Whole day wedding photography for less than $800?

[catchlights]

as today living standard, plus the inflation rate, the value of $800 is just like $400 12-15 years ago,
I don't understand when every trades/jobs talking about pay increment every year, higher starting salary, performance bonus etc...

how come only photographers rate is always at hentak kaki? and some people still want to cut their own rates?
hello.............. you are not top earner in Singapore leh, you got no fringe benefit, no allowance, no year end bonus, no medical leave, no annual leave, and yet you still need to pay CPF you need to pay tax, why lowering your rate? your brain get short izit?


just charge what you worth, you deserve to be paid decently, you need to make a living, you need to feed your family.
if you can't make a living out of this, it is time for you to move on.

 

[JasonB]

"Hey. Don't ever let somebody tell you... You can't do something. Not even me. All right? " "You got a dream... You gotta protect it. People can't do somethin' themselves, they wanna tell you you can't do it. If you want somethin', go get it. Period."

Quote from the movie The Pursuit of Happiness 2006, based on the true life of Chris Gardner, a person from rags to riches, in a conversation that Chris Gardner was speaking to his son.

Never let anyone, in real life or worse-on an internet forum, tell you that you can't achieve something. People can't achieve something they hope others can't too, so as to feel normal for their failure. Mix with the wrong crowd and they will limit your potential.

 

[fotoudavid]

still debating? why not spend the time doing something else? they wanna do $500 also can....

 

[yqt]

still debating? why not spend the time doing something else? they wanna do $500 also can....

HaHaHa, agreed, let them charge at their rate, in fact I think it is good that they are around, at least the $800/- couple will not come looking for me :bsmilie:

For those who want to shoot at the lower end of the market, please go in with your eyes open, the couples may book you at $800.00 but they may be expecting more than $800/- for their shoot :bigeyes:, I've heard too many such stories :bsmilie::bsmilie:.

Cheers.

 

[Agetan]

still debating? why not spend the time doing something else? they wanna do $500 also can....

We are here to share our view and let those who willing to learn and hear benefit from some of our views. Those who prefer to do otherwise, it is their choice.

We can all keep quiet and with lack of information, the photography community will continue to degrade with every advancement of digital photography.

We all have a place in the community and I choose to share some of my view in hope (though slim chance) that might help someone.

Regards,

Hart

 

[Zeisser]

outdoor photos at Chinese Garden or Toa Payoh Garden,

.

These two locations certainly brings back memories. But this aside it's the 'willing seller willing buyer' syndrome not much one can do.

 

[catchlights]

These two locations certainly brings back memories. But this aside it's the 'willing seller willing buyer' syndrome not much one can do.

nowadays go MBS or Garden by the bay, still the same pattern.... lol....

 

[catchlights]

whenever we see what those brides-to-be are asking and the budget they state, as in "everything I want" but only have very little budget, yet still have people jump right in.

these people are not helping themself and fellow photographers, if carry on like that, very good luck to those photographers who just start out, they won't able to find decent paying customers.

the best way to deal with "customers" like these is just walk away. don't be like "got no backbone" bend down all the way.

 

[Zeisser]

nowadays go MBS or Garden by the bay, still the same pattern.... lol....

Haha recalling the Toa Payoh Garden days long line of parked wedding cars as far as the eyes can see.

 

[Exposure]

some are doing it for free to build their portfolio.

i had friends who are full time wedding photographers, charging only $600-$800 on AD Weddings, one month can earn up to $3.5k if all weekends are paid

 

[JasonB]

It depends.

If the $800 photographers are shooting like what catchlights mentioned (minimum cost, straight forward traditional style, little to no editing), then yes, they are earning money. These are what young hobbyists unfairly referred to as "ah lau wedding photographers". Ah Lau way smarter actually.

But if the $800 photographers are trying to shoot in the methods of the top pros (high end equipment costs, high computer cost, advertising, web/magazine presence, association membership fees, meeting clients few times before shoot, large amount of post production work, plus attending workshops, constant upgrading of gear), then hell no, these people are losing money every shoot. These are sometimes the same people who put down the 'ah lau wedding togs' as 'old fashioned and behind times', yet at the same time put down the top pros they themselves are modeling after as 'greedy and expensive'.

They themselves are the wedding angels.

Lucky got them, they serve the devil clients.

 

[trd2970]

Just seeking some feedback from full time PGs here.

I certainly respect the need for PGs to charge their worth. Charge $800 for $800 worth of work. If one is charging $800 for $3k, it's really under cutting which is really an unethical business practice in every industry. I believe there are aspiring PGs with the potentisl to produce the 3k level and trying to break into the market but do not have the confidence to do so thus pricing themselves below market rates. Of cos once they prove themselves they will be able to command market rate. In such cases, (a) are they doing the right thing or are there any alternative? (b) how do folks in the industry view these practice?

Hope I can be enlightened

 

[JasonB]

a) There's nothing wrong with doing lower paying work first to get experience and skills but the question is how long you are going to stay there?

b) If Giodano wishes to starts selling white t-shirts at $250 a piece like DKNY does, Giodano has to give up being Giodano because nobody is going to pay DK prices for Giodano brand name. Even though that t-shirt might be made with similar material and methods. Joe can choose to either reform and upgrade the brand image slowly, which takes a lot of time, years or decades and tremendous marketing effort, or just create a new brand or line aimed at the upscale market. Very often, you see the latter, even with big companies. Think of Lexxus and Toyata where Lexxus is a later created luxury line. Then think again of Rollex and Tudoor, where in this case Rollex is already very strong and Tudoor was created as a cheaper alternative of the watch, riding on the good brand name of Rollex. And in wedding photography similar principles apply where you see big shots like Joe Busink being the lead brand name and him having staff photographers working for him and shooting the lower profile weddings.

A referral client from your $600 a wedding days is expecting $550 and maybe even a further discount since shes a friend of your ex client, regardless how good you are she is not going to pay more than her friend did. But a brand new client doesn't know the difference between ah lau photographer or expressionly-jojo until she is educated to appreciate the higher pricing and quality. So you have a fair chance and level playing ground to impress her to pay your well deserved price instead of the $800 you were stuck with.

Every price increase I lost clients. Weather it thru I gain new clients at the next price range. $2600 adjustment to $2800 matter littles to the bride at that range.

But $800 to $1000 matters a lot to the budget brides at the lower range and she will immediately skip you and book the $800 guy.

$800 to $2800 could seemingly be an uphill hard battle. Because the photographer put himself in a handicapped match against himself.

In an industry where you work for yourself and can promote yourself easily. Why you want to start at waiter? Why not captain? Or Manager?

 

[Peterleenc]

In general there are only three kinds of customers (I m a noob in photography, so just talking about general market)

1. Only looking for quality (pricing don't really an issue to them) -- very small market.

2. Value for money -- large market but big range too. Everyone weights it's value differently.

3. Only looking for Price -- if next door offer $1 cheaper he'll walk over.

One's must position themselves well otherwise is very difficult to change your image over time.

 

[Agetan]

In an industry where you work for yourself and can promote yourself easily. Why you want to start at waiter? Why not captain? Or Manager?

Yes to this point but please be realistic too as a photographer. Charge what you want but if this is your main rice bowl, make sure it is sustainable and don't make too many costly mistake.

Hart

 

[bowwow]

and let's not forget the 'friend' who expects you to do it for free. even worse when that 'friend' starts being demanding and takes things for granted.

 

[digitalphoto]

Not only apply to wedding. There are also alot of events want cheap cheap rate. Community Ctr also using freelance/amateur photographer charge dirt cheap. Sometimes, FOC somemore.

 

[nitewalk]

Not only apply to wedding. There are also alot of events want cheap cheap rate. Community Ctr also using freelance/amateur photographer charge dirt cheap. Sometimes, FOC somemore.

Hmm dirt cheap, $200 for full day?

 

[catchlights]

Hmm dirt cheap, $200 for full day?

CC hardly have events so long hours, they only want photos that have MP interacting with the citizen, or MP do this and MP do that in the event.

FYI, they only hire photographers cover events gracing by MP. usually those are regular, don't really anyhow give it to newbies, if you want to shoot for free can shoot at sideline.

 

[digitalphoto]

They always engage those photographers offer very low fee but not to that price of $200 for full day!!!