david_schilling___chicago_

<p>How much does a wedding dress cost? Wide range of prices, quality, etc....</p>

<p>If I have genuinely liked a couple during the contract work-up I might offer them a little something extra and call it a wedding gift. Or, on occasions after the wedding I may throw something extra in the package and let them know it was a gift.</p> <p>It's important to remember boundaries while shooting a wedding and never confuse friendliness/generosity with your clients. You're there as a professional and not a guest. OTOH, if you find yourself shooting for friends/family this will change that dynamic...... but also leaves you vulnerable to a bunch of other stuff.</p>

<p>Dave G. Really like the exposure, DOF, and composition on your senior shot. The only critique I would have is the pose appears somewhat flat-footed and posed. Perhaps a little more emotion at the camera or a profile of her gazing off to the side.</p>

<p>Thanks for helping to post the photo William, happy to hear from you.....</p>

<p>Wondering, what is a two year photography program in college? "They should" all in caps? Shoulda, coulda, woulda won't help you to become a better wedding photographer. Managing expectations comes with the job and it's not a matter of right/wrong or fair/unfair. Suggest that you include the bride in the culling process and get her to be part of the team.....give her more responsibility/accountability. This can be a very productive learning experience. Best wishes.</p>

<p>It's not unusual for a bride to have a fantasy in her mind as to what the photos will look like that may not relate to reality....managing expectations can be difficult but comes with the job.</p> <p>Couple of "red flags" for me. You state you have been shooting weddings for a decade...does this mean a half dozen weddings, more than 100, worked/apprenticed with a couple of successful studios before striking out on your own? You're also complaining that you only had one hour and fifteen minutes for formals? 20 - 30 minutes is very common.</p> <p>Part of the answer regarding the photos that the bride doesn't like is no problem, she doesn't have to take them or use them.....offer to trash bin them at no additional charge. Does she have a court case? Anyone can press the court and make a case but the costs tend to be prohibitive. I had a groom who fancied himself as an artist who voiced disappointment that he thought my work would be more "artful". I was very proud of the photos and was comfortable with him showing them to others. I offered my apologies that he and his bride were disappointed....but I was comfortable with my product. After working/training with 3-4 studios and shooting more than 300 weddings over the course of 10 years, that level of comfort comes fairly easy. Best wishes.</p>

<p>Shot of the groom in the background just prior to the processional from a couple of weeks ago....<img src=" https://dwesleyportraits.smugmug.com/Weddings/Kerry-Joel/i-2BCqP9f/1/L/JKWed0088-L.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>I haven't posted anything in ages and lost interest due to an over-abundance of opinions by newbies and those who operated with marginal profit from churn & burn business models. PC policing didn't help. True mentorship attitudes and values were lacking....artistic justifications for poor craftsmanship wore me out. Good luck.</p>