Don't mean to sound shallow. - DPChallenge Forums

11/21/2004 11:24:35 PM · #1

I am a wedding photographer looking to expand my portfolio. I wanted to offer to do some no-charge weddings but with an exception. The more i look at web sites of reputable wedding photographers the more i see your typical â��attractive perfect coupleâ��. How can i offer to do a no charge wedding for only picture perfect couples. I don't want to sound like a jerk or sound shallow because i am neither of the two. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

wewillexplore

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

11/21/2004 11:26:43 PM · #2

Go to a bridal show.
Find perfect couple.
Hand them your card and ask about shooting their wedding free. Tell them why you want to do such a thing.
Good luck. It won't be worth it.

M

Message edited by author 2004-11-21 23:27:07.

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

11/21/2004 11:32:44 PM · #3

mavrik im curious to know why you think it wont be worth it?

faidoi

Pentax K10D

11/21/2004 11:35:59 PM · #4

Try searching for a wedding photography workshop. Models are provided.

Message edited by author 2004-11-21 23:37:49.

wewillexplore

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

11/21/2004 11:42:23 PM · #5

Originally posted by cesarpz:

mavrik im curious to know why you think it wont be worth it?

Weddings are hard work. The bride who gets everything for nothing wants even more. And simply put, you still have to provide a product. You're going to do HOURS of work, not only 10 hours the day of the event, but lead-up time, post processing time, dealing with the client time - to get a few shots you can use in your folio? I'd definitely look into the workshop.

M

Marjo

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

11/21/2004 11:50:08 PM · #6

I'm not sure about your proposal. If you approached my son and future daughter-in-law with that proposal I'm afraid I'd advise them that...you get what you pay for...sounds pretty risky for such a memorable occasion.
BTW, they are a very attractive couple. One problem might be that he's 6'6" and she's only 5'6".

DefyTime

Canon EOS-7D

11/21/2004 11:52:57 PM · #7

At least have a minimum of $500 or something. Some people might not want to trust their "special day" to just some guy who wants to do it for free. If you have some kind of price I think it makes you more credible.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

11/21/2004 11:53:26 PM · #8

Yep, workshop is a good idea.

You could also hire/bribe a couple of models, rent a Tux and get a wedding dress 2nd hand and stage your own pretend wedding.

Even that would wind up costing you less than trying to find the perfect couple, shoot their entire wedding for nothing, and do all the work, including the album. That's prolly 50-60 hrs of work + expenses. for what, 2-3 shots for your book?

wewillexplore

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

11/21/2004 11:54:53 PM · #9

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

You could also hire/bribe a couple of models, rent a Tux and get a wedding dress 2nd hand and stage your own pretend wedding.

Even that would wind up costing you less than trying to find the perfect couple, shoot their entire wedding for nothing, and do all the work, including the album. That's prolly 50-60 hrs of work + expenses. for what, 2-3 shots for your book?

Absolutely!

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

11/21/2004 11:58:05 PM · #10

a lot of wonderful advise thanks a mil.

PerezDesignGroup

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

11/22/2004 12:48:15 AM · #11

Originally posted by mavrik:

The bride who gets everything for nothing wants even more.

Words of wisdom. Just be sure to replace "The bride" with "Anyone". :)

Message edited by author 2004-11-22 00:48:33.

dartompkins

Nikon D70s

Tamron SP AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical IF for Nikon

11/22/2004 01:31:47 AM · #12

You might have better luck and less stress if you offer to be the "back-up" photographer. Find someone else's gig you can tag along on. No stress, no pressure, no dealing with the customers, no disappointments, etc.

fotodude

Nikon D70

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

11/22/2004 02:19:59 AM · #13

Originally posted by dartompkins:

this is exactly what i was going to suggest after seeing your plee for help.i do sound for weddings and so i see alot of "perfact" and not perfact coulpes and i also see lots of photographers most all of them have at least 1 back-up guy/gal running around and doing his or her own thing.

its the best way + if the couple doesn't meet portfolio specs. (not meaning to be mean or anything) u can ditch since u arn't being payed anway just talk it over with the photographer u r backing-up.

GL

_brando_

dsidwell

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

11/22/2004 02:27:01 AM · #14

Cesar, from what I've seen of your work on your website, your stuff is good. So charge 'em a couple hundred bucks! It's a deal for them!

11/22/2004 01:00:28 PM · #15

I just recently got married i'm thinking of talking to the photographer who did my wedding and see if there is a way i could tag along with him. He seemed like a nice guy but then again he was getting paid. So i will see what happens from there.

GoldBerry

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

11/22/2004 01:11:22 PM · #16

I agree entirely with renting some cloths (or just throw together some vintage stuff for a really trendy look) and getting models. There are a thousand models willing to do it for free, or for a disc of shots. Just tell them they can use them in their portfolio or as headshots but that's it - you still own the work.

Message edited by author 2004-11-22 13:11:50.

C-Fox

Canon EOS-20D