What to tip Photographer?

I think I would probably tip between 20-50 dollars but its up to you. You absolutely don't have to.

Well that's awesome! Congratulations!!

I disagree with Patricia; you absolutely DO have to tip the photographer. First off, they are probably deeply discounting their services to get the exposure via whatever promotion you entered. They are most likely sacrificing time where they could be working at full price with another client.

Also, you say this is part of a package? Is the credit towards your wedding photography? In that case, tip well because this person will be working for you again and there should be a show of good will and generosity between you both.

You should also discuss with them ownership of the photos. As part of the promotion, do they keep the rights to them, are you allowed to distribute and print them on your own (perhaps you want to write an article about your wedding on a blog, or print five million photos at Costco)? In some cases with promotions (and wedding photographers in general), there can often be contractual notation that the rights belong to them and you have to purchase individual photo rights through them exclusively. That's a thing.

Tip 20% of the package value, minimum.

Really? Is that for all photographers? If ours is $2500, we should tip $500?

I think for a "free" photography session, 20% absolutely.

I plan on tipping mine a full 20% because she's traveling from SFO to Boston, spending an entire weekend with me (rehearsal and dinner, during the day, at the wedding, brunch the next morning), and I know she's taking a lot of time off from her full-time job for my wedding. I already know that she's going above and beyond considering what she's charging for her services.

I do think it depends on what your photographer is doing for you, and the end results.

If I gave away a free e-session, I would be flattered to receive a 20% tip, but certainly wouldn't expect it. Might want to wait until you get the photos, just sayin'.

Perhaps the best tip you can receive is to seriously consider hiring them for your wedding, which is the main reason free e-shoots are given away. If you wind up with another photographer, the next best tip you can give is to write glowing reviews of them online :-)

(20% of what I normally charge--$350-400).

I think you should absolutely tip after a free engagement shoot. Are you using them for your wedding photos? This is a great way to establish that relationship. I would tip around $50 for an engagement session. I think 20% of a package is pretty high ($3500 for my photog package would be $700 tip, yikes!).