What do you think about being a Budget photographer?

[huatman]

Yes, those who charge less can earn more with larger volume of jobs but mind you, the risk you are exposed to is also increased. You decide if its worth it and for your own sake I hope you know enough to make that choice.

There are some who had asked for a "dun have to be professional" photoshoot. (which I interpret to "want very cheap rate").
So they are telling the photographer that can anyhow shoot? (doubt so!).. Then when show the photos around, others will see that this photographer cannot make it and others won't even think of hiring him/her.
But know that eventually, someone will still take up the job no matter how low the rate.
Wonder why need to pay someone to do a "unprofessional" job where they can just use instagram etc. :think:

 

[sjackal]

"dun have to be professional" photoshoot. (which I interpret to "want very cheap rate").

It means they want free.

 

[huatman]

It means they want free.

They do have a Little budget for the shoot, but not enough to cover my time, effort & travel etc.

 

[catchlights]

They do have a Little budget for the shoot, but not enough to cover my time, effort & travel etc.

many "customers" are just looking for photographers with full of PASSION, willing to do anything for the LOVE of photography. if photographers do this long enough, they will be the SAINT of FREE PHOTOGRAPHY, or in Chinese we call "成仙"



the rest of us are just mortal people, we need a shelter over our head, a place to sleep, eat and sh1t. and all these cost money money money.

 

[Kit]

There are some who had asked for a "dun have to be professional" photoshoot. (which I interpret to "want very cheap rate").
So they are telling the photographer that can anyhow shoot? (doubt so!).. Then when show the photos around, others will see that this photographer cannot make it and others won't even think of hiring him/her.
But know that eventually, someone will still take up the job no matter how low the rate.
Wonder why need to pay someone to do a "unprofessional" job where they can just use instagram etc. :think:

Its really up to the photographer to know what they are getting themselves into. When things go wrong, clients are not going to be easy on you just because you are cheap. For those charging $15 an hour, hope you can find a lawyer who charges $14.99 an hour when you need one.

 

[earthling82]

Frankly,

I have been a so called "Budget Photograher" for years. And I average about 40 wedding shoots a year. So far I've photographed close to 200 actual day weddings as main photographer.

Being an open market, there is freedom in how ppl would want to price themself. Pride and price aside I have seen "Professionals" who charge much higher than me and still fail to deliver the quality. The opposite is also true.

After shooting so much as a "Budget Photographer", I need to get my house in order to secure my own future. My situation is that I've been working with some agencies and bridal studios for a long time (since parent generation) and they offer only lowball rates. Its hard for me to say no to them and since I have a full-time white-collar job, I do not mind a little bit of extra cash. However I do charge much higher on my own customers and referrals.

I am still looking for a real "Pro" to apprentice and be part of a greater wedding photography team. As I will remain a wedding photographer for a long time, I am constantly on my toes to improve myself and my biz.