HELP!! Asking Distant Cousin to be Photographer

missgomes · May 26, 2010

Hi Ladies,

I'm not big on asking people for things! I saw some work my cousin did for another family member and would like him to be my photographer for the wedding. I just don't know how I should pay him....

Do I offer to pay for the trip AND pay him on top of that? If so, how much? And if he brings a guest, do I pay for her as well?

I want to be "fair" but in reality save $$ as well. LOL

Tropical Imaging · May 26, 2010

I would just ask and say: I would really like you to photograph my wedding, How much would you charge for that? If he says I'll do it for free, then certainly offer him travel at the very least. If he gives you a price then you can decide if you want to pay it. Make sure you have terms written out no matter what as to what he is going to do and what you are expecting. Family relationships can really be hurt if he feels taken advantage of or if you are disappointed with results. You both should be aware of each others expectations.

If he is a professional, find out his rates and pay them (let him decide if he is going to discount etc) Remember photography can be anywhere from $700-$5000; whatever his professional rates are, asking him to photograph it for "free" or on the cheap is asking for a really expensive wedding gift. He would additionally have to give up a working weekend where he would make money to do your wedding.

Think of it in another way. If you were doing a home renovation and he was a carpenter, you would say what would you charge me? Same thing if he was a lawyer or doctor or a caterer or an artist and you wanted a painting.

Hope that helps....Just FYI you would be amazed at the number of distant friends/distant family members that contact photographers out of the blue wanting free photography (or even better just invite them to the wedding and ask them to bring a camera) It makes a difference when people offer to pay for your work.

Krys

CourtneyV · May 26, 2010

I was going to ask the same thing; is he a professional photographer? Dealing with money between family can be awkward, but I agree with what was said above; ask him how much he'd charge. I would do my research about approx. how much you'd expect to spend for a photographers wedding fees plus travel so you know what you might expect to hear back from this distant cousin of yours.

Regarding paying for his guest - again, I think it depends on whether or not he's a professional/if his guest would act as a second shooter. If his guest is just going as a guest, then no I don't think you should pay. If this guest would act as a second shooter to the photographer/your cousin then you may need to consider absorbing that cost.