I just photographed a very dynamic and good looking Christian couple's engagement. They are getting married on Dec. 8th in Alabama... I forgot the name of the town but she said it was 60 miles south of Montgomery. The Groom-to-be is a newly commissioned officer in the Army (brand new). The Bride-to-be is a TV reporter for a small town market in Georgia. They are trying to pay for this wedding themselves, since her parents can't afford it. She's got connections with the media and they are trying to get the wedding sponsored by local vendors. So, I'm posting this in hope that some good-hearted, up and coming, or seasoned pro might volunteer to accept this assignment. I don't know what they can pay, but I do know that you'd get great images for advertising or building a portfolio, because I know the couple, and they are very dynamic, fun, energetic, and photograph really well. I photographed the groom's sister's wedding last summer (here in Texas) and the images turned out fantastic.... You might also get some free publicity (i.e. free marketing) by accepting this job. Who knows maybe she'll become famous and you'll have the early years images.... I'd do it for free if I could get off work from my job and someone would fund the trip expenses to get there (that's how much I like this couple). If any one is interested please email me, steve@capturedkeepsakes.com . I can get you in contact with them and you can go from there.... So if there's anyone willing to offer their services to help out a great couple, please contact me.... I've posted an image taken from their engagement session.... More on my website...

Let's see...She has a job, he has a job. Why again should anyone do this for anything other than normal rates?

First off, I'm just trying to help some one out... Remember the title of this thread is called Opportunities and Giving If you want to respond negatively, then please don't post.

Unfortunately, some people don't remember when they got married, broke but madly in love.... remember that.... and there are those that put everything on credit, build up a ton of debt and bury themselves with that burden....

If this offends some (not intended), I apologize, but whatever happened to extending grace to someone? I do remember some on this forum shoot one wedding a year for free.... They have either a contest or competition... I'm just trying to help out a deserved couple (who want to do it right) and give them something they'd really cherish.... and instead of monetarily being paid, maybe bartering services for publicity, etc.... hopefully some talented individual on this forum can understand what I'm trying to do.... what good is what we do, if we can't once in while give it away.... "those that lose their lives for my sake, will find it" (my rendition)....

Hi Steve,

That email link didn't work for me...but you can pass my info along if you want to. I'm in north Alabama so it wouldn't be a big deal to travel.

www.bentleygray.net
www.bentleygray.blogspot.com
Thanks!
Bentley

Its entirely possible they might want to do it as a probono with the possibility of blessing them b/c he is an enlisted officer...referrals or maybe even...

You might also get some free publicity (i.e. free marketing) by accepting this job. Who knows maybe she'll become famous and you'll have the early years images.

Who knows there might be someone out there interested...why you gotta be all down on someone wanting to bless someone!?

I am available and near Montgomery, so travel is no problem. I am sure they can afford me, since I am a relative newcomer.

puredesign1@mac.com

I'm just saying that if we do free or heavily discounted weddings for people that are young, madly in love, and nice, then we'll do a lot of work for nothing. I do a wedding for free if I feel the need, or I barter if it helps, but the question remains "Why this couple?" Why is it deserved here? I get doing something nice, and I'm all over helping a *deployed* military person. I just don't see in this case any reason they are needy or entitled. There is giving in this, but if you think there's opportunity you're kidding yourself.

Just go in with open eyes. Working only for publicity and referrals = short lived business. Know that if you're giving it is a gift, and don't expect publicity or referrals. Any referrals you get from this will be for more free work.

I'm up in Missouri, but I'd like to be considered as well.

Tim Miller Photography
http://tmillerphoto.com
Springfield, Missouri
417 - 880 - 8357

You've got a PM!

Thanks everyone for all the responses... OSP is a really special place... That's one of the reasons I hang around..... I've passed the information on to the couple that everyone has sent me.... Hopefully it works out for all involved.... Again, thanks for all of your kindness and grace.... It's greatly appreciated..... I'll keep you updated...

Some photographers on this site are just starting into the business. These are great starting opportunities. I know when I started (I am a college instructor) I did it because the students were all asking me to shoot their weddings. I did a couple for free and then started charging a small amount...now I have offices in two states. It helps the couple and builds the portfolio. Some I have done for the heavenly reward alone and it was well worth it

These aren't twenty-year old college students living in someone's basement working minimum wage on the side so they can pay off their loans and make rent every month. They are professionals. He's an officer, she's a TV reporter. Why do they need charity?

I think there's a big difference between people who truly can't afford a luxery and people who just want to use their "connections" because they're cheap. People with careers should not be the ones who we are giving discounted or pro bono services to.

I have sent you an email for more information.

I think what most people are concerned with is the same with me. I have had soooo many brides whine they don't have any money, then I show up for a $10,000+ reception and see the $5,000+ flowers. Oh and the stretch limousine...

We just want more information. Personally I would rather stay busy.

I am in Montgomery and could get there easily.

PM sent . . .

Sorry, I don't think my post was clear. What I was saying is that it is a great opportunity for a new photographer to get into a group of people that will have fairly high end weddings. I know the area I live in there are seasoned photographers that can't get the price they are worth because of the economy in the community. Someone just starting out will have to shoot a couple of things for nothing or near nothing just to get started IF they are new and unknown. Not that this couple needs help...maybe that is not the case, but a new photographer might need help and this could be it.

Hi Steve,

We're new to OSP and I'm supposing since this thread is over a week old that the B&G have probably already picked a photographer, but if you see this and they haven't could you pass our info along. We are in Chattanooga and available. We won't be able to do it for free but since we are new we are certainly willing to give them a really awesome deal.

Thanks!!

www.charisphotography.net
Keith and Nema Heptinstall
423-290-0417

Just got off the phone with the prospective groom. He told me the wedding date has changed, due to military obligations. The new date is Dec. 29th. It's going to be at a church near Auburn University in Alabama. If anyone is interested (please read above), you can contact him. Here's his email: richard.tang@us.army.mil

Thanks for all of the early responses.....

Thanks for the info!

What does them being Christian have anything to do with anything? If they were Jewish, Muslim or heaven forbid, Mormon would that change the reaction of who's going to "cut them a deal"? I'm sorry, great experience for a newbie or not, this thread is ridiculous.