IMO) make it clear what you are willing to do / what your capabilities run to. Don't be pressured into promising more than you are willing to. Remember you are there to enjoy the wedding too.

After discussions and agreeing, then I would write an email setting out what you are understanding they want, and get them to reply to it that they agree. Its not a contract or anything but if there are disagreements and people take sides then its good to have your side in writing.

If you choose to do this for your friends, encourage them to do something like buy a bunch of disposable cameras and put them on the tables at the reception so the guests take candid type pictures of each other - that eliminates something that you as the photographer is responsible for and you can concentrate on the more formal aspects.

As a few people have said ... I wouldn't accept payment. Pass on expenses; then if they are pleased with the results at the end get them to take you for a slap up meal or buy you a case of your favourite wine. Accepting payment comes with various (legal and moral) responsibilities.
 
Last edited:
On the plus side if they don't like the shots I doubt they have enough money to sue you.

I've done a couple of weddings in my time.

I didn't enjoy them at the time due to the pressure and expectation, but looking back I did.


Go for it, enjoy the day and gain experience.

It may be worth re-iterating to the bride to be you are "NOT" normally a paid photographer butr will do the job to the best of your ability.

It's all about her expectations before the wedding.
 
My mum has a great set of spanners but shes no F1 mechanic. ;)
If I read this right your shooting on film which means you can't see if your getting it right or wrong, nor can you easily correct the colours. You say your a wildlife photographer, so do you do much shooting in poor light with flash? A fair few wedding pics are going to be indoors, often with rubbish lighting, akward vicars, and backlit top tables (seems popular at the moment) if the weathers bad you'll be shooting most or all the pics indoors with flash. Thens theres the organising, wedding photography is part photographer, part organiser, you'll need to get the people into the various groups, this with people wanting to get in the warm or more often the bar.
Good luck doing it, if you can and have time try and spend a day with a wedding photographer to see whats involved, theres more to it than you might think.
 
Your only mistake so far was posting on here. :)
They're paying £300 for a set of wedding pictures, and they know you're not a full time wedding photographer.
I'm sure you'll do fine, and they'll be happy with what they get.
Don't forget to post up some images. :)
 
Last edited:
Use it as a learning experience. A chance to try something different, add images to your portfolio and to help out someone. I would use the payment to fund some gear too.

I have been in a similar position, someone I knew asked me to second shoot with another guy. We all met and agreed between the bridge/groom, 1st shooter and myself what we would cover (how much of the day, bridal prep, groom prep and visited the venues too. We agreed the cost and what we would deliver.
I knew what I was covering, I knew the venues and what lighting was like (terrible yellow tungsten in the registry office).

This is just what I would do:
* make sure you know what shots they want you to do
* do lots of research: typical wedding shots, tips, look for wedding photos taken at the same venue
* if travelling a long way to the wedding, try to go a day early to visit the venue if possible, if not try to visit on the morning of the wedding before it starts if only to know where to shoot from.
* use the payment to buy a faster lens, eg the Sigma/Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 or the Canon 17-55mm f2.8 to replace your kit lens (this is what I did), or hire one for the weekend
* borrow a second camera from a friend so you have a backup incase yours has any problems and also useful for having two different lenses on the go.
* when you arrive at the venue, check with the vicar/registrar to see if there is anything they DON'T want you to photograph (they may even give you a suggestion for a shooting location)
* shoot, learn, rest - photographing a wedding is very tiring, you will probably not get a chance to sit for long or even have a decent chat (except maybe over the food, nobody wants to be photographed while eating anyway)
* after your travel home and rest, then start the culling and editing.

When is the wedding? Do you have a few months to do research, try out techniques, arrange kit to borrow/hire/buy?
Also, since you seem to be more of a wildlife/airplane photographer, I'd also get in some practice with people photography. Learning how to see the image, where the light is coming from, how is it hitting their face, can you turn them slightly to make the shot better, all this will help. Even if you're not doing "posed" shots, you need to see the shot. But don't spend the entire time with the camera to your eye either, you can end up missing a beautiful candid moment (particularly with bridesmaids/groomsmen and kids) because you were so focused on what was directly in front of your lens.

That all said (just my opinion), enjoy it.
 
Phil V said:
I'm sorry you don't see the difference.

Doing anything 'as a favour' is completely different to doing something for money.

The customer believes they have a valid expectation of the service being delivered to a certain standard.

I've shot plenty of 'free' weddings, I'll encourage everyone to shoot for free, for fun or to build a portfolio, but entering into a business transaction unprepared is a foolish thing to do IMHO.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry, maybe my family is different to yours. We talk to each other, understand each other's limitations and don't sue each other when things go wrong.

This person is not a "customer" but a family member.
 
ecoleman said:
I'm sorry, maybe my family is different to yours. We talk to each other, understand each other's limitations and don't sue each other when things go wrong.

This person is not a "customer" but a family member.
Click to expand...

in my family I don't charge someone for doing them a 'favour' ;)

But we're all different I suppose :)
 
ecoleman said:
I'm sorry, maybe my family is different to yours. We talk to each other, understand each other's limitations and don't sue each other when things go wrong.

This person is not a "customer" but a family member.
Click to expand...
I never suggested he shouldn't shoot the wedding, I'd recommend anyone should have a go, if they fancy it.

I never said anyone would get sued, that's you getting 5 from 2+2
 
Got roped into one while I was still very green. The whole guest with a camera was what I offered as they had no other plans. Weeks before the wedding I was given a list of what they wanted :eek:.

They were more than happy with what I managed and I was given a framed team signed Liverpool shirt.

Would I do it again....NO.
 
Anyone remember the guy here who agreed to shoot someone's wedding and showed them Ross Harvey's website? :LOL:

Yeah don't do that.

I shot the wife's cousins wedding and I enjoyed the day more than I would have done if I was there as a guest but it was really hard work and I don't fancy doing another. It's a good experience and nice to say you've done one but remember it's someone's big day and if you f*** it up then there will be repercussions undoubtedly, especially in this day and age.

My advice would be to make sure you have loads of gear. Plenty of back ups, plenty of batteries, plenty of storage and a good backup process for the images.
 
foggy4ever said:
Got roped into one while I was still very green. The whole guest with a camera was what I offered as they had no other plans. Weeks before the wedding I was given a list of what they wanted :eek:.

They were more than happy with what I managed and I was given a framed team signed Liverpool shirt.

Would I do it again....NO.
Click to expand...

That's a bit harsh, you covered their whole wedding and they gave you a piece of old tat...:eek:

;)
 
Sounds to me like they appreciate you're not a 'pro' but are capable enough, and seems like they're paying for your trip, and time, and they don't expect miracles. I say go, do your best, don't get pished, but have a good day, and work hard on the images in post to wow them a little. It could lead to more work. Whoever said your worst mistake was posting on here was bang on! Wedding photographers, I find, are the touchiest, as if their chosen field was the toughest. I've shot a number of weddings, and found it nowhere near as bad as I thought before doing any. If you know your gear, and have a plan on hand, a list of shots you know you want to nail, bring plenty of back up batteries [plus a back up body and lenses] your off cam flash and shoot more than you ever think you'll need ... you'll be just fine.
 
Cagey75 said:
Sounds to me like they appreciate you're not a 'pro' but are capable enough, and seems like they're paying for your trip, and time, and they don't expect miracles. I say go, do your best, don't get pished, but have a good day, and work hard on the images in post to wow them a little. It could lead to more work. Whoever said your worst mistake was posting on here was bang on! Wedding photographers, I find, are the touchiest, as if their chosen field was the toughest. I've shot a number of weddings, and found it nowhere near as bad as I thought before doing any. If you know your gear, and have a plan on hand, a list of shots you know you want to nail, bring plenty of back up batteries [plus a back up body and lenses] your off cam flash and shoot more than you ever think you'll need ... you'll be just fine.
Click to expand...
Where did anyone say that?

I find 'photographers' cant wait to have a go at 'professionals' in general and wedding photographers in particular.

If someone who 'was a keen amateur' was catering a mates wedding for free for fun, I'd say 'go for it. :)
Likewise making a cake, or a wedding dress

Likewise servicing their car, moving their furniture or plastering their living room.

Now, if they say they're charging for the service?

It's a different premise.

I've said it a hundred times, you can't go into mass catering and just charge little hoping that means if the foods inedible you'll be forgiven. Once you put a price tag on something you've set an expectation that you're not 'doing a favour' you're now 'providing a servic', and if you can't honestly guarantee that service you may end up hung out to dry.

Again, no one was ever sued for 'ruining someone's wedding day' by providing crap pictures for free, most of the idiots who found themselves in the DM for that crime were charging very little, and not really experienced enough to be charging at all.

If the OP really wants to do this, they should do so, it can be great fun, but if they want to charge £300, they need a backup plan, and an agreement of expectations.

If I was them, I'd rather do it for free, but no one is trying to stop them doing whatever they like.
 
My sister got married a couple of years ago and had a "pro tog" but they couldn't afford for her to stay all night, so I took cake cutting, first dance etc. I was very clear on setting expectations, I know slightly different scenario as they already had some photos from the main event. Anyway it was a good experience and I captured some nice moments. (Still hung on there lounge wall)

As for the "pro tog", I was very disappointed with basic technical quality, out of focus just isn't acceptable! My family said I should have done the full day. It would have been stressful but rewarding.

I didn't get any money and would not have taken any (she needed it more than me and it was only a short time). These things take time an energy, I don't think them acknowledging that by giving you some cash/gift is bad, but I would hold off accepting it until they see the results.

That's a key point for me, there is a difference between setting a price before hand i.e. here's my fee and receiving a gift of thanks for do a great job.

All the best :)
 
Last edited:
Phil V said:
If the OP really wants to do this, they should do so, it can be great fun, but if they want to charge £300, they need a backup plan, and an agreement of expectations.

If I was them, I'd rather do it for free, but no one is trying to stop them doing whatever they like.
Click to expand...
It's unclear if he's charging (has asked for directly) £300 or if they've offered £300 to compensate for his time and imposing on his enjoyment of the day as a guest.

The way around it is to refuse any payment with, "Well if you think it's worth anything after you see the results I won't say no". But again, it's supposedly family (the almost-in-law's) and you could end up getting paid and having to fork out for a gift, when your best efforts with the camera could have been the gift all along.
 
choppie said:
I didn't get any money and would not have taken any (she needed it more than me and it was only a short time). These things take time an energy, I don't think them acknowledging that by giving you some cash/gift is bad, but I would hold off accepting it until they see the results.

That's a key point for me, there is a difference between setting a price before hand i.e. here's my fee and receiving a gift of thanks for do a great job.

All the best :)
Click to expand...

Alastair said:
It's unclear if he's charging (has asked for directly) £300 or if they've offered £300 to compensate for his time and imposing on his enjoyment of the day as a guest.

The way around it is to refuse any payment with, "Well if you think it's worth anything after you see the results I won't say no". But again, it's supposedly family (the almost-in-law's) and you could end up getting paid and having to fork out for a gift, when your best efforts with the camera could have been the gift all along.
Click to expand...

This perhaps puts some 'workable context' on the situation. FWIW that Ruby Wedding party I shot was effectively that, my gift to them though they did give me a bottle of wine afterwards :) When I saw the few added images from other sources (though i tried to capture everything i could including set pieces, i clearly missed some) they included in the album they put together I was pleased I had done my 'job' and if they had asked me to process those others I would have been happy to do so as they did need some doing (mainly exposure issues!)
 
Eloise said:
...

After discussions and agreeing, then I would write an email setting out what you are understanding they want, and get them to reply to it that they agree. Its not a contract or anything but if there are disagreements and people take sides then its good to have your side in writing.
Click to expand...

This is a contract for all practical purposes. It's a good idea but be careful what you put into it.

As a few people have said ... I wouldn't accept payment. Pass on expenses; then if they are pleased with the results at the end get them to take you for a slap up meal or buy you a case of your favourite wine. Accepting payment comes with various (legal and moral) responsibilities.
Click to expand...

Absolutely. I wouldn't have a problem with covering expenses + a gift, but accepting a fee of £300 changes the relationship.
 
MartynK said:
This is a contract for all practical purposes. It's a good idea but be careful what you put into it.
Click to expand...
If you agree to accept payment to provide a service a contract exists whether it's written down or not. Under those circumstances you'd be foolish not to set down something carefully in writing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top