Photographer Fees & Experience

View quoted message Hi, thanks for the reply, helps a lot!
So yeah, he’s a professional photographer just has never done weddings. So I wanted to help out with him shooting a wedding but his fees like I said were a bit too much in my opinion, essentially because it’s just £200 lower than the photographers we are currently considering. And I didn’t think of what you said about the pre wedding photoshoot but makes very good sense so thanks for the insight. And thanks for the advice on not having him as second photographer, does make sense too, especially if the two have never worked together before. The photographer we end up choosing might not even want to have a second shooter around either, has probably has to be discussed with the photographer we are hiring too.

Again RGS27135 has beaten me too it I would of said the exact same things. Getting them in as a second shooter is a no-no for professional photographers i'm afraid. I don't mind at all when family are taking their own shots - thats expected or even when Im asked about an uncle who is keen with a camera and is it ok if they take some pictures but that is a totally different thing from me doing the pre wedding prep with the couple - being the the timekeeper on the day, organising the shots with my years of experience and then a person is over my shoulder basically "stealing" my shot and the next thing is its on their social media saying look at this shot I took .

Most pro wedding photographers will actually say it in their contracts that they are to be the only official photographer.

In my opinion a pre shoot is not really as useful for the job its supposed to do, as mentioned it does not reflect a real wedding or how the shooter handles a real wedding especially in bad weather or inside.

I am seeing more and more fake weddings that are set up "shoots" with the images displayed on social media with misleading descriptions like "love this cool boho wedding vibe" There is also a trend for really odd colours washed out or very dark orange and another one where there are no blacks and all the whites are gray with killed greens. I do worry what the couples will think looking back at their photos in years to come about those trends in editing.

A bit ranty - but there you are

View quoted message Thanks so much for your response! Like I said I didn’t even think about it being a problem for the other photographer if there was to be a second shooter they didn’t even know! So definitely won’t be doing that. I guess I will just go with the professional photographer because even if we are not too fussed about the photos we still want good quality and good shots to look at. It’s just unfortunate that i can’t help out to the one who wants to get into wedding industry.

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Quality wise he sounds like that should not be a problem when you say ---

" previously shot projects and collaborations with my sister (who is a makeup artist), offered to shoot our wedding, as he wants to get into the wedding industry. He has no prior experience in shooting weddings, he has only ever done fashion, makeup, commercial and portraits."

The problem is shooting an actual wedding, would you be wanting any groups, even if you do not there will still be Mum? who wants some and to shoot groups fast and good needs experience or you will quickly find out you have ran out of time and the more important ones are rushed or even missed. Shooting weddings you have to be super quick and be able to work with the light you are given on the day and organising 60-100 people is an art itself, very different from shoot projects which is why to some extent some new shooters need a second shooter whereas a more experienced one would not.

Its a shame he is wanting ££ to practice his wedding skills on your wedding which is about what it amounts too -- sorry

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Yes, definitely, I did feel like almost I'm obligated to help as he has worked with my sister before but I don't think I can risk it, as I don't want to regret it or end up hating the photos.

Such a different ballgame from Fashion to Weddings. Fashion is not as fast paced, with perfect lighting every time, where's weddings throws you into uncharted territory with lighting and positioning - this I know personally as I've worked in both fields. They need to get a few years of weddings under their belt before starting charging pro prices, as he lacks experience and wedding understanding. You need someone who can make you feel comfortable from the start, from initial consultation, as you don't want that stress and worry on your mind on the build up, on the day and even the time after when editing. I know you feel obligated but I have heard this 100's of times before from Brides who decided to hire their friend instead of me, then I get an email a few months after their wedding saying they wish they booked me. No one can make this decision for you, but please, really think about it, it's a massive responsibility.

Trust your gut go for experience
Maybe you won't be able to help out.

Whilst i appreciate your want to support and help out, your wedding day is not a charity project - ohotos and videos are the memories of that day and you may regret not having the best possible ones. if he was so keen for experience he would be offering a much cheaper price, so you’re not being rude by politely declining

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The only snag is that with fashion, makeup, commercial and portrait photography, you get multiple opportunities at a shot - with a wedding, apart from the formal portraits, you only get one chance. Bodge the photo of the first look, walk down the aisle, vows, exchange of rings, first kiss etc, etc, etc and that's it - no second chance.

Thanks all for the responses and for your advice and help! We have chosen to go with a different photographer we just found on bark which ended up being cheaper as is running a sale right now and has great quality photos.
I have already spoken to the photographer that was in question and let him know we won’t be going with him.

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Glad you have found someone you are happy with. Hope the rest of the planning goes well!

Just in case you want to read another opinion. I would say thank you to your friend but politely tell him that your mum/MOH:/fiancé/anyone else has already agreed with the profesional photographer and that you can’t back down. I mean, wedding pics are the only memento that you’ll have of your wedding day in the future and years to come. Believe me, you want an experienced photographer if you are paying for it. Specially as the rate of your friend is almost as high as the pro wedding photographer. Hipe this helps.