There is no budget…
For any more words…
That would be a very short blog!
I’m actually thinking about how many times in eight years I’ve heard this phrase, and how often it’s altered decisions.
Throwing an event or party is expensive. No one can deny that. But social media and future marketing have made content a necessity. Like loos.
It’s never the best line to open negotiations with your photographer or videographer about event photography pricing.
Setting expectations somewhere in the basement whilst asking for the images back the next day.
Exposure
Importantly, exposure can have value.
If you’re deliberately doing something because you want the association, the portfolio piece, the audience or the experience — fine.
It’s useful for cutting your teeth in the industry and meeting clients. After becoming seasoned, it feels less key.
You get to decide what YOU want to exchange.
Favours can work
It’s not a demand.
Good causes can definitely be considered too.
Expenses covered. Food provided. Whatever works for the individual.
But it’s also your right to decline things that aren’t for you.
No explanation needed.
Creative work and the awkward conversation
Creative freelancers are routinely put in positions that can be awkward, especially if you’re shy about coming forward.
However, this is part of the business.
Having the confidence to decline — or say FUCK YES — is entirely up to you.
Know also that sometimes these decisions affect the wider industry.
If there is always someone working for free, then our collective fees vibrate lower.
Have I said no and regretted it?
YES. LOL.
Have I declined jobs I later wondered about? Absolutely.
But what’s not for me isn’t for me.
Your time, equipment and copyright must align with your heart and instinct.
And that might look completely different for another photographer, videographer or creative freelancer.
That’s the point.
You get to decide.
And what about the budget?
Sometimes there genuinely isn’t one.
Sometimes there is a small one.
Sometimes the budget exists, but it simply doesn’t match what you’ve been asked to deliver.
Those are all perfectly reasonable conversations to have.
We can reduce the hours. We can reduce the deliverables. We can change the scope.
But asking someone to provide the same amount of professional work for considerably less money is a different conversation.
Your photographer or videographer still has equipment to maintain, software to pay for, insurance, travel, editing time, experience and — rather inconveniently — bills.
“There is no budget” doesn’t mean the work has no value.
It means you need to decide what you actually want to exchange.
I won’t go into discounts today, as my shoulders are tensing up at the thought.
😂
If you’re looking for event photography in London or a London party photographer, you can find out more about how I work.
A few things worth knowing
Photography is more than the time spent shooting
Professional photography also involves preparation, equipment, travel, editing, experience and the time spent delivering the finished images.
Exposure isn’t the same as payment
Being offered publicity, a credit or the promise of future work doesn’t automatically cover the cost of providing a professional service.
Your budget matters — and so does the photographer’s
It’s perfectly reasonable to have a budget. It’s also reasonable for a photographer to have a price that reflects the work involved. The two don’t always align, and that’s okay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a photographer’s style really matter?
Absolutely. Photography isn’t just about recording what happened; it’s about how those moments are seen and captured. Different photographers have different approaches to light, composition, colour and storytelling. Before booking, look through a photographer’s portfolio to make sure their style is what you’re looking for. You’re investing in their eye and creative approach, as well as their time.
What about copyright, watermarks and image usage?
When you commission a photographer, it’s worth establishing how you intend to use the images before the shoot. Copyright, permission to use photographs and the delivery of watermarked or unwatermarked images are different things. Paying for photography doesn’t automatically mean you own the copyright or have unlimited usage rights. A professional photographer should be able to explain what’s included in the fee and agree any additional usage in advance. Clear expectations help everyone avoid misunderstandings later.
What if a photographer’s price is outside my budget?
It simply means that photographer and budget may not be the right fit for that job. You can look for a service that suits your budget, or reconsider what you’re looking for. A professional’s price isn’t automatically unreasonable just because it doesn’t fit what you planned to spend.