Now the question everyone what's to know the answer for
Apr 26, 2015 11:38:57 #
Yesterday was another wedding. Went fine though as usual the event was running about 45 minutes behind and of course we need to adjust the timeline as we go.
After the dinner was served we were told by the coordinator to go to the kitchen and place our order for what we wanted for dinner.
5 vendors including us went back and placed our order, were told everything was available and to return in 10 minutes to grab our food.
Well as normal the timeline was way off and the toast, first dances were crammed in, so 45 minutes later we went back to the kitchen while some open dancing was happening.
The 'chef' looked at me and said, "that wasn't exactly 10 minutes".
Bottom line were virtually given tiny bits of the left overs, looked more like table scraps. We were handed 6" plates and told to take what we wanted.
We did, headed for an outside table which I had asked 45 minutes earlier if they could turn on one of the heaters over a table, they did not, it was cold. Long story short we had 5 minutes before we heard the DJ say, "cake cutting after this song".
As most, we have a clause in our contract that says we will be fed.
My question is, how do you all handle this situation? I mean it isn't right when this happens, you feel like a peace of meat, or taken advantage of but you dare not say a word as it could influence future work opportunities.
What say ye ............
BTW, I want to give props to a place that I feel does it right ........... Fess Parker Resort in Santa Barbara.
They hand vendors a voucher for $35 each and when you have time you go order off the bar menu in a different area, an place that is open to the public with a nice outside patio. You place your order and go relax away from the stress .........
After the dinner was served we were told by the coordinator to go to the kitchen and place our order for what we wanted for dinner.
5 vendors including us went back and placed our order, were told everything was available and to return in 10 minutes to grab our food.
Well as normal the timeline was way off and the toast, first dances were crammed in, so 45 minutes later we went back to the kitchen while some open dancing was happening.
The 'chef' looked at me and said, "that wasn't exactly 10 minutes".
Bottom line were virtually given tiny bits of the left overs, looked more like table scraps. We were handed 6" plates and told to take what we wanted.
We did, headed for an outside table which I had asked 45 minutes earlier if they could turn on one of the heaters over a table, they did not, it was cold. Long story short we had 5 minutes before we heard the DJ say, "cake cutting after this song".
As most, we have a clause in our contract that says we will be fed.
My question is, how do you all handle this situation? I mean it isn't right when this happens, you feel like a peace of meat, or taken advantage of but you dare not say a word as it could influence future work opportunities.
What say ye ............
BTW, I want to give props to a place that I feel does it right ........... Fess Parker Resort in Santa Barbara.
They hand vendors a voucher for $35 each and when you have time you go order off the bar menu in a different area, an place that is open to the public with a nice outside patio. You place your order and go relax away from the stress .........
Apr 27, 2015 16:27:17 #
Been there, done that. Actually, I have a wedding in June that they actually specified that they wanted the "will feed photographers" removed. I was cool with it, because it happened ahead of time, so I can pack a bagged lunch.
It is a tough situation to be in, and like you, I usually don't cause a stink with the couple, especially since it is between the planner, the DJ, and the venue. I may mention it to them, it just depends on how ticked I am at the time. In my bag of tricks, I usually carry granola bars and munchies to hold me over, and we generally have a "gopher" to grab us some food and set it back for us, or run to McDonalds. Big guys like me, don't usually miss out on too many meals, we always find a way. :-)
In general, I usually don't want to bring the bride and groom into the drama, but I'm not afraid to tell it how it is with other vendors, especially if they come between me and free meals.
It is a tough situation to be in, and like you, I usually don't cause a stink with the couple, especially since it is between the planner, the DJ, and the venue. I may mention it to them, it just depends on how ticked I am at the time. In my bag of tricks, I usually carry granola bars and munchies to hold me over, and we generally have a "gopher" to grab us some food and set it back for us, or run to McDonalds. Big guys like me, don't usually miss out on too many meals, we always find a way. :-)
In general, I usually don't want to bring the bride and groom into the drama, but I'm not afraid to tell it how it is with other vendors, especially if they come between me and free meals.
Apr 27, 2015 16:37:19 #
bkyser wrote:
Been there, done that. Actually, I have a wedding... (show quote)
I would never bring this up to the B&G
But a wedding coordinator should be asking vendors for feedback. We are in a tough situation unless we are asked for our feedback.
My wife can't go on with only a granola bar, not for 10 hours. She is glycemic, a bar puts her to sleep. If we bring our own food we still need a place to hang to eat, not outside in the cold.
Apr 28, 2015 07:55:35 #
We also have it in the contract but always discuss this with the B&G way ahead of time highlighting the following points.
Point: Photographer works all day non-stop.
With the guests or separate?? Table arrangement?
Photographers should eat soon after wedding party and family. Then we can be available for B&G table visits or other planned shoots. Good time for pick up shots of B&G alone. However, this is the best time to get table shots, just before table is called to eat, so we squeeze this in then.
We encourage the B&G to offer the DJ and videographer something also so they won't feel left out and explain to them why they are feeding the photographer. Something best not left as a surprise on the wedding day.
Bottom line: 99% of the time we are eating as guests. When this happens we always leave a photo gift (extra album page, 11x14, photo credit. etc.) with a thank-you for dinner. Sometimes we enjoy dinner non-stop and sometimes we are jumping up and down and eating cold food. Note: ask someone at your table to guard your plate while you are shooting or you might come back to nothing.
Now for a 1% story. Two weeks before the wedding the bride called and asked for our choice for dinner, (salmon, beef, chicken). When we arrived at the reception, noticed no table assignment and asked the brides mother, we were told we could pick up a box lunch in the kitchen when dinner was served and eat in the hallway. OK, but why does the DJ have a table assignment? Told he was the owner of the DJ company and a friend of the groom's father. But wait, the owner sent an employee not himself and he was told to get a box lunch also. We all picked up our box lunches, cold sandwich, cookie, chips, and went outside, (no chairs in hallway). Dinner went for over an hour, no music, no table shots. We ate near the main entrance where guests were smoking after dinner and received many comments which were very supportive. The groom came out and was very apologetic. We all had a good laugh and completed the job with enthusiasm but the bride followed up with a complaint to the BBB. But that is another story for another thread.
Point: Photographer works all day non-stop.
With the guests or separate?? Table arrangement?
Photographers should eat soon after wedding party and family. Then we can be available for B&G table visits or other planned shoots. Good time for pick up shots of B&G alone. However, this is the best time to get table shots, just before table is called to eat, so we squeeze this in then.
We encourage the B&G to offer the DJ and videographer something also so they won't feel left out and explain to them why they are feeding the photographer. Something best not left as a surprise on the wedding day.
Bottom line: 99% of the time we are eating as guests. When this happens we always leave a photo gift (extra album page, 11x14, photo credit. etc.) with a thank-you for dinner. Sometimes we enjoy dinner non-stop and sometimes we are jumping up and down and eating cold food. Note: ask someone at your table to guard your plate while you are shooting or you might come back to nothing.
Now for a 1% story. Two weeks before the wedding the bride called and asked for our choice for dinner, (salmon, beef, chicken). When we arrived at the reception, noticed no table assignment and asked the brides mother, we were told we could pick up a box lunch in the kitchen when dinner was served and eat in the hallway. OK, but why does the DJ have a table assignment? Told he was the owner of the DJ company and a friend of the groom's father. But wait, the owner sent an employee not himself and he was told to get a box lunch also. We all picked up our box lunches, cold sandwich, cookie, chips, and went outside, (no chairs in hallway). Dinner went for over an hour, no music, no table shots. We ate near the main entrance where guests were smoking after dinner and received many comments which were very supportive. The groom came out and was very apologetic. We all had a good laugh and completed the job with enthusiasm but the bride followed up with a complaint to the BBB. But that is another story for another thread.
May 1, 2015 12:56:15 #
Beercat wrote:
Yesterday was another wedding. Went fine though as... (show quote)
I guess it comes with the territory. Be prepared to suck it up so to speak. Not saying it's right but it happens.
May 17, 2015 13:29:20 #
Hi gang! I know I am a latecomer to this thread but I have not been around here at the forum as often as I would have liked to have been- business, family stuff and moderating on another forum has occupied much of my time.
This particular thread caught my attention because it is very indicative and has a lot to say about the lack of respect for wedding photographers that seems to exist, nowadays, in many circles among some clients, other vendors and catering personnel. This is completely uncalled for, ridiculous and frankly speaking; just plain stupidity. It angers me, so here is some straight talk that may help yall and some of the hard working dedicated wedding photographer out there.
I gotta say- what the hell is wrong with some people and what ever happened to hospitality, consideration and compassion for hard working folks. All I know is that when people come to work in my home or studio and they are in for long spans of time, I make sure they are properly fed. I am talking about assistants, models, makeup folks, stylists, handymen, painters, cleaners or anyone who is in for the day. I always have snacks and refreshments on hand for visiting clients who are in for long sessions or meetings. All one needs is a refrigerator, a stove and a sense of humanity! Worse come to worse- we send out for a pizza or some burgers! I mean- some of my wedding gigs are 12 to 15 hours long- all day and half the night!
Now, having said all of that- heres my basic attitude and policy about meals at weddings. I fully realize that my crew and I are there at the weddings, in attendance, first and foremost to work; not to dine, dance and celebrate! My first boss, over 50 years ago, told all of his young buck wedding trainees and shooters that if he found them (us- me) at a wedding with a glass of booze in hand, on the dance floor for reasons other than shooting the festivities or overly socializing with the bridesmaids, he would come to our houses under the cover of darkness and murder us in our sleep! That was in New York City. Up here in Canada, uttering threats is a serious offence so I just tell my shooters and trainees that I will simply fire them on the spot if the violate theses policies. I only had to do that once! Im old fashioned- we still have a dress code and stuff like that.
Policies aside, lets get down to realities. If the entire assignment is a small wedding and I am in and out within 4 or 5 hours, being fed is not an issue. A decent breakfast of lunch prior to the job can get me through the event with no issues. Sure- a snack bar or two and a bottle of water is quite enough to sustain the energy going and keep me hydrated on hot days. On long jobs, however, the scenario is significantly different. We are oftentimes attending at the brides home, the grooms home or the couples home prior to the ceremony. Sometimes they are dressing at hotels or other venues or facilities. Then, of course, we are off to the ceremony which can be in a house of worship or an outdoor location. We also do a formal session in the interim in between the ceremony and the party which is oftentimes at an outdoor location during hot summer weather. We then need to rush off to the reception venue in time to catch the couples arrival. Sometime there is a cocktail hour that needs to be photographed and after that some of the planned events happen rather quickly. By that time we have been on our feet for most of the day, rushing around like cats on a hot tin roof so that we are always at the right place at the right time to capture all of the must have images. So common sense dictates that some decent sustenance is in order along with a reasonable period of time to catch a bit of relaxation and digest our food. The best time to do this is when all of the guests are eating- nothing much to photograph- basically folks stuffing their faces- not all that photogenic. You would think that your clients and the catering staff would understand this simple requirement, especially seeing that we will be photographing all the upcoming festivities well into the evening. Eating a boxed lunch or grabbing a stale sandwich in the hallway or the kitchen has gotta be out of the question, at least in my own case, because I always have my camera nearby and ready, even if I am eating, just in case there is a impromptu speech, toast or funny event that needs to be captured- I gotta be in the dining room with easy access to the head table and the dance floor.
A granola bar and a power drink??? Come on guys- where are we- out camping, fishing, hunting in the wilderness- in a combat zone during a war or in a fully equipped food service facility? Whats next; C-rations- K-rations! Been there- ate that- ugh! OK- this does not mean that I expect a gourmet creation or a full fledged expensive guest meal. A plate of pasta and a soft drink is ample and sufficient and I dont like overfeeding myself because that slows me up when I am working. The complex carbohydrates in the pasta can sustain energy for a long time.
Now- to be fair; all of this is not a widespread problem for me and many of my colleges and cohorts around my neck of the woods. I do a fair amount of ethnic and multicultural weddings where the folks would be insulted of we did not break bread with them and enjoy a great meal. Most of the families I deal with will provide me and my crew with a fine meal. It is a very long time since I have experienced a bad situation where we couldn't get fed and we were out in the country where no restaurants were nearby. We could not even sneak out a buy a Big Mac! Well- even if we could, we did not want to leave the venue in fear of missing an important photo-op- how conscientious is that? There were a few instances, in restaurant or hotel receptions were I had to buy meals for myself and my crew- at least the facilities were there!
Nowadays- it all in my contracts; we get fed on all long gigs! No ifs and/or buts! We are there working on behalf of our customers- we need to remain energized and hydrated in order to perform well. We are professionals- not party crashers and most importantly we are humans!
I guess it time to talk about stupid caterers, chefs and catering staff. Any really good chef has a passion for feeding people good stuff- I know- my daughter is a professional chef! Any decent cook or chef should know how to keep things warm and juicy when people are delayed for dinner. Serving people scraps is totally, unprofessional, outrageous, disgusting and just plain bad business. The guy has to be an idiot- how does he know exactly who you are- perhaps you may be his next potential customer. One year I was convention and meetings chairman for my professional association and I had to pick out venues for local and national events. I chose places that treat their customers and all visiting vendors with great service and respect. A great chef always wants to put his best foot forward and gain a fine reputation, especially among people who are in the wedding and event business that can recommend his venue to their customers and colleagues.
I dont know where this lack of respect and consideration stems from. I have, long ago. solved my problems with theses food at weddings related matters, however, I oftentimes hear of this still going on with my friends and colleagues in the business. Personally speaking; I am not a fuss-pot, a prima donna or a self-important person. I tend to bend over backward for my clients and I exercise the height of patience even with the odd difficult client. Perhaps I have been fortunate because I now address theses questions and other sticky issues well in advance of the wedding day- I dont want to contend with them during the throws of an active event. I will never argue or become insistent at a wedding!
Some of you many find this kinda crazy but I charge $125. per 1/2 hour/ per man for starting off late due to customer tardiness! Late starts can turn a smooth and enjoyable wedding coverage (for all concerned) in to wedding hell! I can roll with the punches and switch gears for unforeseen events but I do not tolerate lateness!!! I assume that my clients are intelligent adults and they have business to organize their wedding day affairs properly. There is no excuse for tardy or incompetent make up and hair people, florists and other vendors and services should be professional enough to be on time and there is nothing all that difficult in starting extra early just in case of an unforeseen mishap. I have never had to enforce my extra charges and have not encountered a late bride in over 30 years.
Perhaps some of us do not charge enough! When folks are well invested in you, they will tend to cooperate in proportion to that investment. With some folks, unfortunately enough money talks and BS walks so if the have only spent a pittance on your services they may be silly enough to sabotage their own wedding photographer! I have one umbrella philosophy that puts most of my clients at ease with all of my policies. Everything I say and do is said and done on their behalf. I want their wedding photography to be an enjoyable part of the day and not a disturbance, a distraction or an obtrusion. I want to get the formals done on time and in a smooth and easy manner so that I have time to cover the rest of their wedding in a photojournalistic manner and they are free to enjoy the day without having to be dragged away form their guests to catch up on family groups or posed pictures. Everyone usually agrees with that approach. Once I am at the wedding, even if the totally screw up, I will never argue, insist or become visibly upset. As I alluded to, I can roll with the punches and switch gears quickly but there may be some loss in their selection or perhaps the quality of certain images if we are forced to forgo certain photo-ops or rush through their formals at an inappropriate rat of speed.
Ed
This particular thread caught my attention because it is very indicative and has a lot to say about the lack of respect for wedding photographers that seems to exist, nowadays, in many circles among some clients, other vendors and catering personnel. This is completely uncalled for, ridiculous and frankly speaking; just plain stupidity. It angers me, so here is some straight talk that may help yall and some of the hard working dedicated wedding photographer out there.
I gotta say- what the hell is wrong with some people and what ever happened to hospitality, consideration and compassion for hard working folks. All I know is that when people come to work in my home or studio and they are in for long spans of time, I make sure they are properly fed. I am talking about assistants, models, makeup folks, stylists, handymen, painters, cleaners or anyone who is in for the day. I always have snacks and refreshments on hand for visiting clients who are in for long sessions or meetings. All one needs is a refrigerator, a stove and a sense of humanity! Worse come to worse- we send out for a pizza or some burgers! I mean- some of my wedding gigs are 12 to 15 hours long- all day and half the night!
Now, having said all of that- heres my basic attitude and policy about meals at weddings. I fully realize that my crew and I are there at the weddings, in attendance, first and foremost to work; not to dine, dance and celebrate! My first boss, over 50 years ago, told all of his young buck wedding trainees and shooters that if he found them (us- me) at a wedding with a glass of booze in hand, on the dance floor for reasons other than shooting the festivities or overly socializing with the bridesmaids, he would come to our houses under the cover of darkness and murder us in our sleep! That was in New York City. Up here in Canada, uttering threats is a serious offence so I just tell my shooters and trainees that I will simply fire them on the spot if the violate theses policies. I only had to do that once! Im old fashioned- we still have a dress code and stuff like that.
Policies aside, lets get down to realities. If the entire assignment is a small wedding and I am in and out within 4 or 5 hours, being fed is not an issue. A decent breakfast of lunch prior to the job can get me through the event with no issues. Sure- a snack bar or two and a bottle of water is quite enough to sustain the energy going and keep me hydrated on hot days. On long jobs, however, the scenario is significantly different. We are oftentimes attending at the brides home, the grooms home or the couples home prior to the ceremony. Sometimes they are dressing at hotels or other venues or facilities. Then, of course, we are off to the ceremony which can be in a house of worship or an outdoor location. We also do a formal session in the interim in between the ceremony and the party which is oftentimes at an outdoor location during hot summer weather. We then need to rush off to the reception venue in time to catch the couples arrival. Sometime there is a cocktail hour that needs to be photographed and after that some of the planned events happen rather quickly. By that time we have been on our feet for most of the day, rushing around like cats on a hot tin roof so that we are always at the right place at the right time to capture all of the must have images. So common sense dictates that some decent sustenance is in order along with a reasonable period of time to catch a bit of relaxation and digest our food. The best time to do this is when all of the guests are eating- nothing much to photograph- basically folks stuffing their faces- not all that photogenic. You would think that your clients and the catering staff would understand this simple requirement, especially seeing that we will be photographing all the upcoming festivities well into the evening. Eating a boxed lunch or grabbing a stale sandwich in the hallway or the kitchen has gotta be out of the question, at least in my own case, because I always have my camera nearby and ready, even if I am eating, just in case there is a impromptu speech, toast or funny event that needs to be captured- I gotta be in the dining room with easy access to the head table and the dance floor.
A granola bar and a power drink??? Come on guys- where are we- out camping, fishing, hunting in the wilderness- in a combat zone during a war or in a fully equipped food service facility? Whats next; C-rations- K-rations! Been there- ate that- ugh! OK- this does not mean that I expect a gourmet creation or a full fledged expensive guest meal. A plate of pasta and a soft drink is ample and sufficient and I dont like overfeeding myself because that slows me up when I am working. The complex carbohydrates in the pasta can sustain energy for a long time.
Now- to be fair; all of this is not a widespread problem for me and many of my colleges and cohorts around my neck of the woods. I do a fair amount of ethnic and multicultural weddings where the folks would be insulted of we did not break bread with them and enjoy a great meal. Most of the families I deal with will provide me and my crew with a fine meal. It is a very long time since I have experienced a bad situation where we couldn't get fed and we were out in the country where no restaurants were nearby. We could not even sneak out a buy a Big Mac! Well- even if we could, we did not want to leave the venue in fear of missing an important photo-op- how conscientious is that? There were a few instances, in restaurant or hotel receptions were I had to buy meals for myself and my crew- at least the facilities were there!
Nowadays- it all in my contracts; we get fed on all long gigs! No ifs and/or buts! We are there working on behalf of our customers- we need to remain energized and hydrated in order to perform well. We are professionals- not party crashers and most importantly we are humans!
I guess it time to talk about stupid caterers, chefs and catering staff. Any really good chef has a passion for feeding people good stuff- I know- my daughter is a professional chef! Any decent cook or chef should know how to keep things warm and juicy when people are delayed for dinner. Serving people scraps is totally, unprofessional, outrageous, disgusting and just plain bad business. The guy has to be an idiot- how does he know exactly who you are- perhaps you may be his next potential customer. One year I was convention and meetings chairman for my professional association and I had to pick out venues for local and national events. I chose places that treat their customers and all visiting vendors with great service and respect. A great chef always wants to put his best foot forward and gain a fine reputation, especially among people who are in the wedding and event business that can recommend his venue to their customers and colleagues.
I dont know where this lack of respect and consideration stems from. I have, long ago. solved my problems with theses food at weddings related matters, however, I oftentimes hear of this still going on with my friends and colleagues in the business. Personally speaking; I am not a fuss-pot, a prima donna or a self-important person. I tend to bend over backward for my clients and I exercise the height of patience even with the odd difficult client. Perhaps I have been fortunate because I now address theses questions and other sticky issues well in advance of the wedding day- I dont want to contend with them during the throws of an active event. I will never argue or become insistent at a wedding!
Some of you many find this kinda crazy but I charge $125. per 1/2 hour/ per man for starting off late due to customer tardiness! Late starts can turn a smooth and enjoyable wedding coverage (for all concerned) in to wedding hell! I can roll with the punches and switch gears for unforeseen events but I do not tolerate lateness!!! I assume that my clients are intelligent adults and they have business to organize their wedding day affairs properly. There is no excuse for tardy or incompetent make up and hair people, florists and other vendors and services should be professional enough to be on time and there is nothing all that difficult in starting extra early just in case of an unforeseen mishap. I have never had to enforce my extra charges and have not encountered a late bride in over 30 years.
Perhaps some of us do not charge enough! When folks are well invested in you, they will tend to cooperate in proportion to that investment. With some folks, unfortunately enough money talks and BS walks so if the have only spent a pittance on your services they may be silly enough to sabotage their own wedding photographer! I have one umbrella philosophy that puts most of my clients at ease with all of my policies. Everything I say and do is said and done on their behalf. I want their wedding photography to be an enjoyable part of the day and not a disturbance, a distraction or an obtrusion. I want to get the formals done on time and in a smooth and easy manner so that I have time to cover the rest of their wedding in a photojournalistic manner and they are free to enjoy the day without having to be dragged away form their guests to catch up on family groups or posed pictures. Everyone usually agrees with that approach. Once I am at the wedding, even if the totally screw up, I will never argue, insist or become visibly upset. As I alluded to, I can roll with the punches and switch gears quickly but there may be some loss in their selection or perhaps the quality of certain images if we are forced to forgo certain photo-ops or rush through their formals at an inappropriate rat of speed.
Ed
May 17, 2015 14:08:23 #
Ed,
Thank you for the detailed reply, all very good stuff.
Interestingly over the last month I've worked with the same wedding coordinator 3 times. Never worked with her before and it was the very first wedding we did with her that was a huge mess that I spoke of in the opening post. I did discuss with her what had happened, didn't blame her, it wasn't her who dropped the ball. I would thing the chef got fed back. The 2 more recent weddings with the same coordinator we have been well taken care of and ate soon after the dinner started which of course is perfect, it frees us up to be ready to jump with things get compressed because the event is running late, it happens about half the time. No problems with us being adaptive, just make sure I have something in my belly and 5-10 minutes to wolf it down, of course while being in a position to see what's happening in the main area.
Again thanks for the great and detailed response, we do love hearing from the seasoned pros 8-)
Thank you for the detailed reply, all very good stuff.
Interestingly over the last month I've worked with the same wedding coordinator 3 times. Never worked with her before and it was the very first wedding we did with her that was a huge mess that I spoke of in the opening post. I did discuss with her what had happened, didn't blame her, it wasn't her who dropped the ball. I would thing the chef got fed back. The 2 more recent weddings with the same coordinator we have been well taken care of and ate soon after the dinner started which of course is perfect, it frees us up to be ready to jump with things get compressed because the event is running late, it happens about half the time. No problems with us being adaptive, just make sure I have something in my belly and 5-10 minutes to wolf it down, of course while being in a position to see what's happening in the main area.
Again thanks for the great and detailed response, we do love hearing from the seasoned pros 8-)
May 26, 2015 11:25:49 #
Very good response Ed.
We do a lot of "ethnic weddings" as well, and have always been treated very well.
The worst ones are the Cinderella weddings, where the bride has to have the absolute best of the best, and want the "help" to be not seen or heard. I've gotten to the point where I usually turn away business where I think I'm going to run into this situation.
I do have one coming up where the family was very apologetic saying that they were being raked across the coals for $70/plate, and were very nice about asking if we could remove the "we get fed" part of the contract. As they are already one of the few that is getting our largest package, and the fact that they were very nice and polite about asking, I will make sure that the crew gets fed, but it will be burgers or pizza.
I only keep the power bars and energy drinks "just in case" something happens and it does. I've been thankful for those emergency supplies, as I've also given the bars and drink to people in the wedding party that were starting to get sick, including brides. Stuff like that has gotten me extra business.
I'm definitely not saying you're wrong, I agree with your points, but I do make exceptions to some things, when I know before hand, I plan for things to go wrong (old Boy scout) but for the most part, I would say 95% of the time, we are fed and treated like family. The hard part is knowing when to say no in the first place. After 31 years, I still sometimes mistake a wonderful family for a family of jerks.
I haven't had too many bad experiences with chefs and the like, it is generally with "wanna be" first time wedding planners that tend to get in the way of a successful wedding for us.
We do a lot of "ethnic weddings" as well, and have always been treated very well.
The worst ones are the Cinderella weddings, where the bride has to have the absolute best of the best, and want the "help" to be not seen or heard. I've gotten to the point where I usually turn away business where I think I'm going to run into this situation.
I do have one coming up where the family was very apologetic saying that they were being raked across the coals for $70/plate, and were very nice about asking if we could remove the "we get fed" part of the contract. As they are already one of the few that is getting our largest package, and the fact that they were very nice and polite about asking, I will make sure that the crew gets fed, but it will be burgers or pizza.
I only keep the power bars and energy drinks "just in case" something happens and it does. I've been thankful for those emergency supplies, as I've also given the bars and drink to people in the wedding party that were starting to get sick, including brides. Stuff like that has gotten me extra business.
I'm definitely not saying you're wrong, I agree with your points, but I do make exceptions to some things, when I know before hand, I plan for things to go wrong (old Boy scout) but for the most part, I would say 95% of the time, we are fed and treated like family. The hard part is knowing when to say no in the first place. After 31 years, I still sometimes mistake a wonderful family for a family of jerks.
I haven't had too many bad experiences with chefs and the like, it is generally with "wanna be" first time wedding planners that tend to get in the way of a successful wedding for us.
May 26, 2015 11:53:06 #
Baykster! Your are right in your approach! As I mentioned, we are their to work and not to be guests. I never expect a high priced plate or a gourmet dinner at at weddings/ A plate of pasta or a sandwich is quite enough to keep the energy going. Quite frankly and fortunately enough, the "jerks" are in the minority and I try and screen them out early in the game. When I refuse an assignment, it usually not about the food situation- it's usually a lack of cooperation. Some the food situation is just a harbinger of bad experiences to come- the sign of a bad attitude. Thees folks tend to sabotage their own photographer and are the first ones to complain if the are dissatisfied.
I agree with you 100% about rookie wedding coordinators. I make sure the clients realize that I work strictly autonomously= I never get in the way or delay things. I like to cooperate with all the other vendors and staff but I won't work with someone hoovering over me! It's no longer a problem- thank goodness!
I too believe in Murphy's law and being prepared!
Thanks for your comeback- Regards, Ed
I agree with you 100% about rookie wedding coordinators. I make sure the clients realize that I work strictly autonomously= I never get in the way or delay things. I like to cooperate with all the other vendors and staff but I won't work with someone hoovering over me! It's no longer a problem- thank goodness!
I too believe in Murphy's law and being prepared!
Thanks for your comeback- Regards, Ed
May 29, 2015 18:52:40 #
After reading this thread, I have a few random thoughts (for what they're worth). There are "warm fuzzies" in this world, and there are "cold pricklies". You don't have to shoot the weddings of the cold pricklies. Be selective. You can determine this at the first meeting. If you want to see a couple backstep quickly, just tell them that you feel they are not a good fit for you. Only once in 34 years of weddings was I not provided a meal of some sort. We, as photographers, should work WITH the B & G...not FOR them. There is a huge difference. Now, time schedules do get messed up and sometimes you have to grab a bite here and there, but that is part of the job. As far as time schedules are concerned, I always let the B & G know up front, that the absloute best way to destroy their wedding album is NOT BEING READY ON TIME. It still happens, but the chances are improved for an on-time start. The fellow that stressed the importance of PERSONALITY is right on! It is every bit as important as posing, photographic technique, etc. and it is extremely hard to learn if it does not come naturally. One final thought, hopefully you are being well paid for your skills...dress accordingly! In my opinion, it is a sign of disrespect to show up in jeans etc. Be classy! Best wishes!
May 30, 2015 11:10:32 #
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