amol Posted January 8, 2004 Share Posted January 8, 2004 Hi guys, I am getting married soon, had a quick question: I was just wondering whether it is common practice to "tip" the wedding photographer? Should I tip after I get my complete pictures (album), or after a see the proofs? Wedding photography is such a large chunk of my wedding fund, but I still want to be give a tip, IF that is the usual practice. What are your thoughts about this? Thanks, Amol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkantor Posted January 8, 2004 Share Posted January 8, 2004 It's not usual, but I've receive one tip so far. Since photographers charge up front for their time and efforts, you should only provide one if you think you got above average service or results. Even a small, essentially symbolic, tip can really motivate someone to provide even better service, so I'd give it after seeing the proofs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
el_fang Posted January 8, 2004 Share Posted January 8, 2004 I'd say that it depends - if the photographer is a staffer/freelancer who is working for a studio, then yes, I would tip (assuming a tip is deserved, of course). On the other hand, I don't think it's necessary to tip a photographer who is in business for her/himself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
photobyalan.com Posted January 8, 2004 Share Posted January 8, 2004 I agree. It's not really necessary (or correct) to tip the owner of a business. However, if the photographer is a employee of a studio rather than the owner, then a tip is optional but usually much appreciated. The amount would be commensurate with the overall expenditure on the entire wedding. If you're having a small wedding, then a modest tip is OK. I've received as little as $20, which was from a young couple who didn't spend too much on their wedding. If they had spent $30,000 on the reception, then 20 bucks would have been tantamount to an insult. In that case, NO tip would be better. I'd say $50 or $100 is much more common, hand delivered to the photographer near the end of the reception. But it is by no means mandatory or "expected". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luke_pederson Posted January 8, 2004 Share Posted January 8, 2004 Don't eat yellow snow Get a hair cut Look both ways before crossing the street. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_levine Posted January 8, 2004 Share Posted January 8, 2004 This is an often unspoken topic.I have shot approximately 400 weddings and have recieved about 10 tips!This ranges from $20-$50,this is almost always pressed into my sweaty palm at days end,after I've gone above & beyond the call of duty.Is this appreciated?What do you think?As a rule I will give "tippers" a mounted print or a stack of wallet size prints gratis.Any person that is in any service industry is gratefull for tips!It is always the less affluent that seem to tip too!Probably because they are more used to getting bad service than the rich!The rich feel they have paid your fee,so they own you for the day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephen_w. Posted January 8, 2004 Share Posted January 8, 2004 How about a gift instead of cold hard cash? Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
think27 Posted January 8, 2004 Share Posted January 8, 2004 I agree that you don't need to tip owners...but a gift or tip to a studio employee is a nice gesture... It isn't, however, expected. I have received gifts (and I'm an owner) that were very much appreciated and once I did get a $600 tip on a wedding! I was floored! I think it was because she was from New York and at the time I was in Vermont and she realized she was getting a great deal compared to the prices in NY as well as when I work a wedding, I give it 200%. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_levine Posted January 8, 2004 Share Posted January 8, 2004 Why wouldnt you tip a business owner if they far exceeded your expectations??Tipping,is a reward for excellant service!If you dont get excellant service,dont tip.I have tried to do my best & I hustle at every wedding.Im not doing this hoping for tips though,its just the way the job should be done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry_ Posted January 8, 2004 Share Posted January 8, 2004 Generally, no. I've been given 'meal money' once for the time spent waiting after the reception to take some family reunion shots on the beach near sunset. The wedding reception was finished around 3 p.m., and the family (same gang as the wedding) photos went around 6:30 p.m. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brady_dillsworth Posted January 8, 2004 Share Posted January 8, 2004 I've never seen the photographers I work for, or myself as an assistant be tipped at the end of a wedding. Although at the last wedding I shot myself, the mother of the bride gave me a 100.00 tip before I left to pack up my gear. It was absolutely unexpected and greatly appreciated. I don't feel that it is required to tip the photographer. If you are impressed with the way they work and present themselves, then a tip would certainly be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timberwolf1 Posted January 8, 2004 Share Posted January 8, 2004 Tipping a wedding photographer is not customery. More flattering is to be asked to visit in regards to a new friendship with them, the clients. Photographers often are regarded as personable; tipping is impersonal. I think that a nicer gift to the photographer is to invite him to dinner on the day he delivers the proofs or the final book. At the same time, he can explain which photos are the best, and for what artistic reasons. This keeps the gears oiled and if there are any hurt feelings about anything, this can be explained. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m_. Posted January 9, 2004 Share Posted January 9, 2004 I seem to always get a gift (wine, chocolates in a basket or something of that sort) after the shooting session. Of course I don't have enough experience to speak for all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shawn_mertz Posted January 10, 2004 Share Posted January 10, 2004 If the photographer is an employee and stays longer than the time they were hired for then a tip is appropriate. If they are an owner and do a good job give them something more valuble to them than a tip. Show people the pictures and when they ask who took them, don't forget who they were. Referrals are better than tips. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joseph_wisniewski Posted January 10, 2004 Share Posted January 10, 2004 Right after the reception, when they're fatigued and carrying heavy equipment. They go over really easy. Seriously, I've only been tipped once, it made my day. Go for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hugh_t Posted February 6, 2004 Share Posted February 6, 2004 Don't fry bacon with your shirt off! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christine_heeren Posted February 11, 2004 Share Posted February 11, 2004 i'm a videographer & photographer in the NYC area. I've gotton about 75-100 tips over 500 different events (weddings, bar mitzvahs, etc). The smartest thing I've ever seen a bride do is tip me (and everyone else) at the beginning of the reception- it was very motivating. I always do my best- but it puts you in a good mood. I've gotton tips from $20-250. I've also had people give me flowers, centerpieces, extra desserts, etc. after the event. One wedding i did (video) I had extra time at the house and asked the parents if they wanted me to take some group photos with their 35mm camera. they loved it and gave me a 100 dollar tip at the end of the night (and didn't tip the 1st camera guy) It doesn't bother me too much when people don't tip the photo/video people, but when they tip EVERYONE else (dj, limo, guitar player, etc) right infront of you- you have to swallow your pride alittle. It makes getting a tip that much more special. Christine in NY Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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