Oh. An 'influencer' bride just tried to pay her photographer... with exposure.

Look. If you’re going to ask a professional to work for free, perhaps don’t be surprised if you receive some backlash.

Because although weddings are expensive, people still deserve to be… paid.

Earlier this week, an ‘influencer’ bride experienced an unexpected reaction when she requested a photographer to work for her for free in exchange for exposure to her social media followers.

Photographers Frankie and Laura from company ‘Betrothed and Co’ posted the exchange online after they received an email from a publicist named Melissa, who has an influencer client.

Melissa’s email detailed the influencer bride’s request, stating: “She would like a documentary style video (an hour long) and photos taken at bridal fittings which can be shared with her followers.”

"On the day of the wedding, she would like a video documenting the whole day (must be 1 hour+ in length) and a package that includes approximately 1,000 photos."

Right.

In exchange for that plethora of work, the bride is willing to promote the photography business to her combined following of 55,000 on Instagram and Facebook.

Oh, and she will also offer a "discount of at least 25 per cent on your packages".

The email concluded with one last note: "Just so you are aware, we have approached four other similar businesses in your area so a fast response will be beneficial to your business."

The photographers Frankie and Laura responded with an email that was honestly a certified roasting. 

"We would just like to check if there might have been a typo in your original email, specifically relating to a missing zero on the amount of combined followers your client has across all their platforms?"

Ouch. 

The company explained that when considering "bots, duplicate accounts and the types of followers who are not our target audience" the exposure deal did not quite equal each other.

But here's the kicker:

"Thanks also for your thoughtful suggestion of a 25 per cent cut in our fee for any followers that book through your client’s promotional posts. Previously when we have received recommendations and promotions from high-value clients, we have been able to actually raise our prices in reflection of their strong reputations. So in that vein, it’s helpful to know in advance that being linked with your client will automatically knock 25 per cent off the perceived value of the product we spent years honing."

Not done yet, the company continued:

"We really appreciate how valued as artists and professionals you have made us feel by informing us that you have only sent this exact same email to four other companies, and that a fast response will secure us the wedding rather than any artistic considerations. Likewise, please get back to us as soon as possible if you have any further questions, and we can start to get something locked in the diary."

It was savage. But... deserved.  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

This initiated back and forth between the publicist and company, with Melissa telling the photography company, "Frankly, my client and I find that kind of unprofessional email appalling and we will no longer be considering you as contenders."

You can read the conversation for yourself right here.

Influencer bride

It certainly is a rollercoaster of emotions.

One thing’s for sure though: Weddings are excellent for internet fodder.

An endless source of joy.

For more on this topic:

• 'I had a 'no-kids' rule at my wedding. During the ceremony, a toddler started crying.'
• 'My aunty tricked me into wearing shorts and and a hoodie to my cousin's wedding.'
• "You're pretty normally." Sara was invited to a wedding, then received texts about her hair.
• "She wants to be the hottest one." The maid of honour not allowed to get a boob job.