Hey there, new to posting here but view frequently. I need help and advice on this situation...
I met a photographer taking pictures for my sister in laws wedding where I was amaturely pro shooting as well. She gave me her name and talked a little about being a second shooter for her business. So she calls me up one day to do a last minute wedding on the beach, and would pay be $50 as the second shooter. I joined her, and gave her my disc. Didnt get payment after she said she was cutting checks "next week". I thought ok whatever, I had fun and wasnt worried about the $50. at the time. The next week or so she contacted me to do a solo wedding for her because she was already booked that day. It was a low budget small beach wedding that I could totally handle and the clients were friends/relatives of one of her past wedding clients. She would pay me $300 for the gig and then if they wanted overtime, something like $150. an hour. I have to refer back to my emails with her for the specifics. So...I go and shoot the wedding, make my disc of proofs for them. The couple had asked me for 2 hours of overtime and I called her to tell her at the time. Everything OK. I have my disc ready about 2 weeks to give to her and she says to hold on to it until she receives payment from them. She said normally she gets payment in advance but felt comfortable because she knew someone related to them. So another week or so goes by, no payment on anything, the first job or the second job. Now here I am 3 months later and no word from her. My question is do I hound her for the money and take her to small claims since she hired me from her company? Or do I tell her I am keeping the pictures and using them as samples for my own photography business because have not been paid? Any input would be so appreciated as I am just starting out on my own.
thanks!

jullogan,

$50? You were a second shooter at a wedding for $50? Wow, that's generous (of you!). If I were you, I'd write that one off, since even if you get the $50, you were ripped off. For the second shoot, absolutely do not give her or the clients any photos until you are paid. At this point, I wouldn't hound anyone. You have the photos of their wedding, they have the money. When they're willing to pay, you provide the photos.

Did you have any kind of written contract? I'm guessing no. Most important question: What have you learned from these experiences?

Thanks...the $50. was pretty ridiculous but super easy, a couple that had eloped and was just her and me and the minister marrying them. The only written contract I have is all of our emails which states the money and hours and what she would pay me. I think I learned getting paid upfront before gigs and to never work with this chick again!

Okay, so those are worthwhile lessons. And who knows, you still may see payment for that second shoot, for which you still hold the product. As much as we all have the opportunity to learn from people on these boards with more experience than we have (whatever our level of experience), at some point it always seems to come down to learning a few things the hard way. In your case, aside from your time, you didn't lose anything and the experience may prove to be very valuable to you down the road.

I collect money from people all over the world (30+ countries) - when you exhausted all avenues and it is clear this person simply has no intention of paying you - ie is stealing from you, one thing always works:

Tell the person that unless you are paid what is owed you will feel obliged - (your social conscious, whatever) to warn the public about doing business with this individual through advertising in local newspapers etc etc.

In some countries, this is actually quite standard, for example to announce that a fired employee is not allowed to conduct transactions on behalf of X

Stay courteous/ stay professional when you talk to the person, and important: allow the persons 'ego' a way out: by paying you, and not feeling the need to go confrontational with you, in the end - you just want your money.

Good luck.