Photographer for a couple hours

Remember when you book a photographer even if you only require them for 4 hours work they will not be able to shoot another wedding that day so potentially losing out on a full paying days work.

Also don't forget they will still need to travel and have insurance and there will be follow up work editing your photos so it's not just the 4 hours spent on the day.

WHy don't you contact some local collages, they may have students that are keen to boost their portfolios and willing to do it for expenses only.

You haven't said if it's a Saturday or a weekday as this will also affect the price. You will find people are more willing to negotiate on weekday weddings.

Hope you manage to find someone.

As DrB says the big question is when. I often shoot smaller ceremonies and for short durations.

The only time I do them though if it's last minute (think 6 weeks prior) or if a few months away, Mon-Thursday only as it involves turning down a whole day booking.

£500 is a ball park figure. It's not just the attendance but for every hour behind the camera there's many more hours that consist of the editing and admin.

What others have already said above really is the norm. There is a lot of work before and after the wedding so its not just on the day.?

As others have mentioned, your best bet is to look for someone just starting out and taking the risk with the quality of photos & their experience. Or leave it til about 2-4 weeks before hand and call around. Luckily there are a lot of wedding photographers so there's a high chance you will find someone who has the date available and is willing to offer a discount. I quite like last minute deals as it's like unexpected money and whilst it's not my full day rate, the shorter coverage means I'm usually home for dinner.

My brother might know someone so I've asked him now. Bit of a long-shot as I don't know what kind they are or if they are actually just an amateur who does it for fun. Worth an ask!

It is worth mentioning the date.....If its midweek, you may be more in luck or if its a gap in someones diary, again you may be in luck although only if the date is closer.

It is also worth saying what your budget is. Don't be afraid of this, everyone is different and not all can afford what they want or deserve.

Welcome to the forum btw....

Peter

So my brother's friend does do events/professional photography but doesn't seem to pricy.

When is the date, just so I can get a more accurate quote from her for you.