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kgphoto · 06-14-2008

Here is how I handled the situation for 25 years.

1. Charge a lot. If it is costing them something, they will want to protect it. How much is a lot? That depends on your market. I remember when I did my first $1000 wedding and thought I would never go higher. I started at $100.00 for a wedding coverage, so you can see the growth. My later average used to be $3200 and I would sell up to $5K.

2. Don't give away ANY photo's. No free proof books, no full CD's etc. IF they want it they have to buy it. Establish a minimum value. if a 5x5 Color original is worth $15.00, that x 247 Proofs" that is $3705.00 plus tax. Establish value for the product that you CREATE.

3. Explain to the B&G your policy and why. Show them pictures of people looking off camera and say, you paid for my time/package is this the quality you want? Demonstrate the quality you get by using large format, large flashes, multiple flashed, whatever. Be the PRO! Explain that you use battery powered flashes for portability and no cords to trip etc and other peoples firing will drain them, delay your shots or possibly underexpose your shots. Ruining what they are paying you for. Don't guarantee any specific picture in your contract. Have that waiver in place.

4. Get agreement from them on what they want. Then send it via a letter to each member of the family and bridal party, along with make up tips, a schedule for the day etc. Make sure they will back you up at the wedding day.

5. Do the formals before the wedding whenever possible. It is a "recent" trend to do them after. It came during the 50's. Before that, and in some cultures today, it is mandatory for the groom to see the bride before the ceremony. Something about making sure there are no substitutes.

6. Be polite, professional at the wedding and gently explain once to the guests why they can't shoot while you are shooting your formals, but they can at any other time. If they persist, ask the Bride to handle it. It is not a big scene or fight, but the message gets across fast.

7. If someone is really out of line, set your camera on the floor and wait for them to finish and leave. I only had to do this once in 25 years. It was the bride's brother, he was a big shot lawyer and no snotty nose kid was going to tell him what to do. I was quite young at the time. I also look, young for my age. She supported me and he went away in a huff. Later, he came up and apologized and was very friendly during the rest of the day.

8. Once I set up an extra flash pointed back toward the guests and when they flashed it flashed and ruined all their pictures. I had heard about it at seminar and tried it. It worked fine, but I never really needed it after that. So it works, but I don't use it.

If you do all these things, there are some weddings you won't shoot. Some clients won't higher you. THAT IS OK! These are not the people you want as clients as nice a person as they may be. They may even be family. Who cares!

This is a business and there are only so many dates you can work. Those who appreciate your quality and approach will recommend you to others of the same taste and budget. Shoot those weddings. They will also recommend you to others who don't have the same taste and budget. DON'T SHOOT THOSE.

Life is to short to struggle, when you have the CHOICE not to.

06-14-2008	#38 (permalink)
kgphoto Dromedary Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 1,425 CamelKarma: 614 Gallery \| Blog	Re: guests taking photos during formals ? Here is how I handled the situation for 25 years. 1. Charge a lot. If it is costing them something, they will want to protect it. How much is a lot? That depends on your market. I remember when I did my first $1000 wedding and thought I would never go higher. I started at $100.00 for a wedding coverage, so you can see the growth. My later average used to be $3200 and I would sell up to $5K. 2. Don't give away ANY photo's. No free proof books, no full CD's etc. IF they want it they have to buy it. Establish a minimum value. if a 5x5 Color original is worth $15.00, that x 247 Proofs" that is $3705.00 plus tax. Establish value for the product that you CREATE. 3. Explain to the B&G your policy and why. Show them pictures of people looking off camera and say, you paid for my time/package is this the quality you want? Demonstrate the quality you get by using large format, large flashes, multiple flashed, whatever. Be the PRO! Explain that you use battery powered flashes for portability and no cords to trip etc and other peoples firing will drain them, delay your shots or possibly underexpose your shots. Ruining what they are paying you for. Don't guarantee any specific picture in your contract. Have that waiver in place. 4. Get agreement from them on what they want. Then send it via a letter to each member of the family and bridal party, along with make up tips, a schedule for the day etc. Make sure they will back you up at the wedding day. 5. Do the formals before the wedding whenever possible. It is a "recent" trend to do them after. It came during the 50's. Before that, and in some cultures today, it is mandatory for the groom to see the bride before the ceremony. Something about making sure there are no substitutes. 6. Be polite, professional at the wedding and gently explain once to the guests why they can't shoot while you are shooting your formals, but they can at any other time. If they persist, ask the Bride to handle it. It is not a big scene or fight, but the message gets across fast. 7. If someone is really out of line, set your camera on the floor and wait for them to finish and leave. I only had to do this once in 25 years. It was the bride's brother, he was a big shot lawyer and no snotty nose kid was going to tell him what to do. I was quite young at the time. I also look, young for my age. She supported me and he went away in a huff. Later, he came up and apologized and was very friendly during the rest of the day. 8. Once I set up an extra flash pointed back toward the guests and when they flashed it flashed and ruined all their pictures. I had heard about it at seminar and tried it. It worked fine, but I never really needed it after that. So it works, but I don't use it. If you do all these things, there are some weddings you won't shoot. Some clients won't higher you. THAT IS OK! These are not the people you want as clients as nice a person as they may be. They may even be family. Who cares! This is a business and there are only so many dates you can work. Those who appreciate your quality and approach will recommend you to others of the same taste and budget. Shoot those weddings. They will also recommend you to others who don't have the same taste and budget. DON'T SHOOT THOSE. Life is to short to struggle, when you have the CHOICE not to.