This is a craiglist post from there, but probably wrote by one wedding photographer from digitalweddingforum.
I post it full here because as it is a craiglist it might disappear soon.
Hi there! My name is Lindsay and I’ve just got a brand new camera for Christmas but haven’t even taken it out of the box. I really want to get into the wedding photography business because I see so many people in Utah are getting married and it looks like easy money. I can’t guarantee that even one photo will turn out looking good but I sure will try. Some pictures will be used for my portfolio and my future website. I start booking appointments this week! I am now booking for Spring and Summer of 2010.
I specialize in all types of Lifestyle photography including:
Weddings – You’ll have to pay $15 for gas money outside of Salt Lake City
Bridals
Engagements
Families
Children
Portraiture
FashionMy style is classy, elegant and artistic. I would be honored to be part of your special occasion or photography needs considering I have no professional experience. I would love to capture those beautiful moments for you and your family.
I have so much passion for being a pro wedding photographer! All my friends and family tell me I take great pictures at all our outings and picnics. I’m putting together a web site of all the flower pictures and sunsets I’ve taken so you can see how good I am. I even have a few pics of my pet dog which turned out really great!
But I don’t have a business license, liability insurance, flashes, extra batteries, or even more than a kit lens that came in the box. If something goes wrong, you’re out of luck. To keep things cheap for you, I won’t even back up any of your images. Less cost for me means less cost for you. Just passing the savings on. I expect to be paid in cash or personal check because I don’t plan on claiming this income on my taxes.
I know many fun and beautiful locations. I really care about making brides look beautiful! I add glow and selective color to all of my images, giving them the best look possible. No need to hassle with computer programs.
Bridals and Engagements are only $100. Please trust me to do your wedding. I’ll do it cheap just to build up my portfolio. I will only charge you $250 for your entire wedding day. This is a deal. My camera cost me $700 brand new. All sessions include a Hi Resolution CD with FULL copy right release included, which means you get to print your pictures at Wal-Mart! Here’s the BEST Part! I offer 100% guarantee on ALL my sessions! Don’t pay a cent until you are 100% happy with your pictures!
I own a camera therefore I can take photos like the pros, who charge alot more. Most brides in Utah spend $2,500 on professional wedding photography. Since I have no experience I’ll only be charging $250 (90% off regular wedding photography prices) to shoot full day wedding coverage.
Think about it: Pros charge alot of money because they have alot of expenses. I don’t.
Pros have:
-a business license
– multiple cameras
-thousands of dollars in lenses and flashes
-hard drives to back up the images
-insurance
-experience
-people skills
-color calibrated monitors
-professional print labs
-professional albumsI have none of this stuff so we’ll keep it cheap, just for you!
E-mail me if you want to set an appointment or if you have any questions, I will gladly respond.
This post has been creating a lot of comment on different forum all over the wedding photography little world…
An old fight between the amateurs and wanna be pros against the established studios or independent, well trained, well equipped pros. I consider myself of the last category.
Legitimate photographers/companys have spent a lot of time/money/effort on getting where they need to be as a legitimate business. The easy sell is just to explain truthfully to the bride and groom what the difference is between a photographer by trade, and a weekend warrior mentality. There will always be the risk takers who will save a buck by going with the weekend warriors. So what. The same holds true for absolutely any service based business. Ever had your friends come help you paint your house? What about a cousin who is good at fixing cars? These are areas where expertise and experience may get you better service, but sometimes you would just rather save the money. Everyone put’s a different value on how important one thing is vs another. Part of your job as a photographer is to up-sell the value of what you have to offer.
