How to respond to client's inquiry for wedding photography

Caney Creek · #1 9th July 2010, 09:21 AM

I have been doing portrait photography for a couple of years now, business has not taken off yet as pretty much all of my clientele so far has been friend/family referrals, but that's probably all I can handle right now anyways as I've still got a ton to learn.

I have only shot 2 weddings to date (the second one being just last weekend) and charged very little to do each one considering my level of experience shooting weddings (none) and also considering the very few pieces of equipment I have to work with. So basically, so far I have been catering to friends of friends who don't have a lot of money to spend on a "real" photographer.

Which is fine by me as I'm getting some great experience out of it.

Getting to my question, a friend of a friend saw some pictures that I've done and was really impressed, enough to ask me if I would photograph their daughter's wedding which is coming up in September. Thing is, they've got LOTS money, so I doubt that they're looking for an "affordable" photographer. I need to e-mail this girl back ASAP, but what should I say?? How do I let her know that I might not be right for the job, while still keeping my foot in the door just a little? Depending on the details of the event (indoor/outdoor, time of day, size of the venue, etc.) I feel like I might be able to do it, but I'm having a hard time putting that into words. I WANT the job but I don't want to let down a client by biting off more than I can chew, if what she's really looking for is the best of the best.

Thanks for listening/ reading

djheitz · #2 9th July 2010, 09:33 AM

I think it's wonderful that they thought so much of the photographs that they contacted you! I understand your dilemma, though. I would just tell them how flattered you are that they liked them and then explain that you really are just getting started. Tell them what types of photos you can do based on the equipment you have and ask if that covers what they're looking for. You might even suggest that you do some portraits or candid shots of the bride and groom ahead of time, which would allow you to get a better feel for what they want.

I've seen some weddings recently that had multiple photographers, too (I work for a bridal retailer). In fact, I just saw some invoices this week for one wedding that used three. They may consider splitting the job, too - one photographer handles the staged shots and another captures candids, or one focuses on the bridal party and the other on the guests.

Caney Creek · #3 9th July 2010, 09:57 AM

Thanks djheitz for the quick response.

Quote:

Originally Posted by djheitz

I've seen some weddings recently that had multiple photographers, too (I work for a bridal retailer). In fact, I just saw some invoices this week for one wedding that used three. They may consider splitting the job, too - one photographer handles the staged shots and another captures candids, or one focuses on the bridal party and the other on the guests.

This is one of the things that I wanted to ask about but not quite sure how this is done. I know that many wedding photography studios will often send out a team of 2-3 photographers to do a wedding, and I have also seen where an established photographer will call upon the services of another established photographer to be a second shooter at a wedding (if the client has requested a second shooter). Would it be out of line for me to ask (maybe not ask, but throw the idea out there

) about possibly being a second shooter for another photographer of their choice? Or would it be up to the main photographer to decide who to use as a second shooter? Do clients really go out and hire several unrelated photographers for one event?? I have to say I've never heard of THAT before, but it's reassuring!

djheitz · #4 9th July 2010, 10:34 AM

Apparently, it's pretty common to have more than one. Our company just bought a photography service last month, so we're still learning what they do and how they do it. But for us, the client contacts the service (which they will soon be able to do through our retail locations) and we then contract the jobs out to local photographers. Since we have a 'pool' of available photographers, they may have worked together before or may just be meeting for that event. I would think if the client said they wanted a specific photographer there (you), that any other photographer would either have to agree or not take the job.

I'm surprised they haven't booked anyone yet if the wedding is in September.

Caney Creek · #5 9th July 2010, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djheitz

I'm surprised they haven't booked anyone yet if the wedding is in September.

Yea, me too. I just e-mailed her, basically saying that I don't have a whole lot of experience or equipment, but that I don't want to turn down the opportunity before discussing details a bit further. So hopefully she won't cross me off the list immediately. I didn't mention the second-shooter thing, I figure that will be something I can bring up if she's still interested in hiring me.

Sansal · #6 9th July 2010, 12:16 PM

I hope you get the job

I love all the pictures that I have seen from you so far (okay, mostly dogs but still!) and it seems like the people liked your pictures, too, so why not! Good luck

RockyCody · #7 9th July 2010, 12:18 PM

Sometimes new photographers are the best though! For our wedding (our photo person was experienced - u can even see a few pics of hers in my gallery on this page) but she had a newbie starting out. She normally charged like 400 bucks or something for an additional photographer but said if we didn't mind having the new guy around she wouldnt charge us since it was his first wedding with her.

he got some of the most amazing shots - actually I think all of them in my gallery are from him and there are several others where he just did a gret job!

So dont count yourself out - maybe you dont have the equipment but you may offer something else to the table that a photographer that has shot 200 + weddings doesn't - a fresh look at everything!

Let us know what happens!

Caney Creek · #8 15th July 2010, 05:11 PM

Well, it's been about a week and no word from the girl since my e-mail. So she probably decided to look for another photographer. =/

On a positive note though, I just finished going through photos of the wedding I shot on July 3rd, and I am SO happy with the way they turned out

so I have lots more material for my portfolio!

Thanks for the support guys!

Sansal · #9 15th July 2010, 06:08 PM

You never know... maybe she is just busy with other wedding preparations. I would think that she would let you know either way. Anyway, in case she doesn't book you she doesn't know what she's missing out on

samsons · #10 15th July 2010, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sansal

You never know... maybe she is just busy with other wedding preparations. I would think that she would let you know either way. Anyway, in case she doesn't book you she doesn't know what she's missing out on

I AGREEEEEEEEEEEEEE !!!!!!!!!!! IF I WHERE TO GET MARRIED ( AGAIN ) I WOULD BOOK U !

not that i can ever get rid of DH ... lol, he walks the pups in the mornings .....

but my daughter is getting married next year ... MICHIGAN in ur travel area ??? lol

Caney Creek · #11 21st July 2010, 10:08 AM

So the bride-to-be FINALLY responded to my e-mail. She was very appreciative of me being honest about my comfort level and experience shooting weddings. As it turns out it is going to be a small, very casual ceremony, they want to capture lots of candid shots and not so much the traditional posed ones, and they are looking to keep the cost down. Basically, it's right up my alley

We still have to discuss details and figure out a price that works for both of us, but I think I may have landed the job!! SO excited!!!

Cami · #12 21st July 2010, 11:21 AM

CONGRATS!!