abby_lorenzo

A balance of technical know-how, process and people skills are a must for any wedding photographer. You may have the top of the line gear on hand but if you don't know how to use it, it's not going to help you while you try to defend your work to the client. Since you are dealing with a lot of people coming from different backgrounds and of different ages, having excellent people skills is a must. You want to be able to capture images with a lot of emotion. Having the confidence level to be able to speak to your subjects is ideal, so you can get the image and feel that you want. Another key ingredient for a successful wedding photographer is a process. Having a clear process from beginning to end guarantees that you get the job done, and that you do the job well with little to no hitch. The combination of all three, technical know-how, people skills and process can equip you to be an effective wedding photographer, whether it's your first time or as a seasoned pro.

I experienced a similar issue, but my lens made a squeaking sound instead while it attempted to focus. At first, I didn't make much out of it. But then my professor brought it to my attention, and advised that it is not normal for such an expensive lens to be behaving that way. I brought the lens to the Canon Service Centre. They initially thought that the issue could be resolved by replacing a part. But then apparently it took so long for the part to come in from Japan, that Canon did the next best thing and replaced my lens with a new one.

Send it to Canon, the service is free. If you are a member of CPS, you can get your camera back within 24-48 business hours. You have the option to pick-up your camera or have it shipped to you at no charge. Just have your receipt and documents ready, as proof that you actually purchased your camera.

I agree with what Bob has said. By signing the contract, you are agreeing to all the terms and conditions stated in the document.

 

You mentioned on your post that "I have LARGE gripes with this...". If you had concerns about the agreement in the first place, then this should have been clarified prior to you signing it.

 

I understand you may be going through a rough time right now, since your engagement did not push through. The contract that you signed protects you and the photographer equally. The purpose of the deposit serves as a guarantee for you, that the photographer will be present for your wedding and for the photographer, that he can book off that date since he/she has a commitment with you.

 

You may want to negotiate with the photographer if he/she could put the deposit towards other services that he/she could provide for you (i.e. family portrait, or as a gift a couple portrait of your Mom and Dad)

 

Like any transaction/negotiation in life, never assume anything and set the expectation straight right from the beginning. Clarify areas which you are not sure of prior to signing the dotted line. This will prevent misunderstandings and disappointments like what you are currently experiencing.

 

This may not be the response you are expecting. Either way I hope this serves as a lesson for everyone. Give us an update on how everything works out.

Hi Mike.

 

I am currently taking a course called the Business of Photography as pre requisite to a photography certificate. I also work part time as an assistant to a wedding photographer.

 

We had a discussion in class regarding a similar scenario. Now you mentioned on your post, "For some reason I think this will be a very high maintanence bride that I dont feel comfortable with just from the first email." I have been advised by my professor that if you don't feel comfortable, or see red flags about a potential client, don't bother taking on the assignment. Trust your gut feel. If something doesn't feel right, do not put yourself in a compromising situation.

 

Now, I would give a totally different answer let's say if it was a challenging assignment. But the way I perceive your post, it seems like something that you are not willing to do or challenged to tackle. So just send the lady an e-mail thanking her for her interests in you , but advise her unfortunately you would not be able to cover the event for her.

 

Plain, simple and polite.

 

Give us an update on the outcome of your decision.

Hello Bob.

 

I am still a rookie when it comes to wedding photography, but I totally understand where you are coming from. I am the type of person that likes to do my research just to see what is out there, and yes I do agree that most of the wedding albums are similar if not the same.

 

I would like to make some suggestions and see for yourself if it is something that you could use to "get you out of the rut". If you shoot with a digital camera you will need to invest on alot of memory cards or if you shoot with film then you'll need alot of film.

 

The best way to stay in the business is to have happy and satisfied clients. So when you hear the couples that you deal with like the same photographs as other weddings, then give them what they want. Shoot the type of photos that they want first and then shoot your creative shots in between. If you find this time consumming, then hire a second shooter to do the standard shots while you do the creative ones.

 

When it is time for your clients to view the photos of the entire event, show the photos that they specifically requested first. And then when that is done, just say "oh by the way here are some creative shots that I have taken that I wanted to show you. I found them very beautiful and I wanted to capture it for you just in case you might like them as well." Then leave it at that. If your clients are interested in adding it to their wedding album, then that would be a bonus for you. But if they don't, then at least you took care of your creative juices and just keep the images for your portfolio or post it on your website (with your client's permission ofcourse).

 

That's it Bob. That's my two cents to your concerns. You could say it's a fresh perspective from a newbie's eyes. :)

 

I hope it helps.

 

Abby

Hello Gulnara. I love the photos!!! You were able to capture those heartwarming moments quite well. Congratulations to you for another job well done and also to the happy couple. I can't wait to see the slide show.

 

Cheers.

Hello Scott. I had reservations in responding to your post, but here I am now. When you said "I told her repeatedly to count on me screwing it up, and to hire a pro, but she persisted, and I caved." It was good that you had set your limits on what you can and can't do, but why "cave" just because "she persisted". If you weren't confident in giving them what you perceive as quality work, then why do it in the first place? It's one thing to cover an event just to get your feet wet, you can do that by being a second photographer, but not the main one.

 

I don't know about you, but anything that is started with a negative thought "count on me screwing it up" usually ends up being negative. I know all photographers tend to be critical about their work, we're perfectionists, that's why it takes us more time before we could hand our clients the results.

 

You seem like a person with the equipment that can carry out the task,

but maybe needs some work in the confidence level area. How did you get into photography in the first place? Was it a hobby or something that you perceived as an excellent paying job?

 

When you said "They got what they paid for!(and a little more, I'd have to say)", that really concerned me. You may want to reconsider completing the ANY task solely based on the compensation being handed to you. Yes it is true that our equipment does not come cheap, but wouldn't you always want to hand in work that best reflects what you are capable of doing? This is how you build lasting relationships with your current clients and also creates word of mouth about your potential.

 

I agree with you that wedding photography is NOT for the faint of heart. It is good that based on your most recent experience, you realized that this is not the segment of photography that you would like to pursue. I still think that you don't have to give it up all together, you can gain more experience by being a second photographer or just a guest that brought along his camera.

 

All the other things you mentioned about post production being tedious , well I want to bring back the focus on you. Why are you in the business in the first place? What is your purpose in getting into photography? Yes when you document your experience, it does seem like alot to do. But if you love doing what your doing, all of that would seem irrelevant. Time just passes then next thing you know it's time to go to bed. But the next day you are at it again cause this is what you love to do.

 

Scott I thank you for sharing your experience, cause it just reinforces in my mind that I am in the right profession. This is something that I would like to do for the rest of my life since I LOVE doing it (even how you described post production) ;). I hope you eventually find what works for you too. In the mean time, keep on taking photographs!!!

Jeffrey, read the responses on the thread entitled

Generic Wedding Studios Ruining Business? by meg reul (2006-09-06)

within the Wedding and Social Event Photography.

I know your question pertains to "family photo sessions" specifically, but the responses apply to your concerns as well.

I hope this helps.

Not for the faint of heart for sure! ;) Thank you for sharing.

Meg, I totally agree with Anne. You get what you pay for. So it is totally up to you on how you present yourself. Set the expectation straight, there is a price associated with quality work. Now if every so often you find clients running the other way, you need not worry about it. The demand is so high, that there is always a market for people/couples looking for quality results. So there is no need to fear or shed tears. Next thing you know you will be posting a thread asking us for help since you are so swamped with work. At that time you will be glad to have stood firm in setting a high standard.

Yes. I actually have four bridal shows that I have signed up for in the next couple of weeks. Like any industry, you continue to update your skills and knowledge of the business you are in. This is one way of making yourself "employable". If you are a freelancer, this is also a good avenue to explore where you could easily promote your services.

Since you are a freelancer and not an employee, the services you provide are subject to sales tax on top of the asking price. I'll give you a good example of how I better understood the concept. When I go get my haircut, my hairdresser provides me a service. The price of my haircut let say is $90.00. It is understood that when I go to the front desk to pay for my haircut, I will be charged sales tax above the quoted price. The taxes you charge over and above the asking price is what you declare to government at the end of the year. To avoid any assumptions from your potential clients, note it in the document when you provide them your quote. If they don't agree with it then it is totally up to you whether you want to shoulder that amount and have it deducted from your asking price. Either way you will have to pay that amount to the government at the end of the year. I don't think that you would like to get paid less than you deserve just because the client assumes incorrectly.

Oh Lisa!!! I was singing the same tune just a few days ago. Let me tell you, DO NOT throw in the towel!!! Like yourself I was the second shooter. I assisted two wedding events one week after another. On both occassions my work went from bad to worse.

 

As the days passed I realized one thing, there is no other way to go from here but UP. Like what everyone else has mentioned in this thread, go get some rest (as difficult as it may seem) and leave the "what if's and the should've, could've, would'ves" for tomorrow.

 

Strange as it may seem, someday you will look back on this experience and laugh. You will never forget it and it will always serve as a reminder or benchmark on what you need to do. If what you say is true, that photography is what you love to do...then keep at it. Everything comes with practice. So throwing in the towel is NOT an option. This statement also applies to me and what I need to do.

 

Keep us posted on how you make out in the next couple of days. I'll make sure to look out for your posts.

 

Cheers.

Gulnara, amazing photos. Everything was so crisp and clean. I would like to be able to take photos like you someday. I know it'll take a lot of practice, but I am willing to devote the time to get where you are at. The music reminds of a group called the Gotan Project. I kind of understand what might have led you to use that type of music since one of the images you took had a lady playing the violin. The melody kind of gives a mating ritual feel, which is very relavant since it is a wedding. lol I would like to know what camera you are using and the type of lenses you chose to capture those images. I am newbie assistant for a professional wedding photographer. I would love to hear from you. All the best.

Hello Lisa.

Like Mary has said, ask the photographer. Your success as an assistant is to make all your tasks as predictable as possible. So make some notes while you have your discussion with the photographer. If there are things that come up during an actual shoot that you are not sure of, then by all means ask. It doesn't really matter if your equipment is bigger than that of your employer, just as long as you know how to use it. ;) It is also advisable to get to know the venue well, prior to the actual event. So if you have the time, do a site inspection prior to the day of the shoot. Familiarize yourself with the size of the venue, the kind of lighting that would be available and the potential areas to best take your shots. Then go back to your employer and share the information you have gathered. She will appreciate you for it and it will also show the time and care you take to prepare for a shoot.

 

Also, like Gary has mentioned, pay attention to her needs. Her needs may not necessarily mean that you will be taking pictures as much as she does. Stay close to her so she can easily direct you with what you need to do.

 

Pack light and be organized with your equipment. There will be moments where she will ask you to do things that is outside of being a photographer and more of a go-for. So if you tend to carry more than the essentials, this will slow you down. Remember time is of the essence, so ideally you would like to be as mobile as possible.

 

When she said that "we'll just go with the flow and see how things work" it kind of concerned me. I say this since her flow may not be the same as yours. I almost got burned recently with that kind of statement, it was good that I called my employer on it. You don't want to be placed in an uncomfortable position of a "He said, she said" situation. So ask as many questions before the event. And if she asks you why the 20 questions, just tell her that you would like to represent her in the best way possible, so you want to do away with all the grey areas.

 

Take this first experience as a learning tool. Be a sponge for knowledge. Most of all remind yourself why you are doing the job in the first place. This is a stepping stone for bigger and better things for you, so enjoy yourself.

Well Done!!! I hope you were well compensated for your excellent work. Thanks for sharing.