What to DO When the DJ takes PHOTOS of Ceremony & Reception and POST on 2 Large TV Screens
Dec 4, 2011 12:53:36 #
What would you do if you were hired as the wedding photographer and the DJ has an assistant taking photos of the ceremony and guests at the reception throughout the night-Then shows them on two 42" TV screens next to his speakers. At the ceremony the "shooter" is constantly getting in your way. Our contract stipulates NO other professional photographer is to take photos. DJ says he has it in his contract to do this - and says it 's ONLY photos exclusively for the couple -- Meantime all night your seeing similar photos showing up on two screens. Even the guests are asking if you took that photo earlier .. Would you a) walk, b) talk to groom, 3) make a fuss, ?? .. yes I tried to be nice but I'm ticked OFF to the "s..t" ..GS
Dec 4, 2011 13:04:54 #
First, you should have said "yes", IF it was a good photo, and handed those guests your business card. :P
Seriously, what's your ultimate goal? Do you want to be paid, or do you want to make a point?
Seriously, what's your ultimate goal? Do you want to be paid, or do you want to make a point?
Dec 4, 2011 13:08:24 #
d) none of the above.
I would ignore it and do my job. I'm supposed to be *The Professional* I'd just take my professional photos to the best of my ability, get my money and move on.
I would ignore it and do my job. I'm supposed to be *The Professional* I'd just take my professional photos to the best of my ability, get my money and move on.
Dec 4, 2011 13:11:11 #
i like that reply, i am gonna remember that, i also may just eye-fi smaller jpegs to my own monitor. 2 can play games, the business card can point them to a pay for prints url
Carioca wrote:
First, you should have said "yes", IF it was a good photo, and handed those guests your business card. :P
Seriously, what's your ultimate goal? Do you want to be paid, or do you want to make a point?
Seriously, what's your ultimate goal? Do you want to be paid, or do you want to make a point?
Dec 4, 2011 13:13:13 #
DJ uploaded to the two screens 30-50 pics at a time.
We take table shots with the bride and hand out cards with a e-session photo of the couple on the card. Folks can see the entire wedding we did by visiting the link we creaded- starting with getting ready,ceremony, receptions formals etc..Were pre-paid 30 days prior but still felt awkard ..curios what other pros thoughts were.
We take table shots with the bride and hand out cards with a e-session photo of the couple on the card. Folks can see the entire wedding we did by visiting the link we creaded- starting with getting ready,ceremony, receptions formals etc..Were pre-paid 30 days prior but still felt awkard ..curios what other pros thoughts were.
Dec 4, 2011 13:16:41 #
Dec 4, 2011 13:18:11 #
gsugal wrote:
What would you do if you were hired as the weddin... (show quote)
I would use the information when booking my next job - I would make sure I asked if the DJ or anyone would be displaying photos. Hey, do you have the equipment to add a few of the wedding pictures to a screen yourself? Might be a new product - you can add to your shoot. Good luck
Dec 4, 2011 14:18:57 #
The card we hand out at the tables points to a url where folks can go on line and order any of the photos we have taken that day- evening in most any size. We do derive about 7-10 % income of the original contract after the event by family and friends ordering on line pics from that wedding. I don't know if we will loose any sales or not as the event was on Dec 2nd. I can let you all know in about three weeks... as just started editing some of the photos. Thanks for your comments.
Dec 4, 2011 19:00:04 #
gsugal wrote:
What would you do if you were hired as the weddin... (show quote)
There would be no question with me. I would have gone to the couple and/or the bride's parents (who ever is paying) and told them that they have breached our contract, that I am packing up and leaving, no further money is due beyond the deposit, which I am keeping, and all images taken will be deleted. I would tell them how sorry I was about the whole matter, and quietly turn and walk. . .they will either let me walk, or stop me and ask me to continue and they will stop the DJ.
Of course I would have taken photos of the DJ's set-up for evidence when and if the couple tries to sue me.
A professional does not back-off, suck it up, or bend over when there has been a material breach of contract. By doing any of these things, you are allowing someone else's problem to become your problem. The true test is after the fact, which ever tact you took, which one continues to bother you? It sure seems to me, from your post, you stayed and sucked it up. . .but it bothers you that you did so. Do you feel more or less professional?
Dec 5, 2011 06:14:05 #
Seriously--- It is the wedding couples day NOT the photographers - you are paid to be there.
If your photos are up to what they should be --being a paid wedding photographer- this shouldn't bother you at all.
IF they were in the way when you were setting up you formal shots-- at that point you should have asked them (with your paying couple right there) politely- to stay out of the way, if they refused your paying couple is there to hear and then you could explain to the couple that their shots are being compromised by their DJ and they can tell the DJ themselves.
Personally I LOVE the idea of seeing the pics of the day while at the rehearsal-- what a GREAT idea! Too bad you didn't think of it yourself!
If your photos are up to what they should be --being a paid wedding photographer- this shouldn't bother you at all.
IF they were in the way when you were setting up you formal shots-- at that point you should have asked them (with your paying couple right there) politely- to stay out of the way, if they refused your paying couple is there to hear and then you could explain to the couple that their shots are being compromised by their DJ and they can tell the DJ themselves.
Personally I LOVE the idea of seeing the pics of the day while at the rehearsal-- what a GREAT idea! Too bad you didn't think of it yourself!
Dec 5, 2011 06:23:44 #
Perhaps it is best to be calm and do your job as a "professional". Reply to the populous asking about "those DJ photos", .. how smooth to say.."well, there can never be too many photos of this important night, but it is important that there be professional photos professionally presented -- that is my job, may I give you my card" -- as you hand them a card before they answer.
I utilize some photos taken by family/friends and the couple on their honeymoon within the slide show presentation. I crop, and do basic adjustments on them so that they look good. In doing so, the family/friends feel part of the photo event and proud to point out,, hay, that is my photo.. you have now become a hero rather than a professional snob and more likely to get word of mouth recommendations, because you are very human.
I utilize some photos taken by family/friends and the couple on their honeymoon within the slide show presentation. I crop, and do basic adjustments on them so that they look good. In doing so, the family/friends feel part of the photo event and proud to point out,, hay, that is my photo.. you have now become a hero rather than a professional snob and more likely to get word of mouth recommendations, because you are very human.
Dec 5, 2011 06:24:43 #
Dec 5, 2011 06:52:15 #
mooseeyes wrote:
br There would be no question with me. I would h... (show quote)
Pompous reactions like this are exactly why so many professional photographers are loosing business.
Talk about "Word of mouth" do you think any of their friends-friends of friends- acquaintances etc would every hire you after that kind of behavior? You don't really think their reaction would be, "Wow what a great photographer and wonderful to work with, he was so right hold to his contract "
Nope. the reaction would be--"What an insecure jackass-- bet his photos sucked"
Dec 5, 2011 06:54:27 #
That's why I'm not a wedding photographer. Seeing something like that would drive me up the wall. I can understand, though, how the DJ would want to have that in his contract, since it would help him get more business.
It would probably be a fine line deciding whether or not the guy taking pics for the DJ was a"professional." How much would you want to spend on legal fees, and how would a lawsuit affect your business?
If I were in that situation, after calming myself down, I'd realize that I was paid to a specific job, and I'd do it. If the bride and groom decided in the middle of things that they wanted you to do something completely different, that would be a definite violation.
I like the idea of handing out your cards to people who comment on the DJ's photos. With electronics and photography changing so fast, you have to be prepared for surprises, and go with the flow.
It would probably be a fine line deciding whether or not the guy taking pics for the DJ was a"professional." How much would you want to spend on legal fees, and how would a lawsuit affect your business?
If I were in that situation, after calming myself down, I'd realize that I was paid to a specific job, and I'd do it. If the bride and groom decided in the middle of things that they wanted you to do something completely different, that would be a definite violation.
I like the idea of handing out your cards to people who comment on the DJ's photos. With electronics and photography changing so fast, you have to be prepared for surprises, and go with the flow.
Dec 5, 2011 07:39:47 #
eddier
Loc: Fishers, Indiana, USA
Would it have been as professional to go get a portable stereo out of your trunk and started playing your own music?
I think the DJ probably sold this as part of his package and the Bride and Groom loved the idea without realizing their conflict in the two contracts.
If the DJ was willing to share his shots w/ the photographer to present the best possible package to the Bride and Groom - great.
Keep it professional, keep passing out the business card, and hope the DJ isn't also selling photos he's taken.
My random $.02
I think the DJ probably sold this as part of his package and the Bride and Groom loved the idea without realizing their conflict in the two contracts.
If the DJ was willing to share his shots w/ the photographer to present the best possible package to the Bride and Groom - great.
Keep it professional, keep passing out the business card, and hope the DJ isn't also selling photos he's taken.
My random $.02
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