Photo $$ Dilemma
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- mg33
We had a photographer take photos of our wedding reception last month, he was paid in full for the 3 hours work he did. Didn't sign a contract or anything; he didn't present one and not sure if it mattered. Really happy with the photos, but have a question about something.
He's posted them to a photo site where each photo includes a watermark, and they can be purchased directly from the site. I've requested that the photos be sent to me and we're working that out. What surprises me is the price of the photos on the site: $7.99 for a single 4x6 print. That's absurd - quality prints from Walgreens can be found for 50+ 4x6 photos at around $5 - $10. As it is now, none of our guests can even get the photos for digital use or their own printing without the watermark. I guess my question is, are the prices on the site he's using possibly inflated to make him more money? I find that to be a bit inappropriate if that's true.
- MHDC0
Yup. I'm sure he's using better quality stock than Walgreens, but still its a heavy markup. Was he cheap by the hour?
- Horp0
If I were you I'd put this down to your own lack of due care and just pay the prices he asks. He's holding all the visual records of your wedding. If you did not have the foresight to check, negotiate and agree prices, then now is probably not the time to start quibbling. Its his choice what to charge. Its your choice to proceed without checking.
You could refuse to pay and get no photographs as a result. Similarly if you piss him/her off, he/she could choose to raise the price when you finally crumble and offer to pay.
- rodzilla0
mpixpro.com is a good site to print stuff from too if you want something higher than walgreens, but something that is affordable. Hope things work out with the photos. Good luck!
- JG_LB0
wedding photographers don't make money off shooting, they make money off printing. if you paid him thousands of dollar to shoot for three hours then he should give you some prints. if you didn't then he deserves to make a living somehow. just like computer printers, they don't make money on the sale of the printer but on the ink.
- randommail0
wedding photography is such a great scam
- < this.Morning_star
- Every aspect of a wedding is such a great scam.********
- Ain't that the truth.Morning_star
- it isn't a great scam. i'm a wedding photographer myself. email me if you want and i'll break it down for you.bigtrick
- BH260
I've seen some of those sites before.
Mark up is pretty high- the Service(printer) is taking a cut plus probably another 30 % to the photographer.
The plus side they host all the images for your guests to see and will mail and print for each person directly so it's out of your hair. It's convenient for the photographer as they can move onto the next function, and not worry about sending shots out webgalleries etc
Usually those " walgreen" prints are one offs and the quality control isn't the best.
That price for a 4x6 still sounds a little high-though
- ETM0
I am surprised that someone is our field, didn't look at the terms or get a contract. Seems like there is a "contract" related thread every week. Not trying to be a dick, but he's sure got you. You need those photos.
Didn't you discuss a "package". Every wedding photographer I have seen has packages. Usually it includes the shoot, so many prints, usually a compiled album etc.
If you want just the digital photos then there is always an extra fee for that too. As pointed out above, they profit comes after the shoot.
- 20020
Did you discuss image rights? When you get the raw files as well as rights to distribute?
I have had told them to that I get full rights after 2 years and rights to print at any time. And cease distribution on the photographer's part at the end of 2nd year. Source files rights after 2nd year also.
- bigtrick0
Heya,
JG_LB is spot on - yeah, the prices are inflated because that's how he makes his money. I personally charge lab prices for my prints, and I know other photographers that do what I do, but I think we are in the minority.
I'm glad at least you liked the photos - I am sure you can work things out with him. Since I recommended him I rather hope so, haha.
- Ha - yeah, I'm totally satisfied, just first time to deal with prints.mg33
- mg330
Thanks for the info. I totally understand the wanting to make money after taking the photos. That kind of explains the pricing a bit more.
- monospaced0
The conclusion here is good. Your guests shouldn't expect to receive non-watermarked digital versions for their own use though. If they want photos, they should have brought their own cameras. ;)
- lumedia0
You are paying for a professional service. You should have had a contract and had all of this information up front.
Please dont compare to Walgreens. Do you like it when people ask you to work for free, or tell you that they are a cousin who can do web design and will handle all future updates?
I didn't think so.
- cannonball19780
If that's what's hurting your wallet, get ready. You're married now.
- If you think that's bad just wait until you want some feckin' free time.d_rek
- mg330
I think some of you are misunderstanding me. We're all worked out on my getting the actual photos, on disc or something like that. I was just wondering if it's typical that photographers provide photos like this on an online gallery with prices that are a bit more than some other services. That's all I'm asking.
- sikma0
"I was just wondering if it's typical that photographers provide photos like this on an online gallery with prices that are a bit more than some other services."
Very common, in fact I'd say it's the norm. It's an excellent way for the photographer to make some extra cash after the initial booking fee. Most people will ask for a DVD of their images, but will never print them 'cause they're too lazy. Having all the images on a site takes all the work out of it for them. In know what you're thinking, "how hard is to get some prints made yourself", but you have to understand how truly lazy people are. The site also allows for guests and parents too make purchases, which you'd be surprised at how often that occurs.
In theory if you're buying prints through the photographer they should be adding some value to them - ie. retouching, color correction, artwork, ect.
- aaux0
Cheap photoshoot = expensive photos
Expensive photoshoot = photos included
This is why you see the occasional groupon for photoshoots that are in the sub $100 range for an hour. Part of the deal is you're required to buy the photos one by one from the photographer for whatever price they set.
- This was more of the expensive variety. Like I said, I can get the photos, just wasn't sure about the printing for other people.mg33
- mg330
I will add as well - he did some excellent photos of the restaurant, their food service, party setup, etc. I know the restaurant would like some newer photos, and I want to try and see what he will charge them to sell certain ones for commercial use. Obviously I'd feel really shady if I got the photos on disc, then sold them to the restaurant on my own, or gave them for free. I want him to get some $ if they want them.
- Why shady? If you paid, they are not your photos at that point? You're licensing your own wedding photos?ETM
- 20020
"Because wedding was in Italy"
- What you saying? You think I cant afford to go to Italy?"Reception was in Chicago"
- What you saying? You think chicago style pizza or hot dog is not really either?