Do you book other photographers...

[clayhilda55]

Same here, I had a family event and though I got a wonderful team to shoot I decided to just make them my special guests hence; invited another photographer to shoot us. I paid knowing the skills and talent I wanted.

[studiocygnet]

I've been in a couple bands that paid full price for a photog, and I've also done a couple of the bands I've played in myself. So far I'd say I like the results I got doing it myself better, but then I'd be a bit biased, wouldn't I.

[iCe]

I did for my daughters wedding.

[Cajungaltx]

I do it for free....and thus far have been the recipient of 2 free sessions by another photographer.

To me - the reality is that I 'could' set up my camera, get everyone 'setup' and remote trigger...or whatever.... but it's SO much easier NOT to have to do that.... and I know this amazing photographer.... who was gracious enough to take photos for us....

[sbug_adam]

i would book Tracy to photograph my wife :)

[Nikonfan]

Interesting topic. My wife wants family portraits and asked if I knew anyone that would do it for us for free. I said that I wouldn't ask another photog to do it for free. However, I do have a photographer friend that had a child around the same time as us and he might like family portraits. So I plan to ask him if he would be interested in doing a shoot for each other. Of course, like Donna mentioned, I "could" do it myself with my remote release. That is just in theory though. With two children I need to be behind the camera so I can snap the shutter at just the right time and keep the childrens attention focused in the right direction. Plus, I always enjoy shooting with other photographers. I find it to be a great learning experience. My guess is that my friend will be happy to do this as it will benefit him too. However, if he is not up for it then I would certainly pay someone. I wouldn't expect a discount. However, I have a standard discount I give to friends and family and if I know the photographer or they are on TPP I give them the same discount. Since I include a CD with my sessions they could use their own printer and get the pictures at cost.

[David Whatley]

DAvid, I wouldnt mind doing your family for you. Not sure of a trade though, unless of course you switched to Canon :)
Give me a call :)

[dmbusch09]

Last year, when my daughter was turning 1, I thought that I was ready to finally have a family picture done (I had already done pictures of her, her with dad and her with brother, but hadn't been ready to get in any myself.) I called up my old boss from when I worked in a studio. She came out and shot us, but she kept asking me what I wanted to do.

Went through the pictures and found one that was passable for a Christmas card, but over our mantle still hangs the 20x24 from our engagement pictures when my son jumped in, 5 years ago.

So this year we decided to find someone to pay. The person I really want is $400 sitting fee and starting package at $400...I can't afford that...2nd choice is having family issues right now and isn't taking new customers so I asked her to recommend someone...I contacted her recommendation from my personal e-mail and did not mention that I was a photographer...I want someone to take charge of my session. Well, turns out that she knows of me, so we will see...Session is on Oct. 24th, I will let you guys know how it goes.

[doctahjones]

my thoughts....

i think it would be pretty easy to do your own pictures with either a timer or remote.

for studio portraits, it's real easy to setup the lights and have your sig other do the shot for you. at least that's what i do. i set the camera and such so all she has to do is frame and pull the trigger. works pretty well like that for me.

but, i don't think i would ever pay -full- price to another photog to get pictures done. i mean i would think that it was a professional courtesy, and i would do the same for any non guy/girl-with-camera, if i even charged at all.

but i understand that a photogs time is worth something, and i don't expect every photog to just be handing out free 'professional courtesy' sessions.

[Nikonfan]

Thanks David. If my friend is not interested I will be in touch with you.

Just curious, why would you want me to shoot with Canon? Do you just perfer that retro look to your shots? Kidding :P

[ChristopherCoy]

Originally Posted by dmbusch09

So this year we decided to find someone to pay. The person I really want is $400 sitting fee and starting package at $400...I can't afford that....

I could probably afford it, but the decision is whether or not I WANTED to afford it. I wouldn't mind paying a photographer their $400 session fee because is their time and effort. The problem that I would have is the $400 'package', knowing that I could print my own for a fraction of that cost through WHCC (which I love Love LOVE btw... just a little plug).