Is $100 the standard rate for 2nd videographer (weddings)

Michael Nistler · January 3rd, 2008, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jenna Klingensmith

Hey everyone,
So I did the shoot <clip>

To answer Michael Nistler, we haven't discussed most of those issues. If my gear gets broken or stolen, I'm sure I'd be screwed. Unless he was somehow responsible.. If I get hurt on the job, then, once again, I'd be screwed, I do recieve a meal however, and I am required to dress up, which does entitle me to go out and buy a new wardrobe. He always goes to the rehearsal, and then fills me in the next day. If the wedding is far away, I drive to his place which is about 25 minutes away, and he drives the rest of the way. So I then don't have to worry about gas, tolls, or mileage on my own car. He also provides the tapes, a tripod (cause I've yet to invest in a professional one), and sometimes he lets me borrow a battery if mine run out, I also work the entire day with him. I think that answers all of the questions
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Rehi Jenna,

Thanks for the update - sounds like you certainly benefited from the experience. If you're interested in doing more weddings, I'm sure you're picking up lots of tips besides shooting. Be sure to check out the final video and ask your boss for a critique and insights of the overall process.

Happy Trails, Michael

BTW - be careful not to mix lubricated/non-lubricated mini-DV tapes when others provide you "free" tapes. If you must mix tapes, be sure to clean your heads in-between swaps.

Jeremy Rank · January 5th, 2008, 07:46 PM

When I started out, I found someone to mentor me in weddings (I was already in the market selling other products). When I started, I got $100 and access to the tapes when he was done with them to build a wedding-specific portfolio.

Two years later, our terms have changed a bit. Now, he 'only' gives me $200, but we have an agreement that I would shoot as his second for $200, but I could also hire HIM for that same amount of money....not a bad deal.

At this point in my game, I'm not looking to build a portfolio and certainly can't get by on $200, but the ability to call someone who knows what they're doing, brings their own equipment is worth the trade.

Having said THAT, I recently did a job in SoCal and ended up paying a second shooter $1000/day for three days...so I would say that it really depends on where you are, the agreements you can work out etc.

January 5th, 2008, 07:46 PM	#47
Jeremy Rank Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Visalia, CA Posts: 66	When I started out, I found someone to mentor me in weddings (I was already in the market selling other products). When I started, I got $100 and access to the tapes when he was done with them to build a wedding-specific portfolio. Two years later, our terms have changed a bit. Now, he 'only' gives me $200, but we have an agreement that I would shoot as his second for $200, but I could also hire HIM for that same amount of money....not a bad deal. At this point in my game, I'm not looking to build a portfolio and certainly can't get by on $200, but the ability to call someone who knows what they're doing, brings their own equipment is worth the trade. Having said THAT, I recently did a job in SoCal and ended up paying a second shooter $1000/day for three days...so I would say that it really depends on where you are, the agreements you can work out etc.