Hello.
I'm sure this question pops up a lot on Y Answers.
My cousin is getting married in mid July. Since my family members know me as a photographer, they have immediately asked me to shoot this wedding.
My problem is not regarding my equipment, experience, or ability. The problem is that they want me to shoot this wedding totally for free.My family members are already saying that I charge too much and that I should do it for free as a wedding gift.
My original charge is around $1000. I was going to give a discount because she is my cousin. Problem is that my father told me that that was too high, and he already told my aunt (bride's mother) that it would be $300. And my aunt even said that $300 was too high, that there will be other people with their own small cameras there (Uncle Bobs… ugh… ). Even still, my family members still want me to shoot this wedding.
Thank goodness I have not talked to my cousin and the groom yet.As photographers, we all know how much work it takes to photograph a wedding and produce a professional product to the best of our ability. When I meet up with my cousin, I will have to go into how much work I will have to do (showing up an hour early, 5 hours of labor, 5 hours of processing, etc.) and discuss why I charge what I charge.
There is a chance that I will not reach an agreement with my cousin and won't shoot the wedding. If that happens, however, I fear that I will be asked to just bring my camera as a guest and I will be scrutinized if I do not.My family really does not understand what being a professional photographer means.
My camera gear, if you must know:
Nikon D300s and
Nikon D300
17-55mm f2.8 AF-S DX
70-200 f2.8 VR I (Original)
50mm f1.8 AF D
60mm f2.8 AF D Macro
SB-700 Flash x2
MB-D10 Battery Grip
Gary Fong Collapsible Lightsphere x2
Added (1). I have not talked to my cousin because she is currently on vacation in Mexico. Did she ask for that for free? Would it make sense to ask for wedding dress, food, and decorations for free too? It shouldn't be the case for a photographer either.
См. статью: Photographing my cousin's wedding.? - 1