Wedding Photographer / No-Post editing

[Bodhi]

I wanted to canvas the forums thoughts on this.

I am looking for someone to shoot my wedding. However I only want them to take the pictures and send me the Raw images.
I will do all of the post-editing.

It is almost like being a second-shooter as there is no time commitment after the wedding other than transferring the Raw files.
That could even be cut out if I provide all the CMOS or SDHC cards and the photographer just gives them to me at the end of the day.
There is also no need for posed group shots. Just float around and take pictures of the event.

It would be a full day, 2 events, Ceremony in the morning and reception in the evening.

How much do you guys think this could cost me for a good photographer. I am not looking for the best just someone who knows how to focus and use flash.

[bosoxfanx1]

dont get ripped off for such a simple job, I wouldnt pay more than $200 if they dont even have to edit...

[o0aZuMi0o]

$200 is for lower than ***** job IMO. At least get someone who's experienced since the photographer will need to know poses, group shots, and have the experience. Around $400 would be your ballpark

[fullyreclined]

How much do you guys think this could cost me for a good photographer. I am not looking for the best just someone who knows how to focus and use flash.

I "good" photographer who would hand over his/her raw images (digital negatives) would cost a helluva lot more than a few hundred bucks! Try at least $2k+ for a seasoned professional.

Otherwise you'll find a few dozen on CL/Kijiji who'll be more than happy to have you hire them in your price range. Just remember you'll get what you pay for.

[nano]

IMO, a pro/good won't photograph a wedding and hand over the raw files for you do post produce. If you screw them up you can ruin his reputation.

[zero_2003]

2 full day events - assuming 12 hours each day. That's a total of 24 hours. A good photographer will charge at least $3000.

[zero_2003]

dont get ripped off for such a simple job, I wouldnt pay more than $200 if they dont even have to edit...

That rate is cheaper than minimum wage.

[iPeeSitting]

2 full day events - assuming 12 hours each day. That's a total of 24 hours. A good photographer will charge at least $3000.

OP said "It would be a full day, 2 events, Ceremony in the morning and reception in the evening"

[ssbtech]

dont get ripped off for such a simple job, I wouldnt pay more than $200 if they dont even have to edit...

I'd be happy to give up a whole day to shoot one of the most challenging and stressful situations short of a war that a photographer will encounter.

I'll spend an hour at the venue the day before taking light readings so I know that I can obtain accurate exposure, talk to the venue operator to ensure flash photography is permitted and go over all the situations so I know what lenses I need to have ready.

I'll bring with me thousands of dollars in photography equipment, an assistant to hold the light reflectors and quickly hand me new cards and batteries as I run them flat.

And I'll only ask for $200 and some wedding cake.

[CSAgent]

I say this with utmost respect but no way in Hades would a professional wedding photographer just give you RAW images from the day of your wedding.

Since you seem to be on a very, very low budget - I would suggest asking a family member or a friend to photograph your wedding. Any self respecting wedding photographer would not do this, sorry to say. Save yourself time looking for such a person and just go and ask a family member/friend.

[zero_2003]

OP said "It would be a full day, 2 events, Ceremony in the morning and reception in the evening"

My apologies. In that case, your budget should be $2000.

[Bodhi]

I say this with utmost respect but no way in Hades would a professional wedding photographer just give you RAW images from the day of your wedding.

Since you seem to be on a very, very low budget - I would suggest asking a family member or a friend to photograph your wedding. Any self respecting wedding photographer would not do this, sorry to say. Save yourself time looking for such a person and just go and ask a family member/friend.

Thanks a lot for your comments everyone. They are helpful

I was unsure if a Photographer would consider just sending me his/her RAW files.

I'm not necessarily on a tight budget. But wanted to explore this possibility. I was looking at a few websites for potential photographers costing around $4,000 grand.
Their pictures were okay but the post-editing wasn't great. I maybe biased but like my post-editing a lot more and also since it is my wedding I figure I would spend much more time on it.

But everyone's points are legitimate. I was in no way expecting to pay only $200. But I admit I wasn't expecting close to $2000.

Thanks

[mebiuspower]

I am not looking for the best just someone who knows how to focus and use flash.

Because that's all there is to photography. lol.

[Bodhi]

That is a good point. And one I didn't think of

After looking through some photographers websites, I was actually thinking the opposite. That they might be happy to have someone post-edit their photographs properly and for free.

But your concern is valid. I guess he/she would have see my post-editing work to be comfortable just as I would have to be comfortable with their photography.

IMO, a pro/good won't photograph a wedding and hand over the raw files for you do post produce. If you screw them up you can ruin his reputation.

[zero_2003]

Not every wedding photographer will keep RAW files from their clients. Some Wedding photographers will give out RAW files if:

1) You ask for specific pictures.
2) You pay extra on top of the existing package.
3) You're not satisfied.
4) It's in the contract
5) You're a professional photographer and they trust you

Don't say "give me all the raw files" after a wedding. It's quite disrespectful to a photographer. It translates to "I can do a better post processing job than you". Sometimes this can be true. But why would you hire a photographer when you don't like their work?

On the other hand, I don't think a photographer would want to work with a client that doesn't appreciate their work.

If you're on a tight budget, then start negotiating for stuff that you don't need (i.e. less hours, no engagement, give referrals to the photographer, etc.). Wedding photography should cost between 10 to 20% of your overall wedding budget. Keep that in mind when you're doing your planning.

Recently, I compiled a Toronto wedding directory for upcoming grooms-to-be and brides-to-be to help them out with their wedding planning process. It's got a list of many different wedding vendors in Toronto (including photographers) that I would recommend. As a newlywed myself, I understand the amount of stress when it comes to organizing a wedding. If you're interested, check out my article here:

http://www.saikit.com/ultimate-toron...ing-directory/