adrienne_delaney

I had followed up with the bride's request by requesting more information, what hours and how large of a wedding. That way we could determine if it was worth working for some sort of custom pricing. She never replied back, so I'm not terribly worried about it. We usually have some sort of casual event to attend NYE, so if we are still available and can work out a reasonable pricepoint, then we'd probably still work it out. As far as all the contract-money-work stuff, We always have our contracts signed and deposits in. We have on the occasion had couples pay the balance later, but nothing more than a sneak peek facebook post was given until payment clears. We read too many horror stories to mess around with that stuff. Thanks for the responses :)

Just got an inquiry for New Year's Eve at a nice venue that is only 5 minutes from our home. This venue is $$$$$ as we checked it out for our upcoming wedding as well. So, of course Bridey is looking to cut corners left and right.<br><br> 1. She referenced a promo that expired on February 1st. If it were a normal situation, I would be like, sure- I forgot to take it down off the website (even thought it clearly states when it runs until). I prefer to have a client first customer service approach.<br><br> 2. We are a team. We don't do 'one photographer for X dollars and then get the 2nd for an additional $250' etc.. We offer a flat rate (based on season) which gets you both photographers for a full wedding day. Pretty simple.<br><br> Bridey says "How about half off for just one of you?"<br><br> ?! wat. I haven't ever thought that as an option unless we had nothing better to do that day, because money is money.<br><br> The other issue is that it's NYE, and you want to be near your sweetheart for the midnight kiss... so there's that<br><br> Questions:<br> Are there ways to respond (sales-pitch wise) that could turn this into a full price contract? The venue is very nice and would help us get some more local exposure.<br><br> Do any of you add an up-charge for holiday dates? (New Year's Eve, Memorial Day Weekend, 4th of July, Christmas, etc)<br><br> I have thought of just saying, thanks but no thanks- but the saleswoman in me wants to turn this into another booking.<br><br>

Not only that but some weddings are actually enjoyable experiences. Normally I consider what I would be doing with my time otherwise, which is usually sitting on the couch watching netflix. $180 is better than $0.

I'll have to check it out! Sometimes I forget to check dates when browsing through the forums

<p>As a failed Music Ed Major (piano proficiency + test anxiety) I now have an opportunity to work my photography business part time and potentially open a small music/portrait studio as well. I learned all the technical photography stuff from my fiance but he thinks I'm way better at the artsy fartsy portion. I also use our business to help local community choruses as well, since arts funding is lacking. I wonder if there is an innate correlation between the arts and brain function/learning- A lot of artists I know are not just one thing!<br> Curious to know what your instrument is- and how you balance teaching and editing during the busy season!</p> <p> </p>

<p>I keep everything on my massive home server, but have a cloud backup as well. We are just starting out as a business and sometimes learn new editing tricks that can come in handy on older photos. Most of our first clients were friends or family so I have no problem with experimenting new techniques and then updating the portfolio with the better images. (we're only part-time for now.)</p>

<blockquote> <p>BE AWARE! PPA isn't a good choice. Read the Fine prints and ask Insurance companies for the replacement value. PPA is going to rip you off.</p> </blockquote> <p>That's how the majority of insurance policies work, unless you tell them you want full replacement- but then you're going to see a higher premium for that kind of coverage. Always read through your policies.<br /></p>

<p>Sorry to say, but it's not really worth the trouble- but maybe a free consult with a lawyer would help you decide? Those people will continue to screw businesses over and over again, so maybe a collections against their name would be fitting. <br> Never give product before payment (unless it is your bestest friend and even then only give the % amount of paid shots) Only paid 1/6th? only give them the first 1/6th of the photos chronologically (which probably don't include formals or ceremony.) <br> Even if they gave you back the flash drive... were we all born yesterday? they've already copied the files. <br> Hopefully you have a good contract that says that the B&G are required to be helpful and courteous and if they do not have anyone to assist with formals and some shots are missed then it's not your fault, etc. Having a watertight contract can help you when you have to deal with terrible customers.<br> In one of those registered letter-y things, I would make sure to outline the fact that payment was not received at the time it was due, and as such no more photos will be given until payment in full. The 'missing shots' line is one we hear frequently, and if your contract has that clause in there, you should be all set. <br> Let us know how it works out. Friends are dumb. </p>

<p>Is this a new camera or second hand? <br> A lot of people prefer to use back button focusing, so that could be a setting that is easily fixed. If you aren't trying to focus and it's locked to only take pics when the focus locks on, you're going to have a bad time..<br> My suggestion is to find in the manual to do a factory reset on all the settings and start from scratch. Then watch a step by step youtube on how to setup fresh to make sure you're nailing all the key points- might be something silly like a side switch or other button. <br> I'd call myself an 'advanced beginner' but I live for troubleshooting. I'd love to see what your camera settings (specifically the focus related ones are) and also a look at front of the camera/lens..(maybe take with a cell phone?) I am always hitting buttons by accident and I've had to have my tech support shut those buttons off for me...<br> Look forward to your responses :D </p>

<p>Perhaps practice and not charge. See if you can't shadow or apprentice under a local photographer- there are legal implications that you probably don't know about- what about labor laws in your state? can you get insurance? are you paying taxes on any wages you bring in? <br> Maybe you could even volunteer for the yearbook committee and in the school's newspaper as the photographer as well- maybe you could photo the dances as a practice as well.<br> Study and hone your skills more and I'd say at least wait a couple years before diving into a huge project like this. Not many will want to work with a high school student with such an important task.</p>

<p>I would still attend and film, but make it very clear to the bride that you cannot edit or deliver until the final payment (I'd add a late fee at this point if applicable). Otherwise you'll have a bigger pickle later when you don't show and she expected it.<br> Budgeting might not be her strong suit and maybe she has to still earn the $$ to be able to pay? She might feel embarrassed about that too.</p>

<p>This Forum (photo.net) has a lot of resources, including the technical stuff and links to awesome other sites as well. I am also quasi-self taught, but reading all the posts in various forums here have helped me out amazingly. I also am in several facebook groups (I think one is called guide to OCF) If you like to read books- I'm sure amazon might have a thing or two about basic lighting principles (which apply universally). <br> I would also recommend finding a mentor to help you make that leap- especially since you are taking big risks photographing weddings. I've seen posts in the 2nd shooter forums who was looking for an intern of sorts. <br> http://www.photo.net/photography-lighting-equipment-techniques-forum/ <br> http://www.photo.net/beginner-photography-questions-forum/<br> http://www.photo.net/photography-education-forum/</p>

<p>I would also want to know, did you fill out any sort of pre-wedding questionnaire or give the photographer a specified shot list? I like to have them prior to the event to make sure I get as many of the desired shots as possible.</p> <p>However, as with most weddings- no one pays attention and everyone gets tired of formal photos after 15 minutes. Sometimes with high adrenaline events (like your wedding) you might not remember specific details- like pushy in laws or other strange circumstances that would have led to shorter formal session.</p> <p>If your contract states that they are to be fully edited, I would ask kindly that at minimum the red-eye and overexposed shots be fixed. (make sure you retain copies of your photos just in case of childish behavior). If the contract doesn't specify editing- sorry, but you are out of luck :( </p> <p>The time range of delivery is unreasonable, sure.. but I always give people benefit of the doubt. Maybe they lost a loved one- or went through a divorce or some other awful thing. I guess count your lucky stars you got photos, since the majority of these stories start with "I never got my photos"</p>

<p>I'd figure out how to automate your 'Artsy', maybe in a slightly toned down way- that way you can apply any quick fixes to the reception photos and then keep them consistent without having to work too hard :)</p>