In today's world, tipping has become an interesting subject. Things you normally didn’t tip for before, are now asking for tips. I won’t be surprised when you park your car on the street and the app asks for a tip when you pay for an hour. 😂
Not to mention, the standard tip amount has gone up quite a bit. I don’t remember the last time I saw a suggested tip of 10-15%. Now the minimum suggested amount is at least 18% and generally 20%.
However, in the realm of weddings, birthdays, engagements, or any other event, hiring a photographer or videographer is often an essential part of capturing those moments. These professionals work tirelessly to ensure that your memories are immortalized in stunning visuals. But when it comes to showing appreciation for their hard work, the question arises: Should you tip your photographer or videographer?
Tipping etiquette varies across different professions and cultures, and the photography and videography industry are no exception. But a few things do come into play.
First and foremost, I want to say, tipping is NOT REQUIRED. For me personally it is never expected. When I first started doing photoshoots with people, I didn’t even think it was a thing. One shoot I did, the couple gave me $100 tip. I was STUNNED! I was taken off guard so much that I think I mumbled an awkward thank you while staring blanky at the tip, to the couple and back. Needless to say, I was honored and so thankful!
Should I tip at my: Engagement Shoots, Wedding, Corporate Event, etc.:
This is an interesting question as its again answered with, it’s totally up to you. However, from my experience, I have found that for engagement photoshoots, couples photoshoots, family photoshoots, etc. there is a mix of people who tip and people who don’t. A lot of times people will but there are those who don’t.
•For weddings, it is much more common for the couple to tip their vendors. The DJ, photographer, videographer, as well as other vendors are with you almost all day for your wedding. Giving them a tip at the end of the day is a nice way to say thank you for being there. But again, this is totally up to you. If you decide to tip, the amount is also up to you. I have done weddings and received big tips, small tips and no tips.
•For Corporate events, I have found that tips are much less common. It’s always nice when it happens and when it does, its generally added into the payment prior to the final payment (The payment system I use allows for the client to add a tip in).
How much should I tip?
If we use the service industry as a standard, a 20% or more, generally means the person did great job. Unfortunately, there is no standard for photography and videography. If you went by the “20%” standard, that would be a $500 tip on a $2500 photo package for a wedding (per person) and while that would be amazing, it just might not be feasible. So that standard probably won’t work.
To keep it super simple and not answer your question at all 🙃, if you decide to tip, it is totally up to you on the amount.
You could base it on the amount of the job, you could base it on a percent, you could base it on what you have in your pocket or whatever you want to base it on. Like I said in the beginning, tips ARE NOT expected but they are greatly appreciated when they are offered. Whether its $5 or $500 we appreciate it.
I want to tip but I don’t have cash?
That’s okay. In this digital world, most photographers/videographers have Venmo, Cashapp, Paypal or Zelle.
If you choose not to tip, that’s okay as well. If a photographer or videographer ever expects a tip... well, I don’t know what to say about them. That’s just not good business. It reminds me of that scene from Home Alone when the bellhop takes Macaulay Culkin’s luggage up for him then stands at the door with his hand out requesting a tip. Just makes you not want to tip. Good thing he got some gum! Haha!
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