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Not usually.
However, it is customary to "tip" for a referral.
It would be counterproductive, somewhat slimy and generally useless because of employee turnover to bribe an employee. I realize that you're talking about a finders fee, but it should really be more of a "tip" or happy surprise referral fee to keep things squeaky clean.
The monetary value of the tip or referral fee could be anywhere between $200 and ~10% of the cost of photography.
A tip doesn't necessarily have to be monetary. Completing an on-location company wide photo shoot or personal family photography for the referrer is a nice way to say thank-you and often has more value than simple currency.
The way to get yourself onto those referral lists is to be in the right place at the right time. You need to know when the books and guides that are given out by hotels and event centers are being produced and then spring into action. Show your portfolio and offer a complimentary personal sitting to the person who is organizing the book.
Busy wedding photographers have outstanding portfolios, shining references, very strong alliances with local wedding planners and top-shelf local advertising.
Your online portfolio is KEY these days. Do not (whatever you do) use a website template. Pay $3k and have the site professionally made by a top-shelf web development firm. Ensure that you have a strong mix of both wedding and live model examples. Brides want to feel and look like a model on their wedding day so show that you're capable of that. Make sure that you have an outstanding online local advertising plan to compliment your portfolio. I don't know a bride who hasn't searched google for "Wedding Photographer (town name)".
My last general (and somewhat off topic) tip is to ensure that you're on location looking and acting like a pro. Don't have a sip of liquor, wear a casual suit, have lots of cheap lights to fill out "the show" and fill your back pocket with business cards that have a 10% off coupon.
Source(s):
I'm friends with a wedding photographer.
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Now, that's not to say that the planners or hotel co-ordinators don't make "reccomendations" or have friends and past clients that will give recomendations, but as far as giving a commision to these people and businesses, I've never met one who did.
The best thing to do is hook up as an apprecntice or partner to an established wedding photographer, build your portfolio, post it online and get booths at the next bridal show.
You could also take your card, your portfolio and a (LOW) price list to the planners and co-ordinators at the hotel and they will (hopefully) pass your name along to the clients. You'll want to out bid the pro's so make the price attractive and the planner will probably drop your name - but when they do, the client will want to see your work - ergo, the webpage. That part is critical.
Best of luck!
Source(s):
Past experience in Dallas wedding circles
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Answered Question
M$10
March 23, 2009 09:19 PM
Do wedding photographers give a commission or finders fee to hotels and wedding planners? If so, how much?
Wondering if the higher end wedding photographers pay a commission to the planners? How would a photographer (experienced wedding photographer) get on a list of recommended photographers if they moved to a new area? How would a wedding photographer establish relationships with the wedding planners and hotel? Thanks.
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| March 23, 2009 10:10 PM |
However, it is customary to "tip" for a referral.
It would be counterproductive, somewhat slimy and generally useless because of employee turnover to bribe an employee. I realize that you're talking about a finders fee, but it should really be more of a "tip" or happy surprise referral fee to keep things squeaky clean.
The monetary value of the tip or referral fee could be anywhere between $200 and ~10% of the cost of photography.
A tip doesn't necessarily have to be monetary. Completing an on-location company wide photo shoot or personal family photography for the referrer is a nice way to say thank-you and often has more value than simple currency.
The way to get yourself onto those referral lists is to be in the right place at the right time. You need to know when the books and guides that are given out by hotels and event centers are being produced and then spring into action. Show your portfolio and offer a complimentary personal sitting to the person who is organizing the book.
Busy wedding photographers have outstanding portfolios, shining references, very strong alliances with local wedding planners and top-shelf local advertising.
Your online portfolio is KEY these days. Do not (whatever you do) use a website template. Pay $3k and have the site professionally made by a top-shelf web development firm. Ensure that you have a strong mix of both wedding and live model examples. Brides want to feel and look like a model on their wedding day so show that you're capable of that. Make sure that you have an outstanding online local advertising plan to compliment your portfolio. I don't know a bride who hasn't searched google for "Wedding Photographer (town name)".
My last general (and somewhat off topic) tip is to ensure that you're on location looking and acting like a pro. Don't have a sip of liquor, wear a casual suit, have lots of cheap lights to fill out "the show" and fill your back pocket with business cards that have a 10% off coupon.
Source(s):
I'm friends with a wedding photographer.
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Other Answers (2)
March 23, 2009 09:41 PM
Ethical people in these trades would probably have established professional relationships which would not require this behaviour. However, I am sure there are many out there who venture into such territories. I guess at the end of the day, so long as you get the best outcome and don't have to compromise your own ethical code then you will come out happy.
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March 23, 2009 10:14 PM
I don't think the answer rumrock is looking for is to be judged on ethics.
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March 23, 2009 09:48 PM
In my experience (I have been a wedding DJ for a number of years now) wedding photographers get exposure mostly thru word of mouth and bridal shows. Now, that's not to say that the planners or hotel co-ordinators don't make "reccomendations" or have friends and past clients that will give recomendations, but as far as giving a commision to these people and businesses, I've never met one who did.
The best thing to do is hook up as an apprecntice or partner to an established wedding photographer, build your portfolio, post it online and get booths at the next bridal show.
You could also take your card, your portfolio and a (LOW) price list to the planners and co-ordinators at the hotel and they will (hopefully) pass your name along to the clients. You'll want to out bid the pro's so make the price attractive and the planner will probably drop your name - but when they do, the client will want to see your work - ergo, the webpage. That part is critical.
Best of luck!
Source(s):
Past experience in Dallas wedding circles
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Regarding marketing:
Start by submitting your completed website to these places (all of them) http://www.instantshift.com/2009/02/11/100-best-web-galleries-around-for-your-inspiration/
Ensure that your web developer has provided you with a "white label" version of your photo portfolio. When you become good friends with all of the wedding planners in your area you can then very easily plug your portfolio into their websites to display your work in-line rather than through a simple hyperlink.
Local advertising. Figure out how much money you can spend per month on local advertising. Make a big list of every local advertising opportunity along with the price for each. Your local BIA will likely be able to help add a few options. Get a cheap VOIP business phone line. Rotate your local advertising around each opportunity and (important) track your results to refine your list.
Online, ensure that any adwords or similar advertising you buy highlights your geographic region to attract qualified leads. Swap links with as many local wedding industry folks as possible. Compose blog articles on wedding photography from the consumers point of view (non technical) but don't start a blog, rather submit your articles to other popular blogs to be posted. Become an active member of at least 10 female centric message forums - hire a college kid to help you keep up with posting if needed. Start facebook and twitter pages for your company (not you) and seek at least 100 friends / followers for both - even if you need to pay for them to get it done quickly. Submit you photos to Flikr once a month and seek out rewards / invites from the groups.
I could go on for quite a while about these things... the bottom line: focus on your local market and constantly ensure that you have the BEST *by far* online portfolio. The rest will fall in line if your photos look great and you operate a reliable, honest business.