Real life MMD: Can I up my quote for a friend's wedding photos?

kneelbeforezod

The OP didn't say they were a friend, they said "former colleague". I suspect MSE has stirred the pot by adding a more contentious title!

They've already quoted a very low price because they know each other. I don't see why this can't be increased to reflect the cost of materials, fuel etc., let alone an acceptable 'hourly rate' for the expertise - it should still come out cheaper than any professional quote. Plus a low quote can bite you - they may get a lot of interested potential repeat trade, but no doubt only at the 'special price'?!

People on here suggesting the OP should be doing this free of charge as a wedding gift - are you prepared to swear you spend several hundred pounds on a wedding gift for a work colleague? I doubt that somehow

rhobtaylor

You are completely within your rights to change the deal, as the original deal was based on where you were 2 years ago.

At the end of the day, they asked you for a favor and then said "It's not needed now" by postponing. So 2 years later it should be a new deal anyway. Some brides are terrible for "taking liberties" on things cos it's "their big day"... Whose to say it won't get postponed again?

The alternative, say you will do it for the original £250 but if they postpone again, they have to pay and that any additional services linked to your increased skill (photoshopping etc) are not included.

baldmosher

pennypinchUK (page 2) has it covered but rhobtaylor's point about the extra £250 paying for your Photoshop skills is excellent.

A friend (not a pro) did our wedding photos for nothing, we were very relaxed about the whole thing as we just wanted some good digital photos, nothing special, and no physical albums.

He then did a couple more friends' weddings for nowt, but the pressure of the day meant he couldn't enjoy himself, and the bride's parents at the last one were so demanding that he refused to ever do it for friends again.

In short, if you're a professional, even part time, you should charge your current "going rate" -- good publicity is very valuable, sure, but that logic only goes so far. It's not like you'll charge the bargain price for anyone else you don't know, and most of the guests won't get to see your "official" wedding photos, and most of the guests won't be getting married. Better if you charge a fair price (i.e. more) and show your professionalism and efficiency on the day.

If you're an amateur, then charge them whatever you feel your time is worth, and with a level of discount appropriate to the depth of the friendship. Put it this way -- if you charge them £500 and they love the photos, you win. If you only charge them £250 and they don't like the photos, you're stuffed. If you charge them £500 but they don't like the photos, you can always refund them £250 by way of an apology, which is what they agreed to pay originally, and you'll be no worse off.

nczm

Do another quote.

You've no idea what your circumstances may be in two years time; relocated, highly paid job in photography to name just two

This time try to set out your costs in a way which covers you for any unreasonable behaviour (we all know how brides can get) such as overtime, expenses, travel - mock it up at full rate then stick on a great big discount for "mates rates" (should cheer you chum up) if they're still not happy they can always look elsewhere but I think its reasonable, afterall most people would expect a pay rise after two years doing any other job

Layline

It's worth doing another quote, as no quote lasts for 2 years. Your 'mates rate' can depend on how close a friend they are. If you would have attended the wedding if you weren't taking photos, the discount is like a wedding gift. I wouldn't call that unreasonable.

rhobtaylor

I look at it this way, I am a musician, so if it was me asked to play I would say the going rate of the time less a quarter. Everything else would be as a normal gig. If the mother of the bride wants "creative control" over the set list, that's extra, consumate with the time needed to learn songs. If the original gig was 2 years ago and I am now earning £500 a night not £50 then the price goes up. If I have just won the Voice it's nearer to £50 grand... Let's face it if you are there in any "capacity" you are not there to enjoy the day so it has to be worth it. At worst set it in stone that you only deal with the bride & groom, and to the originally agreed terms for that price. Which is a fair compromise. Anything else is seperate...at the end of the day they can use Instagram if they don't like it...

cazpost

You need to explain to your friend why you need to increase your price. Show them a breakdown of the costs involved,and how much they were previously,for example inks and paper if you are printing the photos yourself, or development costs,album prices etc.Work out what you think is a fair price,and negotiate with them.
If they don't want to pay a fair price there are plenty of wedding photographers out there.You could always get a few quotes for them to show you are offering a better deal!
If this was a very close friend I'd be very wary of doing the pictures for them anyway,as people do become very demanding .A relative of mine worked for many years as a wedding photographer,and he had one client (Brides Mother) who refused to pay on the grounds that there weren't enough photos of the groom.As the groom had spent almost the entire day in the hotel bar it was rather hard to take any pictures of him,at least of him upright!

alwayswrite

If you have quoted a price then it isn't an estimate but your friend should be made aware that the quote was made two years ago and you could have a word with her and let her know why you would like to give her a fresh quote. On the other hand you can always be 'busy' on the new date she has given you and not take the photos at all. Either way is not going to be easy but the choice is up to you. Good luck anyway.

ladyji

I would say yes!! if you explain that the developing costs have gone up and any equiptment you may need has gone up in price... as long as you don't raise it to match other professionals then i think she will be fine! at the end of the day even £500 is cheap considering when i got married 5 years ago we were being quoted £1200!!!

all those that are saying don't be a cheapskate and give it as a wedding present would you go through the wedding list and spend £250 on a gift? no i didn't think so!!

joehoover

Of course you can, it's a business transaction not a favour otherwise there would be no quote to begin with. Quotes are usually only valid 30-60 days, two years definitely not.

I usually comment on dilemmas aghast at things people do to their friends and family but these are different circumstances.

Bear in mind though, if you work for your friends you will also be more culpable if something goes wrong, and it'll end up another dilemmma on here! For example, my friend is a florist, she asked to do my sisters flowers at her wedding, I said no straight away, because, 1) I knew my sister would be very demanding and was worried how my friend would react to that. 2) If my friend had mucked up in some way, then my sister would be on my back for recommending her.

Sometimes it pays to not be involved and keep business and personal situations apart. It's sad to say but there is an element of truth in it.