second shooter...Is this fair?

Question:Someone we know is getting married this summer and they hired my friend and I to be the photographers. So here is the problem: They purchased a package which includes two photographers. I will be the second shooter. She wants me to give her the photos I take for post processing (photoshop retouching) However, I do not want to just hand my photos over to her, have them be completely photoshopped then have her initials stamped on them. I told her this but she argued that "this is how the professionals do it" Please note, we are not professionals. I would receive 1/5 of what we earn. Which to me seems unfair. You should also know that she has a very strong personality and nearly always gets her way, which makes it difficult to negotiate with her. Though for me it is not about the money, but the principle of the thing. What do you think?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Someone we know is getting married this summer and they hired my friend and I to be the photographers. So here is the problem: They purchased a package which includes two photographers. I will be the second shooter. She wants me to give her the photos I take for post processing (photoshop retouching) However, I do not want to just hand my photos over to her, have them be completely photoshopped then have her initials stamped on them. I told her this but she argued that "this is how the professionals do it" Please note, we are not professionals. I would receive 1/5 of what we earn. Which to me seems unfair. You should also know that she has a very strong personality and nearly always gets her way, which makes it difficult to negotiate with her. Though for me it is not about the money, but the principle of the thing. What do you think?

She doesn't have a clue ... this is an incorrect statement, "this is how the professionals do it"

Here is how the professionals do it.

They charge for the shoot (Weddings start at $2,000 for one shooter, $3,500 for two). This gets you to show up and shoot for three to four hours and within a week, supply the client a CD with about 50 of the edited (sorted, not photoshopped) of the absolutely best shots. The image files on the CD have been re-sized to 600 x 400 pixels @ 72 DPI with copyright notice across each image. Then once the client decides what images they want and in what sizes, you have them printed and charge them accordingly. It is selling the prints where the photographers make their money.

That said, if she is still trying to sucker you into shooting her wedding for nearly "free", pass .. let her spend her money with someone who cannot be unduly influenced by her and who has done this a few hundred times.

Tell the person that you know that you are very sorry, but you can't work with this person. Walk away from the grief.

Major life lesson: Avoid working for people like that AT ALL COSTS. They're users and they'll never give you your due -- EVER. (Sometimes you have to swallow your pride, because it's the only income that you have, but as soon as you can, strike out on your own.)

So, if you don't need the money, WALK AWAY. But if you signed a contract, you may just have to suck it up and learn your lesson.

Good luck.

Please avoid this situation at all costs!!
been in this very same situation and it did not turn out good.
never ever let someone talk you out of something that you dont believe in.... avoid avoid avoid.... there is nothing like taking great photos and then have someone ruin them..

good luck

by the way not getting much for it anyways...
so if they are a friend go to the wedding and enjoy the food and free drinks!!
lol.

Photography Assistance/Second shooter must have experiences and know more techniques in Wedding shots,also have degree in Photography,like me I have Bachelor of Arts in Photography of London and New York,why don't you employ me now?

You are the assistant on the job even as the second shooter. She as the main photographer is taking the business risk, carries the insurance and will hear from the client if something goes wrong. Her name is on everything. You don't sound like an assistant to me and should be on your own. It also sounds like your personalities clash and that is really a problem on any job. Photography is about teamwork. If I where you I would decline working with her unless you have a 50/50 partnership. However with such you will carry all the risks and will have to pay for 50% of the cost.

Photoace is right. Wedding photographers start at $500 per hour.
If you do decide to go with it, make sure you write up a contract with her. Include pricing, hours you'll be there, shots to be taken, how many photo's she can expect, and whatever else YOU require. As the photographer, you own all copywrites. If she wants to do her own photoshop work...let her. You have the originals, and can use them in your portfolio.
Good Luck

Get the F out of dodge! This is the wrong way to go into the business.

Just to add to fhotoace's great answer - anytime you are doing something like this always get a contract with the person you are shooting for and make sure that you agree with the terms.

The fact that you are not professionals is a bit disconcerting, but definitely shows in your friend and how they are acting.

As others have said, I would decline the work.

It's great to have principles.

Mine is, Never Turn Down Work.

V