They want more pictures..

I don't think many people mind being generous to a degree but there has to be a line in the sand. You could pick a number that you'll do - anything after that, there is a fee.

Ok, lets say extra 50 free?

Difficult to say with the limited information here. If you only took 450 and delivered 400 then I think it's OK for them to expect 400...........you could invite them to screen the other images with you and allow them to rescue a handful of the images. OTOH, if you took 800 and only delivered 400, then I think they'd be correct in feeling as if they've been shorted on images.

Since you consider them friends, I would simply suggest that you allow them to screen some of the images (you can selectively edit out any that you don't want them to consider beforehand), and drop them in a folder labeled "extras". Post time shouldn't take more than 30-90 minutes........and everyone is happy.

I am with David S. to some degree, except that if you shot 10k and delivered 400 it is fine with me if that is what you were contracted to provide. You have to be able to shoot liberally IMO, then cull/select as your eye dictates during the edit.

I used to offer a set number of images, but no longer. I got caught with my proverbial pants down when I shot for a retired couple who were remarrying (both previous spouses were deceased). It was a small affair and quiet barely describes the atmosphere. I would guess the average age of the guest list was around 65+ and the ONLY person moving was my assistant, or myself. Every time I turned around, the people would see me with the camera and shy away, or cover their face etc. I delivered 50 less images than I promised and had an incredibly tough time getting that many. They got every shot I took. Fortunately for me, the couple who I shot for were understanding and even thought it funny in the end. I no longer promise a number of images, I shoot what I see and deliver them. Sometimes its a few hundred, sometimes its several hundred. Depends mostly on the day and the participation of the guests.

I guess in the current position, I would likely give them more gratis and chalk this one up to experience and a reason to change what you do in future.

Ask them to look at your out takes and tell them they are unedited (if you are happy to show those images).

M,

You might want to consider explaining the kind of work you put into post-processing — include a before-and-after example — and then give them small (say, 100 × 150 pixel) thumbnails of the rest of the images you shot, but as unprocessed out-of-the-camera (“before”) images. That should give them enough information to decide which (if any) they think are worth you spending your time on. If they’re true friends, they won’t ask for too much of a burden.

They may well also be interested in non-post-processed pictures. After all, what comes out of a competent photographer’s camera is generally much, much better than any snapshot a non- photographer takes, and they could just be looking for the equivalent of snapshots.

Cheers,

b&

MMMD. Money Makes the Monkey Dance. How much is your time worth?

I am sure this is going to be a VERY unpopular answer but here goes. When I shot weddings on my own I charged anywhere between $800-$1000. I was there for as long as they requested(9-12hrs) & I would limit myself to 12-15 rolls of 36 exp(but always carried more of course). This is what they got: a 4x6 proof of all the best images, a cd with everything and the negatives. No retouching, no albums, no reprints. I will tell you why. For several years I shot mostly with a friend. it was her business and I was the second shooter. I liked that because I was not responsible for anything except good pictures. Anyway, back to me. Between shooting my own, shooting with my friend and working fulltime during the week my free time was limited. I DID NOT nor DO I in the future want a couple or their friends and relatives calling me a year after their wedding to order 1 5x7. I have moved on to other weddings. I tell them that for x amount of money they can have EVERYTHING. I dont want to hold back the rights so that I can nickel and dime people, not worth the headache. I found that people were happy with this arrangement. I keep the rights to publish, sell, enter in competitions but that is it. I also feel that it is ridiculous how many photographers essentially rob people when it comes to albums and reprints.

Melissa- if you have an online proofing website and you're going to make money off of 1 5x7, then why not?

Missy-True! Consider me the laziest post-wedding photographer...ever.
As I did so few on my own i did not feel it was worth it. I told my clients what sites to use to order good prints and how they could allow their family/friends to order as well. As a part time photographer this worked well for me. Again, I did not want them calling me, emailing, texting, ANYTHING. I know it sounds harsh but that was our agreement. Of course, I would never expect a full-time wedding photographer to use my "sysyem" 100%. But, I still believe that most photographers "extras" and even their packages are too expensive.