Canon EOS 5D versus 5D Mark II Wedding Photographer's Fee

Zero.

0%

If one photographer had a digital and the other 120 film ... of course the digital shooter should be paid less.......that was simple ;-}

Moving on. Some photographer's in my area are advertising on their websites their wedding photo equipment list. One has told me that it was to specifically gain a "market edge" over photographer's using a 5D.

There are some potential clients who believe they are digitally savy, and I don't mean that in a bad way, to ask each wedding photographer at a local bridal show what equipment they are using (i.e. megapixels for that detailed custom blowup to hang where ever in their new matrimonial dwelling).

The 20 something year old photographer wearing a nose ring who uses a Mark II may appeal to a 20 something couple versus a 60 year old photographer not wearing a nose ring who uses a Mark I. It's the reality of the perception of demographics. That's how some people think.

There. I hope that clarifies things.

Ian: Thanks.

C. Jo Gough: 5D Mark II versus 120 film (still sold to this day)? I agree. :)

Zero is a very good answer. Because the camera (no matter how good), is virtually irrelevant in the equation...

If the photographer is using his/her equipment to gain a market edge, they don't have the images to gain the market edge. If that's the case, they should be using a Hasselblad H3.

As for your potential clients, if you have a large image to show them (lets say a 3x4 foot print) that would sell better than the somewhat obscure pixel count. Most people respond stronger with an emotional trigger and seeing a large beautiful print is much more emotional than telling someone the pixel count of the camera. It might be a great opportunity to educate your clients on the folly of counting pixels.

The last example is a false correlation to your op. The appearance of the photographer is more about the bonding between the photographer and the subject. If the client thinks that the photographer understands them, they think that they will connect better and produce photos that others may not appreciate, but are what the client likes.

But, that means that since you are a guy and lets say the bride (and bride's mom) is hiring the photographer. Does that mean that you won't be hired over a woman because they don't think that a man can understand what the wedding means to them? Wouldn't you do your best to sell your work? or would your drop your prices so that it is less than a woman?

You need to understand that pixels doesn't translate into quality photos and then you need to be able to explain this to your clients.

I think we should all charge based upon equipment. I mean if I bring my D3 and 400 f2.8 not only will I appear much more manly I will be able to demand top dollar. Perhaps we should have a lens menu for them to choose from complete with the retail price of the lens.

Just think. A customer could choose the 5D Mark II and save some money by choosing a Tamron 28-105 to go with it. As we should all be aware, not everyone can afford the hyper-equipped photographer so we should offer a bargain package shot with an Argus C3 and Tri-X. (Flash bulbs extra.)

I have seen the, dare I say, dimwits who advertize thier equipment by model number on their web site. They lack rich inner lives and we do not like them very much.

But to answer the OPs question....They should charge 50% more for the 5D Mark II and 50% less than a Nikon D3. Unless, of course, the photographer is over 50 years old in which case the usual age/experience surcharge will apply.

While one should not be oblivious to what gear his/her competitors are using, it is inconsequential if the work you produce consistently garners you accolades and referrals from your clients and ensures a steady cashflow. I would personally be wary of anyone advertising themselves by promoting the gear they shoot with. You don't hear the likes of Jeff Ascough waxing lyrical about using 2 or 3 1D series cameras, do you? Focus on your craft, delivering what your client wants and forget what 'the other guy' is shooting with.

Zero...the bride and groom won't care what camera you have. And unless you plan on giving them life size prints, there will also be negligible image difference anyway.
Fair dinkum. No wonder we get into arguments on this forum.