Wedding Photography and Videography Forum

Help!

I have asked a very dear friend who is great with a camera if she would take our engagement photos.  She will probably not ask for payment, but it would be rude not to compensate her for her services.

What would be an appropriate amount for something like that?

Re: Help!

  • lana2007lana2007 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I would say $50-$100
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  • edited December 2011
    Be careful with this.   I just posted about whether it's wise to do business with friends in another thread.  But if you insist on moving forward it would probably be more appropriate to give her a really nice gift (full day at the spa?) in lieu of cash.
  • deb84deb84 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I agree, be careful with this.  It could end very badly. 
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  • edited December 2011
    Side note - I disagree with Nola, as long as you're willing to stake your friendship on the services they're providing I see no problem in doing business with friends.  (Ie, you know for a fact that they are trustworthy and there will be no repercussions on your relationship - or that if things go awry you won't mind losing their friendship.)

    Definitely compensate your friend for doing the photo shoot.  A gift is nice but I would personally opt for money since not only is she taking the time out to do it but money will also help 'pay for' her camera, supplies, etc.  I would research standard prices in your area and compensate her comparably.  We're working with friends for both our cake and flowers and plan on 'tipping' them what outside vendors would normally charge us for labor, supplies, etc.
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  • JessicaE84JessicaE84 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Be careful, though, because you don't want to insult her by offering payment. She may see it as something nice she is doing for you for your engagement. Personally, if I were doing something like that for a very close friend, I would not be comfortable accepting cash, but I would appreciate a nice gift. Maybe you and your FI could offer to take her out to a nice dinner after the shoot or, like NOLA said, a day at the spa would be great. You could give her a gift and also offer to pay for whatever supplies she might need for the shoot.

    One of my bridesmaids is also a calligrapher and she addressed my save the dates, is addressing all of my invitations and we are going to be borrowing her beautiful handwriting for a variety of other wedding projects. She would not accept money from us, but all of the work she is doing is going to be her wedding gift to us and we truly appreciate it. That is another way you could go.
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  • edited December 2011
    I wouldn't be as concerned with having your friend doing engagement pics as you might be with your actual wedding pictures. E-pics are nice, but if they turn out poorly, a. not the end of the world, and b. you have plenty of time to get new ones taken. But I would offer her something for her time and services, even if its an agreement to buy so many prints from her. 
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