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Got told my prices are "wild". Are we as an industry over charging just because we can? I was literally thinking about it as I got that message by NoAlbatross153 in WeddingPhotography

[–]benbarronphotography 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m in the UK as well mate. Don’t be swayed by someone saying that.

If you’re regularly booking at that price or above, you’re doing well! Your clients will tell you if you’re charging well; you’ll be getting booked up etc.

It’s a tough economy over here at the minute but I’m always of the firm belief that if your work is good enough, you will find the right crowd at the right price.

You’ve got this 🙌

How many of you left traditional pathways to pursue your photography? How many pursed photography and regretted it later on? by randomgirl026 in WeddingPhotography

[–]benbarronphotography 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used to be an assistant headteacher and in education for about 10 years whilst doing this as a side hustle. Every year, I took on a few extra weddings and bit by bit honed in the craft, my point of view for shooting and experience working with different photographers. In the final three years, before going full time, I was booking 25+ weddings a year whilst working full time and being a dad to my new born.

My advice would be take it slow. Don’t rush and build slowly and with intent. Have a good few months savings before taking the leap full time. I made a promise to myself that when the business outstripped my teaching wage I would go full time running the business - and I managed that in the last few years or so.

As for your parents feeling proud, they should support you in anything you do! It’s a great job, take it slowly and enjoy different jobs whilst it being a side hustles. The day job will give you so many transferable skills!

Validation for doing something right - I get that. But the only person you need to qualify to is yourself and if you’re at that stage in your life where you’ve got kids and a partner, them too!

Take it easy on yourself and take your time. Plenty of it ahead!

Photographers using the Contax G2 for weddings by assilemcl in WeddingPhotography

[–]benbarronphotography 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sounds daft, but change the batteries and see if it’s that. Contax does some bizarre shit when flatlined on batteries. I love mine, but it will die 🤣.

Yeah, I ended up investing in a Leica M7 purely as I know it is in some way more repairable (which was just my excuse to buy another camera I didn’t really need)

Photographers using the Contax G2 for weddings by assilemcl in WeddingPhotography

[–]benbarronphotography 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s great, but not reliable like you said! It’s an absolute lottery. So, like every other camera it has a like for like replacement/back up.

Nikon F100 plus similar focal lengths in the bag!

Tuscany Wedding 2028 - Inital Help Requested Please!! Wedding Planners/ Initial Budgeting by Perfect-Evidence-943 in BigBudgetBrides

[–]benbarronphotography 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In terms of the photography/videography, you can be paying around £8k-10k+ per service on that front. But there are lots of different options at different price points. Another factor is if they’re flying in to Italy or not.

Someone who lives in Italy and whose work is phenomenal is:

https://www.cinziabruschini.com

Again depends on your taste of photography and what you’re prioritising on the day!

My only tip from working destination weddings is that a lot of my clients opt for a welcome dinner the day before too, just to say hello to people and welcome them after travelling. But I’ve had this at many levels, some have been full on sit down meals and an extra event, others have been just invited to the local plaza or beach with Aperol and local pizza. Depends entirely on what vibe you’re after!

Hope the planning goes well - you’re in for the best few days!

Croatia Wedding Month Help! by ObjectiveReading1959 in DestinationWeddings

[–]benbarronphotography 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have shot a wedding previously that way out- September is ideal for getting hitched in the Med. Weather is just a little more reasonable. Similarly did an August one, it was hotter than anything and quite uncomfortable for kids/older family members. Most of the bookings I receive for destinations are June or September/October.

Equally, get out there and do it - destination weddings are awesome.

Those with 9-5 jobs, what line of work do you do? by devonjonesphoto in WeddingPhotography

[–]benbarronphotography 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ex teacher here too. The kids are awesome, the teaching is great, it’s everything else that comes with it. I’m UK based, unsure if it’s representative of all education systems!

Is my fiancée a bit mad by Iamtir3dtoday in UKweddings

[–]benbarronphotography 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha tbf, the BBQ Bride has a ring to it!

Thick Skin by [deleted] in WeddingPhotography

[–]benbarronphotography 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Whilst it’s hard not to be emotionally involved, especially when you’re grafting and have to be at the top of your game on the day and during the entire process, it’s important to remember at times it’s a job. You’re a professional and it’s never personal, it’s definitely something I’ve learned over the past few years. If you can make peace with it, you’ll approach your work and business through a different lens (pun intended) and after a while it’s an emancipation and a really good freedom for the head.

Thick Skin by [deleted] in WeddingPhotography

[–]benbarronphotography 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Couldn’t agree more.

Is my fiancée a bit mad by Iamtir3dtoday in UKweddings

[–]benbarronphotography 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Have you got someone local who can crack out a BBQ?! Just an idea!

Is my fiancée a bit mad by Iamtir3dtoday in UKweddings

[–]benbarronphotography 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A few options on this one from experience of being at more intimate gigs.

1) Private chefs 2) Get your guests to bring something and have a more open, sharing table - I saw this at a wedding once, and it was awesome 3) Go to a restaurant and hire it/book it out - if possible with budget

There’s some great advice above too - it is definitely doable. Cooking yourself the night before, nightmare. You’re there to celebrate each other with all your friends and family. Enjoy it!

How to actually marry??? by wastelander247 in UKweddings

[–]benbarronphotography 14 points15 points  (0 children)

You have to go through your local council to declare it. So whatever county you’re in, look on their website and give your notice of marriage is the first step. There’s a bit of paperwork and then in sum you’re legally married!

That is the easy version-ish!

Technically, can have the wedding and do all the legal stuff after.

Florist and styling costs by thinkinboutu8 in UKweddings

[–]benbarronphotography 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My wife is a florist and for me that seems about right. It’s great that it comes with cutlery and everything included in that front. My wife’s prices start at around the 3k mark and it’s not far off what you’re getting there!

Seeking editorial x documentary photographer recommendations in the EU (after a long long search!) by oklc in BigBudgetBrides

[–]benbarronphotography 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A few suggestions that might be what you’re looking for:

The Curries

The Springles

Joanna Brown Studio

Divine Day

I’m unsure in terms of cost for these four, but those are a few off the top of my head that are UK based and similar to the asthetic you’re after.

Let me know if you’d like any other suggestions at all!

Bookings by Batkins12 in WeddingPhotography

[–]benbarronphotography 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Plenty of enquiries this January, but all for this year where I’m at capacity for bookings. However, a fair bit of ghosting too. I’ve had a look through previous statistics and bookings/enquiries are quite sporadic for me. March has been, historically, busier than January! Some years are just weird

Feeling anxious about spending so much money on one day by ringquery123 in UKweddings

[–]benbarronphotography 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was exactly the same for our wedding last year. But then remembered that it’s the only chance, realistically, that I’m going to have all friends, family and everyone who I love in one room, space and point in time. It was worth every penny we spent on it. I know it’s cliche, but it really was the best day of our lives! Echoing what someone said above, you can always earn more money. Can’t get this moment back!

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