Grooms Family

Darlene, if he is going to charge his own son for taking pictures at his wedding, tell him "no thanks" and find another photographer.

He might not have the finances to do it any other way. I would check into it. Traditionally the grooms family pays for the rehearsal dinner, the groom pays for the band, limo, honeymoon, and wedding night suite, and the bride`s parents pay for everything else.
Now that is traditionally. Today things have changed some.
I would talk to him and see if he can help out more maybe by paying for half of the cost of the film and processing. Or if you feel wierd by the whole thing tell him that if he is working he will not be able to enjoy is son`s wedding and will not be able to be in any of the photographs himself. So you want to hire someone outside of the family.

Film and developing isn`t cheap. I would think he was charging to cover the costs of the equipment, not really to make a buck off his son.

Be thankful you know a photographer and if you don`t feel comfortable using him because he charges, find another photographer, but be prepared to pay him too. Either way you go, it`s gonna cost you money. Using "family" may be the best idea, as if a pic doesn`t turn out as expected, he`d be more apt to try and help.

Darlene, I don`t think the price of film or developing should matter. He should do this for his son and new daughter for free. If the cost is an issue he could offer his services as his wedding present to the newly weds. I know this might put you in a bad position but I would use someone else. He might not think of it as making money off of his son but he obviously does not mind making a buck from you and that is not acceptable.

I don`t think it`s rude for your future father in law to charge you for photography services. This is a very expensive service, and why would you expect anyone to help out with wedding expenses? In that case you should have sponsors! My fiance and I are planning our wedding and covering all the costs. We are not expecting anyone to help us. If you are independent enough to get married I think you should be independent enough to pay for it all! Things have changed, a lot of couples don`t understand that our parents probably don`t want to dip into their savings for a wedding! I at least don`t want neither my fiance`s parents nor mine to pay for something they can`t afford, that is, unless, they are rich! Stop whining and pay your father in law for his services (especially if he is a professional)! otherwise, just hire someone else!

Tell him no thanks.... How cheap.

If he`s taking pics he won`t be able to enjoy the wedding.

I would tell him no thank you. I would be offended that he would not even do the service for free for his own son`s wedding. I think, in this day of supposed gender equality, it`s a shame that the bride`s family is still supposed to foot the ever-increasing bill for a wedding. Also, if you have any problems with the pictures, how are you going to battle it out with your father-in-law? Sticky situation...