What’s Your Preference?

manwez · #1 (**permalink**) 12-16-2009, 07:52 AM

Hi There!

I will try to cut a long story short. I contacted a photog who is a couple of hours from me re: shadowing her for a wedding. She responded with info about a mentoring program she has. It involves going to her house day of wedding, going through equipment, shadowing her at the wedding and having the opportunity to take pics as second camera. Then giving B&G my edited pics on disc. I can use detail shots for my website/promotion, but not people shots. I am shooting 2 weddings next year (3 including my sister's) and want to get my feet wet prior to doing so.

The mentoring program costs $500 (she stated she provides on-going mentoring).

My question to all of you, is do you think this is a wise use of $500? I don't really have it just lying around, but I think the experience would be good and am willing to spend it if I think it will be a valuable day. OR am I better investing the $500 in more equpiment and/or an online or continued ed class locally??

Thanks in advance.

teaking · #2 (**permalink**) 12-16-2009, 08:28 AM

I have no experiance with this at all so the only thing I can think of as a suggestion is are there any preveious people who have been mentored by her you can contact as a reference?

Maybe see what it did for them... sounds like a trade reference

manwez · #3 (**permalink**) 12-16-2009, 08:29 AM

Yeah I have thought about asking her for a couple of references. Just to see what they got out of it. I guess if she's not willing to give me any names then I know I could probably spend the money smarter elsewhere? Thanks for the suggestion.

FrankLamont · #4 (**permalink**) 12-16-2009, 08:29 AM

...No.

I think not - normally, most photographers don't have 'programs'. Generally, gaining experience means working as an assistant or maybe second shooter. In this, you're probably doing both and you're not even getting paid.

As an assistant or second shooter, you may not get paid; but never should you ever pay. It's a ridiculous situation, especially with the 'use detail but not picture shots'. I know what they're getting at with that - exclusivity in advertising for that couple, otherwise there can be confusion of photographer - but... the payment and all is just... no.

CaptainNH · #5 (**permalink**) 12-16-2009, 09:42 AM

I don't have any experience of it either, but I do know that there's a Sydney based wedding photographer that runs a training program - except that it cost "$4000 - $8000" for a four month "course". Wedding Photography Sydney - Wedding Video - Wedding Photographer - Alan Khan-Photos

I don't think I'd want to put that kind of money his way.

I cut my teeth doing freebies for friends, sometimes they had paid photogs, sometimes they were brave and trusted me

I was lucky enough to have a run of friends getting married and did 8 freebies in 4 months. If you're not blessed with a diary full of friend's weddings, then perhaps it might be worth exploring a little further?

I'd be looking to speak with "graduates" of the mentoring program though.

Good luck!

JonZenor · #6 (**permalink**) 12-16-2009, 10:22 AM

I'm a new ameture myself, so my advice is probably not worth 2 cents, but here it is anyway.

While it does sound like a good way of getting experience, I think I would probably call around to other photogoraphers and see if you could tag along as a second shooter just to gain experience. I'm sure that somebody will be happy to have a second shooter for free.

FoG · #7 (**permalink**) 12-16-2009, 10:33 AM

I read about a photog here who sets up weddings ie pays models this would be the only way I would encourage payment because you know at least a they are making an effort to get you learning and b that the experience will be worth it all round ... in my honest opinion if they are talented why should they not charge you for their advice and mentoring after all once ready you will be direct competition to them may even eclipse them so in effect for their valuable tutoring you are having to pay ...... simple

how many colleges go sure have this degree for free and when your done make money from it ... heyyy it is only my time I am giving you after all.

yes some will do it for free but then do you know what you are getting ? and then you are helping them ie getting to shoot but if she is worth the moeney you will do both aAND gain more experience and if the mentoring is ongoing it may cover more than jst money... anyone phoo phooing thpayment may not know is invoklved nor what you get for your money I know Iw ould rathe rpay someone for a course than stand about "learning" ie shooting for them ... as you have to have some teaching if you are paying for it or you get your money back simple..

most importantly references AND research her work ... before paying out

Sime · #8 (**permalink**) 12-16-2009, 10:38 AM

No.

I have almost no doubt that with a bit of Google searching and some local enquiry you could shadow someone for free... I've never heard that "You shadow me, you give me your shots, you use anything but people shots AND you pay me $500.00"

I'm sorry but I can't help but to reply (From the Australian movie - The Castle) "Tell her she's dreaming!

FrankLamont · #9 (**permalink**) 12-16-2009, 11:37 AM

I could probably daresay that a proper photography course would prove actually more useful to you than this experience; at times, courses can provide situations similar while actually teaching you something.

By the way, Sime, this isn't really the place to point it out but... discussion's misspelt in the description of Earning with Photography...

Quote:

A place for disscussion on earning money with photography