New here...Do I charge family??

[mommywesley]

Hey all, I've been reading the forums literally all day long I haven't found an answer through here, even though I've searched a few different ways. I've had my dSLR for almost a year now, and still learning although, I suppose I'll never stop learning!

My family is starting to request me to do pictures. I'm doing some for a cousins wedding, but that is so so so not a specific request from her, just something I suggested because her mother was actually going to try and do pictures! I think the mother of the Bride should not have to worry about anything but another cousin has asked me to take her senior pictures this fall. I'm not really wanting to ask for any $$ just because I'm learning and wanting to build my portfolio, but I am wondering if I should have any sort of agreement in writing to have legal rights to the photos I take? And if so, do I have to have a legal business first?

I mainly don't want to spend all this time and effort into these photos and 1. her edit them over top mine and destroy them when sharing with friends online. 2. complain if I use them on a future website etc.

Should I just take families words and make a verbal agreement?

Thanks for any feedback! I'm sorry I don't have any photos to share at the moment!

[candleman]

I charge everyone execpt my mommy.

ALWAYS get a contract, but in saying that,
I've worked for free for friends before and it's been some of te worst experiences in my life.. even with a contract they screw you.

Seriously.. only once of the dozen or so times i've worked for friends have I walked away being happy.. and them respecting my time and Copyright.

You probably wont listen to me.. but you will probably get burned and learn it the hard way like I did.


BTW, Welcome to the forum.

[mommywesley]

Thanks Can I legally have them sign something if I don't legally have a business yet?

[candleman]

Yes, you definatley can make them sign an agreement.

all it means is if you take their money.. you probably wont be paying tax on it.. unless you add the cash to your personal end of year tax return.


You won't have insurance... but taking pictures for your friends kid probably won't get you sued..
unless you get them injured, or break something...

(edit)
seeing as you have no wedding experience and are voulenteering yourself.. I'd say make sure you tell them to have little or no expectations. You don't want to pretend to know what you are doing by making them sign a contract and pay.. and then they drag you to Judge Joe Brown because you didn't deliver professional images.

[mommywesley]

Thanks for the feedback! I'll have to put a contract together now.

[andyw]

Originally Posted by mommywesley

Hey all, I've been reading the forums literally all day long I haven't found an answer through here, even though I've searched a few different ways. I've had my dSLR for almost a year now, and still learning although, I suppose I'll never stop learning!

My family is starting to request me to do pictures. I'm doing some for a cousins wedding, but that is so so so not a specific request from her, just something I suggested because her mother was actually going to try and do pictures! I think the mother of the Bride should not have to worry about anything but another cousin has asked me to take her senior pictures this fall. I'm not really wanting to ask for any $$ just because I'm learning and wanting to build my portfolio, but I am wondering if I should have any sort of agreement in writing to have legal rights to the photos I take? And if so, do I have to have a legal business first?

I mainly don't want to spend all this time and effort into these photos and 1. her edit them over top mine and destroy them when sharing with friends online. 2. complain if I use them on a future website etc.

Should I just take families words and make a verbal agreement?

Thanks for any feedback! I'm sorry I don't have any photos to share at the moment!

Charge everyone except Mother, Father and brothers and sisters is my take on this.
Even brothers and sisters get to pay costs if it is for anything other than a quick snap and single print.

By all means have a "family rate" but it should be making you/your business money.

I know one guy who decided he was not going to charge family and ended up having to change that pretty quick when he realised how many "cousins" he actually had and how many wanted to take advantage of his generosity.

Yes, make sure that all your t&c's are the same for family as for ever other customer you may have.

[Woody]

Rubbish. you are an ametuer.

You have copyright to the photos, you can edit as you like, you can provide prints (ask them to pay printing costs) you can provide them with low res photos on a cd (charge 1.50 for the cd)

If you want to charge like a pro, then get all the nescessary gear, insurance, warranties and risk.

But for goodness sake, it's your family.

Cheers,

John W

[mommywesley]

Thanks again for the feedback

I know I'm an amateur and that is completely fine, I do not mind doing this for free at all, I'm just wondering how it will work later when I actually do charge? Do I just explain to family that this is a portfolio building stage and that they will be paying in the future?

[gturner]

Originally Posted by Woody

Rubbish. you are an ametuer.

You have copyright to the photos, you can edit as you like, you can provide prints (ask them to pay printing costs) you can provide them with low res photos on a cd (charge 1.50 for the cd)

If you want to charge like a pro, then get all the nescessary gear, insurance, warranties and risk.

But for goodness sake, it's your family.

Cheers,

John W

My thoughts exactly... unless it turns into a serious shoot where you are incurring real expenses.

Jon - Now I know why we are friends ,

[Woody]

Originally Posted by gturner

My thoughts exactly... unless it turns into a serious shoot where you are incurring real expenses.

Jon - Now I know why we are friends ,

When your down my way we can share some Boerewors.

Cheers,

John W