I was asked to shoot a wedding.

[gsgary]

Okay, I'll shoot a football game and end up with 800 photos as well. But the number of keepers I have is significantly less than that, maybe 100-150. What I'm asking is how many do you deliver to the client?

150 keepers from 800 thats not good

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For a sports event, that's a high yield. Things are moving fast and people move into or out of a shot fast. That's why you keep shooting.

No its not , i shot sports and printed on site and that is not good enough

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[TheFantasticG]

w are thing

Do it for free so you can get drunk at the bar during the reception and have fun.

Maybe if I was 21, and I drank

Ha! I certainly didn't wait for 21 to start drinking! If I can die for my country at 18 I could take a swig for myself.

 

[tevo]

Okay, I'll shoot a football game and end up with 800 photos as well. But the number of keepers I have is significantly less than that, maybe 100-150. What I'm asking is how many do you deliver to the client?

150 keepers from 800 thats not good

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For a sports event, that's a high yield. Things are moving fast and people move into or out of a shot fast. That's why you keep shooting.

Exactly. And if there is one shot I'm after I take advantage of digital and a fast FPS to shoot a 4 or 5 frame burst to get an ideal pose / frame / background.

 

[Tee]

Tevo- you should totally do it. Keep in mind the ole "it's just a cozy backyard wedding" will make you stress just as much as a 500 person wedding at a country club. It's still a rush. I've done 2 weddings the same way you were approached. I posted about my first experience here: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...learned-photographing-wedding-first-time.html It's a little long but you might get a tip or two from it. Good luck!

 

[tevo]

Tevo- you should totally do it. Keep in mind the ole "it's just a cozy backyard wedding" will make you stress just as much as a 500 person wedding at a country club. It's still a rush. I've done 2 weddings the same way you were approached. I posted about my first experience here: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/general-shop-talk/304373-what-i-learned-photographing-wedding-first-time.html It's a little long but you might get a tip or two from it. Good luck!

Thank you very much for the link!

I'm going to arrange a time to talk to the couple today, and visit the venue to get acquainted to lighting / etc.

 

[pixmedic]

dont forget to post pics afterwards!!

 

[tevo]

dont forget to post pics afterwards!!

Of the location? Or do you mean after the wedding?

 

[bratkinson]

At least it's not SNOWING in San Jose like it is in New England!!!

Not knowing any better, I did a couple of freebie weddings for some down and out friends about 8-10 years ago with nothing more than a Canon G5 and an external flash. Hey, my big brother did both of my weddings with just a viewfinder style 35mm camera! I basically concentrated on getting the ceremony, some formals of the B&G, wedding party, and family, etc. I also got some shots of the gifts, and made it a point to get at least one shot of each group at each table during the reception.

 

[pixmedic]

dont forget to post pics afterwards!!

Of the location? Or do you mean after the wedding?

Both

 

[Steve5D]

And you're not going to be paid why?

 

[tevo]

And you're not going to be paid why?

I would prefer to accept a tip rather than charge as it is my first time shooting an event like this. It takes off some of the professional pressure.

 

[pixmedic]

And you're not going to be paid why?

I would prefer to accept a tip rather than charge as it is my first time shooting an event like this. It takes off some of the professional pressure.

It shouldn't. You should shoot a free wedding with the same effort and personal expectations as you would a $4000 wedding. If the client's expect less of you, thats mostly irrelevant. You should expect the best of yourself.

 

[Derrel]

And you're not going to be paid why?

Exactly. The heck with the "tip"...what if they decide to stiff you? What if they give you like $20 or $50? Even though you are young and this will be your first wedding, I think this gig is worth at LEAST $150...at the BARE-BONES, stripped-down, rock-bottom, cheapskate client min-i-mum. I don't care if the backyard wedding is the two people being married by a traveling rent-an-officiant and then the wedding party roasting weenies and marshmallows on sticks, while gathered around a Hibachi propped up on a pile of old cinder blocks.

Get some $$$ for this gig...you're bringing thousands of dollars' worth of photo gear to this gig, and knowing how good the light is in Southern California (compared to much of North America) you ought to be able to produce decent pictures.

I really think they owe you something that has a single digit number and the words "and fifty dollars" after it... as in two hundred AND FIFTY or three hundred and FIFTY dollars. Not a "tip", but an actual "payment of money".

 

[tevo]

And you're not going to be paid why?

I would prefer to accept a tip rather than charge as it is my first time shooting an event like this. It takes off some of the professional pressure.

It shouldn't. You should shoot a free wedding with the same effort and personal expectations as you would a $4000 wedding. If the client's expect less of you, thats mostly irrelevant. You should expect the best of yourself.

And you're not going to be paid why?

Exactly. The heck with the "tip"...what if they decide to stiff you? What if they give you like $20 or $50? Even though you are young and this will be your first wedding, I think this gig is worth at LEAST $150...at the BARE-BONES, stripped-down, rock-bottom, cheapskate client min-i-mum. I don't care if the backyard wedding is the two people being married by a traveling rent-an-officiant and then the wedding party roasting weenies and marshmallows on sticks, while gathered around a Hibachi propped up on a pile of old cinder blocks.

Get some $$$ for this gig...you're bringing thousands of dollars' worth of photo gear to this gig, and knowing how good the light is in Southern California (compared to much of North America) you ought to be able to produce decent pictures.

I really think they owe you something that has a single digit number and the words "and fifty dollars" after it... as in two hundred AND FIFTY or three hundred and FIFTY dollars. Not a "tip", but an actual "payment of money".

In that case, what could go terribly wrong that would make me undeserving of the money I am asking? I am confident in my ability to photograph, I am just in the process of learning what makes good wedding photos. And in all honesty, I need the money.

 

[tevo]

Another question: Do I need some form of contract with the couple? I.e a print release for the files or a binding document of some sort..? Errors & Omissions insurance?