We've gotten a few requests from other photographers wanting to shoot for us...So we would like to bring on another photographer, but we have very little knowledge in how to set this up? We've got one photographer whom we are serious about bringing on but lack the experience in installing the structure in our business and work flow. here's what we think( By the Way we are a husband and wife team):

1. We charge a lower fee for our associate photographer wedding (Currently we start at 3k) at lets say $1750 where only one of us would tag along to make sure everything runs smoothly.

2. We only take a commission(%) of that package...Yet to be determined.

3. And the Associate does 85% of the work and does it under our name....

We are open to suggestions and your experiences.....

There is a photographer here in Utah that owns a few different brands he operates his business under. Their main studio is under his name "Marc Ryan Photography" and the other is a generic name "Avenues Photography" which they frequently hire stringers for. Separate websites, advertising, etc.

This allows them to separate their high and low ends as they're not compatible, while still catering to both.

My wife and I rebranded our studio with a generic name so that we can work with other photographers and have our business name represent a reputation and a body of work, hopefully this will help dash concerns about people calling and asking for one of us specifically as we continue growing. We've also gone that route should we decide to sell the business down the road.

But for how long do they want to shoot for you? Lots of people want experience - most think they are going to be rich and famous in a year and want to be independent.

Yeah agreed jkantor,

i know of a friend who does this for venture photography in ireland, which is all portraits for families etc. but he works as a photographer for them and a freelancer and he gets to use their name/brand as a representative and a photographer but his pay packet is half of what hed get if he worked for them full time and in their studio. he wanted experience for finishing his degree.

most people will want the experience and possibly use your database as a stepping stone so they can start up themselves! so best talk to the photographer about it and see what they want from you, but have your rules. always interesting to see what they have to say first before you lay down your terms and conditions.

i think your strategy is fine, and having one of you with him/her is a good idea to but doing it too long will cost you more for your time.

like most companies they will have people ona 3month trial whereby they can cut you with a weeks notice with no reason for doing it. i know thats how most european companies do that. put them on trial first!

just some ideas, hope it helps

I would get in touch with Me Ra Koh, she just posted a thread about this subject I think.
But if I were you, I would either send her a pm or email her directly.

She is the first one that comes to mind.
I have tried this myself, but everytime I get someone trained onto my system, they leave and start their own business. So for now, I have decided to stop taking people on.

i've asked a few people in my area about how they do this. they sign a no-competition contract for 2-5 years. they pay the photog a flat fee and they are done. the company edits and retains the copyrights as outlined in the contract as well.

gary fong has a good second shooter explanation floating around somewhere.

Do they pay the hiring photog a flat fee to escape the no compete?
Or is it if they break the no compete?

Thanks a ton guys...It defenitely gives us a bit to consider and a few avenues to explore!! Much Gratitude!