I find it ironic that the chapter on tithing and cash flow both fell on a Sunday. As I got my checkbook out last night to write my tithe check, it occurred to me that I was giving the same amount I gave last year. Since my (8-4) job is going paperless, our check stubs are held electronically. When I decided that I needed to be sure I was giving at least 10%, I went to my online account to discover that I was not giving a full 10%. I adjusted my check to include a true tithe and an offering.
Scarlett brought up a good point about giving her photography as a tithe. In the past year, I have done about 6 weddings for people who could not afford my standard investment at a drastically reduced price. I even lost money on one wedding. I remember that it is Christ that I am serving and I must trust Him that He will bring me the clients who can afford me.
When I was first starting out as a photographer, I charged around $300 for a wedding. This was in the days of film, so after film costs, processing, the album and packaging, I made nothing. I never charged for my time. That is no way to run a business.
I begin working the night before by making sure all batteries are charged and packing my equipment. I also print out a copy of the contract, the client questionnaire (thanks Zach and Jody) and shooting list. A photographer's day can be 8-14 hours long, depending on the photographs the bride is requesting. I pack all of my equipment into the car. I always arrive and hour to an hour and a half early. Sometimes I have to wait for the bride, but better I wait for her than she wait for me. I may be photographing the bride getting her hair and make-up done. This does not always happen in the same location, perhaps not even on the same side of town.
The next step is the bride getting into her dress. Sometimes things get misplaced, lost, or left at home and there is no time to return for them and the bride has a meltdown. You assure her the the day is all about her and the man she loves enough to marry. Until recently, I was the only photographer shooting the wedding. I was at the alter, in the aisle, in the balcony, alter-left, alter-right, in the pews to get the best shots. With the advent of point and shoot cameras and tablets, many people in the pews are taking photographs as well and standing in my way, but I have to work around that. I can't yell out in the middle of the ceremony..."Hey, would you please sit down?"
Then comes the kiss, the introduction of the couple, the exit, the receiving line and trying to wrangle the wedding party back together to get some formal portraits on site. Then there are the people who want you to take a picture of them with the bride and groom with their camera. I have decided to politely decline this request. I tell them I will photograph them with my camera and they can get the photo later. If weather permits, the wedding a party and I are off to Mt. Washington, West Park, Highland Park, Grandview Golf Course or one of many beautiful Pittsburgh locations to take more formal photographs.
Last, but certainly not least, is the reception where you must be sure to get those standard shots such as first dance, toast, cake cutting, bouquet and garter toss, and any other shots deemed appropriate. You add liquor to that mix and who knows what will happen. I was once sexually harassed by the bride's uncle in front of the entire wedding party...and they thought it was funny. I, on the other hand did not.
At the end of the evening, I am spent. I pack up my gear, head home and immediately download the images to my computer and save them to my external hard drive. The next day, I begin culling the images and selecting the one's to go into the album. This can take many hours...especially if you over shoot like I do! :-) I carefully design the album and once I have completed the album layout, I upload the images and wait for the book to arrive. Upon arrival, I inspect the album, then package it and call the bride to make arrangements to deliver her album.
I had to realize that I needed to put a value on my time and hard work. What about all the weddings I did where I barely broke even? I did them as unto the Lord. He can and will bless my sacrifice I made so that people I shoot for can have a beautiful wedding album. Sometimes I throw in the CD for free as well. God can take what I give and make something wonderful out of it to bless others.
He has my back. Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Thank you, Father, that you bless me over and above what I ask, think or imagine. Thank you also for showing me that You bless what I sacrificially give to others.
I love You, Lord!
Pamela
No comments:
Post a Comment