Wedding Trouble

T

TruEstar

Member
Hey everyone!

I've been editing for about 2 years now, and am getting pretty good now.

Problem is, people keep ripping me off lately.

Friends of friends, ect.

One of my best friends mom is getting married.
I've known her since I was little, and she wants me to do the video for her.

I recently picked up a Canon 7d, and I wanted to do a "Wedding Montage" type video.

I was going to use 2 Canon 7d's and a panasonic jvc gy hd200.

Problem is she says she really wants something mediocre and not big, but I don't do mediocre work....
I always go above the limit with my work and wont attach my name to anything less.

She wanted to pay me $100, but wanted me to do it by myself instead of a 3 camera shoot.
Problem is, it costs $100 alone to rent another 7d, and I believe she's paying the wedding photographer around $600.
But she told me she doesn't have any money left....

I don't know what to do, as this is my best friends mom.
But that 3 camera shoot would help my reel out a TON.

I've never shot a wedding before though. But i'm damn good at what I do.
 
If you want to do it as a favor, do it, but consider it just that, a favor. If you have any interest in making money or you're worrying about your reputation for quality, just say no. By the way, $600 for still wedding photography is very low end.

Grant
 
talked it over and we're doing the 3 cam HD wedding shoot for free.
we're doing it to work on our reel.

only charging them for the $125 to rent the second 7d
 
This will be common in your business dealings with friends and family. Best advice I can give is stand your ground on your work and prices, and people will respect it. Charge fairly, but also charge what you believe your work is worth (within reason). Show her some examples of others in your area that do the same style of work. Honestly wedding video nowadays is the last thing that a brides is thinking about. When you show up with a DSLR their expectations will already be lower than what you will provide them. My customers tell me all the time how great my work is (even when I dont think so). Then the next thing I hear is ..." I had no idea that those camera could shoot video like that". "I'm sure glad we hired you"
 
from what that you're saying, I'll take it that this will be the first time ever that you're going to shoot a wedding video? To me, I think you should pay them for giving you a chance to shoot their precious wedding and gain experience while building up your portfolio.

but, nah...I've never given money to others while I have to work even when I've just started years ago, haha. :D If I'm you, I'll let them know my cost of renting the gears and all. And tell them that you are not making money with this, but is not prepare to be making losses for it. So at least have them cover your expenses. Then I think is slightly fair.

I guess it's totally up to individuals how they deal with friends and families when it comes to business. But you should remember that what you are doing is unique and in some ways very important to your "clients". So, stand your ground and don't be ripped, unless you're willing to. Throw in freebies like free DVD's, or extra session of shooting for remembrance...that's what I think.
 
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