Comments on: How To Handle Too Many Photographers At The Wedding

By: Virtual Photography

Virtual Photography — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:13:52 +0000

Dee

I would highlight the important facts as you are walking through the contract when they are there to sign it. Just point out the specific clauses that you need them to focus on, and then let them read it further if they desire. I understand, we sign so much today, we tend to not actually “read” anything any more. We just always expect people to tell us the important stuff. So I guess that means an extra five minutes highlighting the important stuff is where its at.
Lori

By: Dee

Dee — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:44:40 +0000

I am not a photographer but a make-up artist, but I also give my clients a contract to sign beforehand.

My trouble is they sign it without reading it and then come completely unprepared for their trials and unoprepared onthe wedding day too. The contract is too long for me to read it to them, and probably too long for them to read if they are busy as I am.

However every clause is vitally important so I cannot afford to make the contract any more condensed than it already is without losing its value.

How do I get all my clients to read the contract before they sign (or at least before the trial)? Only one or two actually read it.

Dee

By: Virtual Photography

Virtual Photography — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:38:38 +0000

Wow Stephanie, rant away. I totally understand. Do you know if this girl is “family”? If not, I really do think I would send her the legal letter for Cease and Desist. If she is trying to get a business off the ground, this would definitely be her first taste at business, and hopefully would motivate her to move forward carefully. If it is family, you might want to tread a bit more carefully, but I would still contact her and “educate” her on the ways of business. Good Luck with this one!
Lori

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:30:47 +0000

This past weekend we shot a wedding in Seattle, and had a girl there with a Rebel shooting. I didn’t mind, in fact, I got her involved instead of her stuffing herself in a corner and avoiding eye contact with me at all costs (because she knew what she was doing was incredibly disrespectful.) But that all changed when I jumped on to facebook to upload some sneak peeks for the bride and groom, only to find pictures already up…..and logo’d…..with the name of her photography business.

And the bride and groom signed a contract stating we would be the only photographers at the wedding.

Half of me wants to send a legalistic letter saying take em down right now, or die a legal death. The other half wants to take this poor, misguided stay-at-home part-time photographer with a kit lens to the side and explain having a Rebel doesn’t make you a business. Snipping someone’s wedding doesn’t make you a photographer. And if you’re willing to put a shot that you snuck of the first look up on facebook that you took through a window with glare and reflections….then….well….I feel bad for you.

*rant ended*

By: Richie Schwartz

Richie Schwartz — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 18:49:20 +0000

Although this problem of too many photographers seems to be reaching new heights, it is not a new problem. It started in the late 1980s when disposable cameras made it possible for almost anyone to have a camera with them. It was exacerbated when wedding planners began to supply weddings with multiple cameras for placement on each table for use by the guests, who would then leave the cameras on tha table for the B&G. When I did weddings my contract stated something to the effect that if any other person used a camera then I would be not be responsible if my photos had shadows or were over exposed or flared. I simply explained what might happen if they allowed others to use cameras, but it is their decision. This always prompted them to ask their guests not to intefere with the photographer.

By: John

John — Mon, 02 May 2011 16:56:09 +0000

Since the start of the post the problem has worsened. iphone cameras are everywhere and all they want is a facebook image. Shooting formals before the ceremony helps. Also helps get rid of distracting hecklers. it’s absolutely important to discuss the issue up front and show proof.

By: Scott Stahl

Scott Stahl — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 01:24:46 +0000

I have had that problem, and I have let it run its course, but I have also been told that I can’t use a flash in church and all of the guests are using theirs. I thank you for the clause and fee assessment. It was something I should have thought of but didn’t. I will start to include that in my contracts. Thank you.

By: Carrie

Carrie — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:46:54 +0000

I met a photographer who said he has a 3 strike clause in his contract that allows him to walk out of a wedding if it becomes an issue, and continues to be an issue after warning people.

Made a mental note to not call him for my wedding.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 17:01:21 +0000

I have had the clause in my contract for several years. I explain it and discuss it with each client. I have had a client ask me to ‘foster’ their aunt, sibling, cousin whatever who aspires to be a photographer and as long as people are up front and I can work with that person I do it. I have to be able to talk with the person first and to know he or she can understand me and follow. I have never had a problem with someone who I have worked with like this. Now the guest with a camera? Ugh

By: Virtual Photography

Virtual Photography — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:30:31 +0000

Trash The Dress photo shoots are definitely growing in popularity, and I love the idea. Anytime you can get a couple, the whole wedding party, family, etc away from the norm, and be able to be creative and have fun without worrying about time or the “dress”, you can do much better.