How much to charge for PP a wedding?

[S-Man]

So I'm supposed to second-shoot a wedding in April. A friend of mine got the gig and she asked me to help with it. She shoots film now, but will have Digital by the wedding. She does not have the computer or the knowlege to Post-Process images. So I'm already assuming that, not only will the images she shoots (most-likely) need PP work, but it will be my responsibility to do so in addition to second-shooting.

I'm not an expert at PS, I'm not even very good at it, but I can get by with the basics.
PP will include minor retouching/cloning if necessary, WB/Brightness/Contrast correction if needed, and probably noise reduction, web-posting and/or Burning a DVD.

We're supposed to split the $$ down the middle.

But I was wondering what, if any I should charge for Post-Processing the images? Just a ballpark if you have any Ideas.
It would help me out a great deal, and give me a better idea what I'm getting into.
Thanks so much!

[billash1]

My thought: If you can do PP and she can't, and if the photos you both take require pretty extensive retouching, then you should get adequate compensation. Splitting the dollars down the middle may be OK with you, but I'd be upfront with your friend and let her know that if you end up having to spend tons of time fixing image problems, you need to get extra.
Shooting the pictures is only the beginning in most cases.......

[S-Man]

Thanks for the response...I don't think she's very familiar with shooting digital, so I'm assuming her images will require adjustment. But I'm pretty familiar with it (It's all I've known) so I think the most adjustments on my images would be maybe white balance and noise.
I agree that I should be compensated, I just don't know by how much.

[toverman]

Your friend isn't familiar with digital yet but is going to shoot a wedding with it? This April?

While many rules of exposure and camera handling can apply to film and digital, there are many many differences. I'd question whether she needs to switch this close to an event without thoroughly testing out the world of noise (vs. grain), white balance, variances in how sensors react to light vs. film, crop factors (if applicable) with digital and how they affect focal lengths. The list is so long I don't even know all of it!

Maybe she should shoot film and you shoot digital ... split the cost evenly as she'll have to pay for processing and you'll have to post-process your images. In her shoes, I would be wary of making a change this close to a professional job.

[canoflan]

There are several on-line providers of retouching services that will give you an idea of what they are charging, then adjust that amount by the fact that you may not as good as they are (75%, 50% as good). Usually they provide either a per-hour charge, or per-head and state what is included. Start with Mpix.com

I see you are in Houston. If things get hairy and you think you may need help, I live in Cypress and provide the services myself, along with photography/photoshop tutoring.

Canoflan

[S-Man]

Cool that's good to know. Thanks for the references Canoflan.

Yeah, Todd, that sounds like a very good idea...I'll tell her that.
She did the couple's family portraits, and also the engagement shots, so they gave her the wedding too, although she's never done a wedding before. Not only that, it's going to be at THIS place: http://www.burkeshireplantation.com/default.htm

I don't think she's even got a digital camera yet. It takes a while of playing with it to be comfortable with the controls and adjustments IMO...Although she may plan on shooting in full 'Auto' I'll have to see...

I didn't have any idea how much PP runs, so thanks for the advice.

[toverman]

You might want to run and hide the day of the wedding. Full auto mode? She's never shot a wedding? You are scaring me! I guess just have your "A game" with you, because it sounds like she might have to rely on images you get. Weddings are not easy ... lots of work ... I'm only comfortable enough now with them to be dangerous myself.

[S-Man]

Instead of running and hiding, I"m afraid I"m going to have to do more than a second shooter is supposed to.
I am going to try my best, and I plan on taking the same formals she takes, just in case. I also plan on taking alot of the "Must Shoot" pictures for the day. That way, if hers come out less-than satisfactory, Mine will be there like Mighty Mouse...I'm not saying she's awful, its just IMO, she's not great. She lacks the 'technical' knowledge of photography such as aperature and shutter speed and iso, etc. (not to mention White Balance, Color Space, RAW and so on) So if she does get a digital, I'm going to tell her to take her film camera as her backup in case she's not comfortable shooting with digital yet.

[ndsimm]

This is the kinda thing that breaks friendships...you better sit down and have a talk with her (above all get EVERYTHING in writing - friend or not)
based on her experience, sounds like she's bringing you in as more of a primary shooter, even though that may not be the original intent...please be careful with this

[toverman]

Sam, I wish you nothing but the very best of luck.

[S-Man]

Thanks, I'm going to have a talk with her and make sure she has a contract with the B&G and try to get something in writing between us. I'm not worried about things affecting the "friendship", we're not really tight as it is, so it won't suck if things go sour.
I don't think she thinks I'll be "Primary", but from some of her stuff I've seen, I think I'll want to take backup shots so the B&G won't be disappointed. (I'm not sayin' I'm great, I just don't trust her familiarity...)
I'll let everyone know how it turns out, and try to post some shots when it's all said and done.

I still don't know about how much to charge for PP...Maybe I'll do it by how much time I spend on the shots chosen...

[ndsimm]

Again, put this in writing as well, but I'd say split it 60-40 or 70-30 and specify how much PP you will be doing, but you are justified asking for more since you will be doing most of the work. If the friend doesn't agree, then just give them images SOC and be done...

[canoflan]

Originally Posted by S-Man

Instead of running and hiding, I"m afraid I"m going to have to do more than a second shooter is supposed to.
I am going to try my best, and I plan on taking the same formals she takes, just in case. I also plan on taking alot of the "Must Shoot" pictures for the day. That way, if hers come out less-than satisfactory, Mine will be there like Mighty Mouse...I'm not saying she's awful, its just IMO, she's not great. She lacks the 'technical' knowledge of photography such as aperature and shutter speed and iso, etc. (not to mention White Balance, Color Space, RAW and so on) So if she does get a digital, I'm going to tell her to take her film camera as her backup in case she's not comfortable shooting with digital yet.

After reading all this, I am not sure it is wise to get involved in this wedding at all unless you can be the primary shooter and she take directions strictly at your discretion. A wedding doesn't have much, if any, leeway for mistakes, missed shots, etc... and you still have to deal with guests who want to be the "photographer" sometimes. Your rep is on the line here and you have a duty to be honest and consider if your business was relying solely on this wedding, would you do it?

You will get straightup advice from this forum, as you know, so please listen to those much more experienced than me warning you about this. We care not only about you, but the view of the profession which means we need to know our limitations and be brave enough to tell others professionally about what is happening so the clients get what they pay for, etc....

We care about you and wish you the best,
Canoflan

[toverman]

Of course, I agree with Canoflan, but I'd have to question whether the couple expects much if they hire a photographer (your friend) who at least clearly to us isn't ready for the job. I wonder if she isn't charging much and that's how she got the job. I'd have to say, I still wish you the best, but my advice is to RUN. FAST. If you want to make this a business for yourself, this could be a roadblock.

Even at a low cost, someone who hires a photographer expects good or at least decent images.

[S-Man]

Thanks for so much advice. I really appreciate it.
I, too, wonder if the couple expects pro-quality...According to the E-Session she did, it's not bad, but i've seen much better, and I figure if the couple is happy with those, then I'm very confident they'll be happy with the wedding pics, and I think they also know what to expect based on 2 or 3 other shoots she did for them.
I briefly spoke with the friend today and I think I may have talked her into shooting film while I shoot digital. That would save me alot of of worrying about the consistency of her images and having the headache of PP'ing her images. I know what to expect from mine, so it's no problem.

I Myself, am not a pro by any means. Just look at my sig line...But I'm personally confident about being able to deliver at least decent, mostly good images, and several "great" shots.
I don't expect to be a "Full Time" photog, but would like the extra income of a wedding or other session here and there.
And yes, for a wedding, this is a lowish-priced shoot, but about what I was thinking given neither of us are "established Pros".

Thanks again for your consideration and knowledge. If you think of anything else I'd love to hear it, good, or bad.