Do a wedding for just the experience???

[dmann]

I had previously asked about charging for my work but a unanimous decision left me to realize I have to much learning and experience to gain before I start charging.

Now for the semi related question. I was asked this am to do a wedding. Under normal circumstances I would say no because I lack experience and knowledge. However this lady needs someone quick, doesn't want a professional (I would assume because of cost), doesn't want to pay much (I won't charge her at all) and is apparently really laid back and easy to please. I still however realize this is still a huge event and regardless of what she says she will still want pictures that are decent. Am I up to the task?

I have let her know I am by no means a pro and that I am still very much learning. If she is not that hard to please and doesn't really know photography do you think she will notice my short comings? or be pleased at the decent pictures I would produce?

So do I take this for the experience or do I say no because it is too risky?

Also please look at my album(s) and let me know if you think I should based on the level I am at, thank you!

Oh and I forgot to mention its a small wedding 60 people tops.

[Jim Bryant]

Nope...you're not ready! Are they going to have flowers, food and booze If so, they can afford to pay you. Remember, "No tickie, no laundry!"

[UlpilotSC]

I like the post in another thread... The contract that says "im an amateur so be fair warned my pictures might suck". Get paid for it. I did two for free. On one i was the "candid guy", using the grooms camera.
On the other i was primary... And it was family. Everything was verbal. It was implied i would get paid a couple hundred dollars for my efforts but i got squat.
I used 35mm then, everyone was pleased but me.

Live and learn.

[funcrunch]

I would never shoot a wedding of any size for free; it's simply way too much work, before, during, and after. My first wedding shoot was when I was just starting out as a pro and had no previous wedding experience (though plenty of experience shooting other events), and the shoot was for a very good friend and former boss, and I still charged for it. (They were very happy with the photos.)

[candleman]

my first one was free...

Why?
I had NFI what I was doing, and didn't have approprate equipment.
They simply weren't going to have any pictures done at all (even by family) ..so i took them to a park for a few pictures. They knew I had no experience, couldn't guarantee anything.. and they were very greatfull for what I did.

The second one I now had a clue, and asked for $200 and they gave me a $200 gift.

So long as they are aware of your lackof experience.. sure.. why not.
It's a starting point at least.

You will realise how much work there is in it and will charge appropriatley the next time... if there is a next time.

[LittleRaePhotography]

I'm in a similar situation - shooting a wedding and not quite ready. Its 35 people and they would have NO photography if I didnt accept, and its a great friend of mine. I only charged her $80 for the full wedding coverage and $50 for the cd(s) with ALL images and print rights. I have a second photographer who is at the same level as I am coming to help, we split the cost evenly. This way we both get experience for our portfolios and we can learn from it.

I would charge something, but not a lot. I only charged that much because the wedding is 30 miles each way for me.

[Brian Mullins]

A bit of advice from the business side. If you are not ready to charge, then don't charge, at all. If they want to "tip" you then that's fine, but as soon as you accept even $1 for your services, there are expectations that must be met. If it goes down bad enough where you were taken to court, charging ANY amount will show that you are a professional that is selling your services. Now, in all likelihood, that would not happen but I can tell you courts take a dim view of people who charge without a business license.

You can always put it out on CL that you need experience and take on 1 to 2 weddings at NC for that experience. Put all of your disclaimers in there. Then, after you get over the panic, don't forget to have fun, play with light and get good portfolio material.

[kingpatzer]

My take on my photography is that I want to be a professional. To that end, I seek to conduct myself professionally.

A wedding is a once in a lifetime event. If you are not ready to do a wedding, then you will do the bride and groom a disservice by choosing to be their photographer -- no matter how much or little you charge.

As an aspiring professional, it would offend me to choose to do a disservice to your customers. As an artist it would go against my grain to set myself up to deliver less than spectacular images. As a business person, it should be anathema to me to put myself in a position to deserve bad 'word of mouth' advertising for my endeavor.

There are plenty of weekend photographers out there who will do a horrible job for this couple at cut rate prices -- if that's what the couple choose to purchase.

[dmann]

Thanks everyone for the advice.

I am not doing the wedding, Jim's right I am not ready. I have another opportunity in a little over a year, its another small wedding for a friend. I haven't by any means agreed to do it yet. But if I feel ready and keep studying the way I have been, I should be more prepared. It is still a wedding I would do for free for my portfolio.

So we will see how things go

Do it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

If you do good, you have great photos for your portfolio and a happy couple that will recommend you to friends.

If you suck, they didn't pay you anything so they get what they pay for. Your reputation doesn't suffer because, well, no one cares. Trust me, I know a lot of bad photographers and they get plenty of business.

I shot several weddings for free, both as a primary and secondary. Good experience, and there isn't much pressure because you're not getting paid.

And it's a lot of fun