Backup
May 3, 2015 09:34:11 #
Question for the group. Doing weddings has been a side job for me. It is growing, but still sporadic when it comes to bookings. One concern I have is a contingency plan in case of some emergency situation where I would not be able to do the wedding. I am pretty darn reliable and have equipment backup and second shooter backup, but there is always a small chance that I am hit by the bus as they say or a death in the family etc... I don't have staff. I also don't have many relationships with other wedding photographers as photogrpahy is a 180 change in direction for me. Yes, I know I could write something in the contract however I don't want to leave someone without a photographer.
Recommendations?
Recommendations?
May 4, 2015 08:48:37 #
Jay, it is a very good question, and I'd like to see what others do.
Here's what I do to cover that.
1. It absolutely is in my contract. Of course, if I'm hit by a bus, they can't sue me, but could go after my heirs. You really need a good contract, and make sure things like "force magure" (spelling?) is in it (means act of God) A bus, probably qualifies.
2. I know it seems like it is counter intuitive, but making friends with the competition is probably one of the best things you can do. Not only do you have a list of people to help bail you out if there is an illness or accident, but also those relationships help when someone is booked, and they send you business, and vice versa. Local photography clubs, google, and even (gasp) Craigslist can offer up some names of others in your area. Give them a call and run it all past them BEFORE you need them. I'm thankful that I've only had one event that I couldn't make, but I had a list of people to call, and got the situation handled. The way I did it, (no bus involved) was to pay them to shoot the wedding, I only took out enough to cover the cost of the prints, and I did the PP for free. The photographer bailed me out, and it did make for more work for me, but at least I got to edit them to reflect my style.
It could have been done many ways, that's just what I did. That same photographer sent me a wedding less than a year later. All's well that ends well.
Here's what I do to cover that.
1. It absolutely is in my contract. Of course, if I'm hit by a bus, they can't sue me, but could go after my heirs. You really need a good contract, and make sure things like "force magure" (spelling?) is in it (means act of God) A bus, probably qualifies.
2. I know it seems like it is counter intuitive, but making friends with the competition is probably one of the best things you can do. Not only do you have a list of people to help bail you out if there is an illness or accident, but also those relationships help when someone is booked, and they send you business, and vice versa. Local photography clubs, google, and even (gasp) Craigslist can offer up some names of others in your area. Give them a call and run it all past them BEFORE you need them. I'm thankful that I've only had one event that I couldn't make, but I had a list of people to call, and got the situation handled. The way I did it, (no bus involved) was to pay them to shoot the wedding, I only took out enough to cover the cost of the prints, and I did the PP for free. The photographer bailed me out, and it did make for more work for me, but at least I got to edit them to reflect my style.
It could have been done many ways, that's just what I did. That same photographer sent me a wedding less than a year later. All's well that ends well.
May 8, 2015 10:15:00 #
Why not do like the medical profession does. Team up with another wedding photographer in your area and cover each other with an agreement arrange ahead of time.
May 8, 2015 11:42:32 #
As mentioned ............. 'Acts of God' clause in the contract. I have it in mine.
FYI, they can try and sue your heirs but it won't have any legs ;)
FYI, they can try and sue your heirs but it won't have any legs ;)
May 8, 2015 12:54:08 #
Beercat wrote:
As mentioned ............. 'Acts of God' clause in the contract. I have it in mine.
FYI, they can try and sue your heirs but it won't have any legs ;)
FYI, they can try and sue your heirs but it won't have any legs ;)
What if it wasn't God driving the bus?;)
I still like having a rolodex full of people I trust, and who trust me for this kind of situation.
May 8, 2015 16:57:24 #
bkyser wrote:
What if it wasn't God driving the bus?;)
I still like having a rolodex full of people I trust, and who trust me for this kind of situation.
I still like having a rolodex full of people I trust, and who trust me for this kind of situation.
I always get to a wedding early .......... if the bus breaks down I sue the bus company :lol:
I my car breaks down I have insurance for any loss minus the deductible.
But I get your point ........
May 8, 2015 18:05:08 #
Yes, I am working on that list of local photographers. It may take a while since photography is a 180 switch for me and no previous affiliations that have grown over the years.
May 11, 2015 15:02:02 #
jaysnave wrote:
Yes, I am working on that list of local photographers. It may take a while since photography is a 180 switch for me and no previous affiliations that have grown over the years.
Well, as you can probably tell from our friendly little group. Wedding photographers, and actually, in my opinion, many wedding pros in various fields are a diverse group full of wierdos and silliness......in the best of ways. I actually enjoy being around my fellow wierdos much more than hanging out with the stuffed shirts in the business world.
There are a few jerks in any field, but I do think the wedding people tend to see the bright side of most situations, or they get out of the field quickly. You can't deal with the "constant opportunities to shine" (problems) and have a negative attitude, or this stuff will kill you.
May 11, 2015 15:17:16 #
bkyser wrote:
Well, as you can probably tell from our friendly l... (show quote)
That is a funny but true synopsis Bob. Actually, I believe that most if not all weird and silly wedding photographers are doing it because they enjoy helping people through a very important day in their life and memorializing it for them. There are better ways to make money without the stress.
May 11, 2015 15:30:10 #
jaysnave wrote:
That is a funny but true synopsis Bob. Actually, I believe that most if not all weird and silly wedding photographers are doing it because they enjoy helping people through a very important day in their life and memorializing it for them. There are better ways to make money without the stress.
:thumbup: maybe easier, but not sure about "better" I'm a weirdo that LOVES this stuff.
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