Dear DPP Folks,

I'll be having a debut event on the 18th and I'm looking at being a participant on this event rather than the photographer since the person is more than an acquantance and friend to me. Would you have any ballpark figure how much this would cost or where I could source it out. Looking at it if its worth being the participant of the event or have someone take it on : )

P.S. Another option is to invite a pro and be an assistant to him / her :)

being VA to a pro is one option.. another is to shoot on your own and keenly observe how he prepares for the shot ... taking note of how he sets up his lighting, how he directs his subject/s, etc..

where are you from? giving us your location would help us give you suggestions on pricing

Lots of people would be willing to VA for such a job if you're willing to let them. You can get like 5 people with adequate skills to take the pictures for you. You can meet them and organize them as to what you want to happen.

I've seen wedding event's handled by PRO's just using one flood lighting and using 2 speedlights being triggered by flash sync.

I've also seen a birthday party with just a PRO photographer and his speedlight do the job right.

In the end it comes down to how much you want to pay for a PRO to do those things for you or how much you want to gamble on VA's to get the job right. :)