Photography question. Tog help too please :)

Somewhere in the 4 figure mark.......coverage, photo editing plus album.......

Thank you Peter - If I guestimated between the **** mark, would it be on the right sort of track? Or is it hard to say really?

We got a quote from a 'professional' which was £1075 for him and a second photographer from the getting ready to one hour after the first dance (so about 11am to 9pm) with all touch ups and photos on disc. For £1500 it included printing and putting in an album as well as everything in the first quote. We got the quote as the friend who normally does our friendship groups wedding photos' camera had broken.

The friend has now got his camera fixed and so is doing them for us for £350, not including printing (because his printer isn't high enough quality- so we will get them done separately). He has all the equipment and employs a second photographer to take picture of H2B getting ready, guests arriving at the church, guests at reception whilst we are having the 'just the two of us' photo's done and of the guest dancing- our friend will focus on e getting ready and us as the couple for the day. We have told him to put his camera down shortly after the first dance because we want him to relax too.

I also think there are added benefits to a family member of friend doing the photos as you are more relaxed with them. I would however consider asking your uncle if he could employ a second photographer, if only to take photos of your other half's preparations/ the ushers messing about at the church etc.

Hope that helps.

It's difficult to say how much his service is worth without seeing the quality of his work. Quality varies enormously - some amateur photographers charge £200 for full coverage like yours. Others may charge £500. A professional photographer would be much more though... but hopefully better quality!

As he's doing printing etc, I would budget £200 for a gift. Not a photography magazine though. I'd offer him some money towards a lens, a new flash or a nice tripod! The Manfrotto carbon fibre tripods are very desirable and around £200 each. If he hasn't bought a nice tripod yet that could be a great gift.

Photographers have a constant wish list of things they would like to buy next!

You are right - I did forget to mention his auntie is also involved and will take pictures where he cant we're setting up a video camera too.

I completely agree about being more relaxed the kids deffo will and they are special shots

Thats a good idea - we're going round at the weekend to discuss 'must have' shoots - so will try and find out his wish list I was a bit unsure about magazine, ive had hobby magazines before and they was quite poor.

£200 seems right to me.?

Thanks for your help togs - its such an awkward thing when a family member does something like this for you. You dont want to offend them by offering money and if u do too little/too much, mindfield! I think weve got off lightly guestimating about 15% of actual cost, ill live with that!!

I was photographing a wedding once and one of guests came over to me. He said "would you take a picture later of me and my wife. I let my uncle do the wedding photography and she has never forgiven me".

Now I'm not saying that's what will happen in your case. Rather just wanted to offer a word of caution so you are sure his work is your cup of tea before going ahead.

It all depends on his work on how much it is worth really but I agree with someone above on perhaps getting him some new equipment.

There's a lot more equipment involved in doing a wedding than people realise, not forgetting back up equipment.. so perhaps invest in a new lens for him before the wedding or something else he needs I'm sure it will be very appreciated xx