Shooting a wedding for someone who can't afford a big wedding?

10 years 11 months ago #279200 by Missy J
A friend of a friend has asked me to photograph their sisters wedding who apparently has run into some hard times and have had to make some serious size reductions to their wedding. Which has reduced their wedding photographer budget to only $700.00. This is well below my minimum. She has identified this and has promised me repeat business and referrals.

As a favor to someone would you take the job?


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10 years 11 months ago #279203 by internetchick
For a friend of a friend's sister? No I wouldn't. How sure are you that she can deliver on the repeat business? I'd say if you do it, do it knowing the repeat business likely wouldn't happen.

But I wouldn't do it.


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10 years 11 months ago #279211 by Missy J
I was leaning towards that side of the fence, but was looking for a little extra support. I think what I'll do is pass the work onto another wedding photographer that I know in town that does good work and is some what new and has lower rates. He does good work, so hopefully they'll appreciate the referral.


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10 years 11 months ago #279212 by garyrhook
I wouldn't do it either. I don't have a "friends of friends' family" discount.


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10 years 11 months ago #279214 by rmeyer7
I'd offer a payment plan - $700 deposit, with the payments outlined in your contract. They won't accept the offer, but at least you can legitimately tell your friends...and their friends...and their sister's godmother's second cousin's ex-wife... that you offered to help. ;)


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10 years 11 months ago #279241 by Rob pix4u2
I agree that offering a payment plan is the best way to go if you want the work, otherwise the referral gives them another option.

Remember to engage brain before putting mouth in gear
Rob Huelsman Sr.
My Facebook www.facebook.com/ImaginACTIONPhotography

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10 years 11 months ago #279242 by Woodman
This could also damage your reputation that you have built up. Where does it end? There needs to be a point where you say this can't be done for that price.
Referral is best on this occasion.


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10 years 11 months ago #279293 by Joves
:agree:
With all of the above responses. Because here is what happens, you do the job for the friend of the friends sister, then the friends of that friends sibling wants you to do the same for their friends, and the next thing you know the circle becomes everyone in your area. There will always be someone that will be in dire straits financially, but wants you to shoot their wedding. Here is how I look at it, if they are having to push it financially to wed, then they should have a very low scale wedding, and save the money for the road ahead. I know that this will rub some in the business the wrong way, but I think weddings are really over priced events that turn what should be a special occasion into a circus. Why spend loads of money on something that in most likelihood is going to end in divorce a few years ahead.


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10 years 11 months ago #279300 by garyrhook

Joves wrote: Why spend loads of money on something that in most likelihood is going to end in divorce a few years ahead.


....statistically speaking.

Cynic :P


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10 years 11 months ago #279333 by Tristan R
Not a chance, and the tight on money people always seem to think you owe them the world. That could spell nightmare for you. Thank you, but no thank you.


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10 years 11 months ago #279345 by mklinejr
Not saying this is the case...but I find that the tight budget is because they don't want to take away from the "DJ and or beer budget" or something else they think they want more. I agree with most of what has been said, if they know you and your work they will figure out how to pay you for it. The payments is a great way to make it really hard for them to say I can't do that

Life is much more managable when thought of as a scavenger hunt as opposed to a surprise party - Jimmy Buffet
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10 years 11 months ago #279415 by Prago
I'd pass on this job

SWM into chainsaws and hockey masks seeks like-minded SWF. No weirdos, please
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10 years 11 months ago #279513 by Crazyguy
Sorry, I'd pass on that job too. Not worth it.

An Irishman is not drunk as long as he can hold on to one blade of grass to keep from falling off the world.
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