I'm a photographer myself but want to take a step back for an important wedding next year late May/ early June in Pittsburgh, PA. I'm looking for a talented, unobtrusive reportage-style photographer to provide a simple package from ceremony to mid-reception - just basic images delivered on DVD and so the fee would be for their time. Not looking to go crazily over $700.
I appreciate this is not the place for ads or hard-sells and so please no offers of your own services. I'd love to hear from anyone who could recommend a great photographer in that area. I'm looking for the opinions of photographers and not from the (more biased) former brides, grooms or families! I'm from the UK and have no local contacts and thought I'd seek the advice of a community I trust.
Thanks!
(please please no torrent of PMs and emails offering your services...)
RichardLavigne wrote:
hmmm $700... I'd recommend craigslist.com, can't guarantee that you'll get anyone good though.
Agreed, but if a ceiling budget is stated then a photographer as a natural businessman will always try and push that upwards.......hence the 'not crazily over' bit.
I don't mean to be rude, but I don't think you have to worry about getting a torrent of PMs and emails from FMers offering their services for a $700 wedding in which there isn't even a specific date for.
You might be able to get someone if it's a lot closer to the actual date and we're still not booked on that date. If you want someone to commit now, then -- like Rich said -- you may want to hit up Craigslist and hope for the best.
I don't want to appear rude either, but would it be worth reading my response to that particular issue? I'm well aware of the realities of the photography industry and $700 is not the max budget.
alexhibbert wrote:
Agreed, but if a ceiling budget is stated then a photographer as a natural businessman will always try and push that upwards.......hence the 'not crazily over' bit.
OK... so what defines "not crazily over"? $1000? even at that price, I don't think you're going to find anyone that is good.
I have a package that fits your needs, it's $3000.
alexhibbert wrote:
$1500 or a little above would be worth discussing. $3000 would sadly not be given the limited time and PP commitment requested.
What you're failing to understand is that somebody is committing their day for this regardless of whether you plan to process yourself or not. This is not a winning proposition for a talented photographer who could otherwise book the date for their normal rate.
Do whatever you like, but you're going to have a rough time finding someone good based on what you've posted.
P.S. You look like a cool guy from your expeditions website, but consider what your response would be if someone said hey I want to go on an expedition but I have my own dogs and gear, and I really just need you to be there to point us in the right direction. Would you charge them less, or would you say I'm sorry I'm not the guy for you?
P.P.S. Do you have a proper license for that video on page 5 with the Adele music? Just wondering.
I find it disconcerting when even someone in our very own profession does not value good photography. If I could do it over again, I would gladly pay someone $7K for just the files. Unfortunately, I'm stuck with our shitty photos.
Inku Yo wrote:
I find it disconcerting when even someone in our very own profession does not value good photography. If I could do it over again, I would gladly pay someone $7K for just the files. Unfortunately, I'm stuck with our shitty photos.
Many self-respecting professionals in any industry would consider themselves lucky to earn $1500 for a couple of days work. Perhaps some perspective is in order.....
If you can afford $7k for just the files, well done you. Most people can't.
D. Diggler wrote:
Not all of us play games like that. I sure don't. Actually, I don't even ask the budget when someone calls, I just give them the price.
Good to hear - sadly you're not typical of the majority!
alexhibbert wrote:
Many self-respecting professionals in any industry would consider themselves lucky to earn $1500 for a couple of days work. Perhaps some perspective is in order.....
If you can afford $7k for just the files, well done you. Most people can't.
Yes, $7k is on the higher end of the spectrum, but as a professional photographer you want to spend $700? C'mon, man. I'm sure Mario Andretti doesn't want to drive a Hyundai. He'd at least spring for an Acura.
wow really? I really hope someone is not going to consider this for $700. Even if pushed to $1500, I wouldn't do it. I would rather sit at home and not work than be a slave for little pay.
