What to DO When the DJ takes PHOTOS of Ceremony & Reception and POST on 2 Large TV Screens
Dec 5, 2011 12:29:21 #
I have learned over the years that what you say when making / signing an agreement can dramatically change how it works out in practice. Clarifying the exclusivity part of the agreement so that the issue doesn't arise is far better than suffering it or trying to stop it. Clarity beforehand beats confrontation afterwards. The pre-talk is a vital part of any relationship and need constant refinement.
Dec 5, 2011 12:31:33 #
tk wrote:
I'm not saying throw a hissy fit! I'm asking the DJ to please back off and if he is a jerk check with the check writer and see if this was an arrangement with the DJ then ask nicely if they would request the DJ back off. If that does not resolve, shut up, take pictures and store this in the memory banks for the future. Take steps to protect your contract, but don't walk out or cause a scene.
That's what I was trying to say, too.
I don't see how asking whoever is paying you to please get the DJ's assistant to stop interfering with you being able to make the best wedding photographs possible is tantamount to causing a scene or being a jerk.
Dec 5, 2011 12:39:16 #
Dec 5, 2011 12:55:08 #
I agree with mooseeyes. To say that you just need to "talk" to the DJ and "talk" to the couple AFTER contracts or deals have ALREADY been made, WHILE the event is in progress is rediculous! Breach of contract was already committed, meaning the damage was done. Your artistic and professional abilities were already compromised in my book. What should have happened was who ever planned that wedding should have put 2 and 2 together and consulted the photographer ahead of time. There could have even been an arrangement where as the DJ gets to take candid shots during the reception and thats all, and EVEN THEN be in agreement that his shooter is to be no where near the same angle or area as the professional shooter and the Pro gets absolute PRIORITY on his angles and shots! A DJ is for music and to give photography concession to someone who is paid to play music over someone who is paid to provide professional high quality images is, again, rediculous!
Dec 5, 2011 12:57:46 #
Ahhhh the joys of wedding photography. We have to remember its the bride and grooms special day. We get paid to do a job wether Aunt Jane and her camcorder gets in the way or its someone else. I always get the name of the DJ or band so I can discuss aspects of the wedding they actually can be of help.
Dec 5, 2011 13:20:31 #
I like Unclewiggly's post. #1, whatever you're shooting, it's got to be far superior to any DJ. When you've processed it, what you present to the bride and groom should be something that they will treasure for the rest of their life....at least 50% of the time!! #2, a few well spoken words by a seasoned pro can control the situation without provoking ill feelings, i.e. "folks, if you'll step aside and allow me to get my shots I'll give you a few seconds to take yours before moving on to the next setup." I don't care what the DJ was shooting, he could have been handled in this way, too. Pics on a tv? Cool idea but the wedding photographer doesn't have time for that. Let the DJ do it as long as he doesn't interfere....and again....a few well placed, but inoffensive words could keep him out of the way.
Dec 5, 2011 13:31:15 #
gsugal wrote:
What would you do if you were hired as the weddin... (show quote)
First off - I hate that this has happened to you or anyone else. In the mind of a "PRO" - "I have been paid to do a specific job and no one else is listed to do this job per the contract agreement". I (me) understand's this well.
My first answer to your question would have been (A) Walk, but I am kinda a "HotHead" sometimes when I shouldn't be. My next thought "only after reading some of the resonces" is maybe to network with the DJ and come to an agreement about the photo's and who controls that aspect of the wedding or get-to-gether. I think it does stink how this happened and the fault does not lye with the DJ, but how ever it does lye with the planner. You should have already known what to expect from the other hired help at the wedding.How ever, with the job market the way it is I am leaning more towards self presurvation. I would try to network with the DJ and possible score more work and also work out an agreement with anyone else who is hired for your next event. May require a little more homework of the event, but could possible get you the best results. The best of luck to you.
SloppyJoe PS - I hope this makes sense and I didn't jump around to much.
Dec 5, 2011 13:36:47 #
Interesting, are you concerned about the quality of your photos vs the DJ? What about friends taking photos and giving them to the couple? What if you were shooting a sporting event, would you insist on no competition?
I would suggest that this be handled up front in your contract cost outlining that you have priority when it comes to poses etc. If you are concerned about others taking and selling photos put it in your contract but don't make an issue of it at the wedding. Making an issue is a sure way to loose future business. I would try to anticipate a problem such as this and charge accordingly.
You might also go to the DJ and suggest he give you a copy of his photos after the wedding so you can post them on your website. Tell him you will give him credit and some of the profits if any sell. He may also want some of yours for his advertising.
Being confrontational on this special day is sure to cause future problems. Be cool and look for an opportunity.
I would suggest that this be handled up front in your contract cost outlining that you have priority when it comes to poses etc. If you are concerned about others taking and selling photos put it in your contract but don't make an issue of it at the wedding. Making an issue is a sure way to loose future business. I would try to anticipate a problem such as this and charge accordingly.
You might also go to the DJ and suggest he give you a copy of his photos after the wedding so you can post them on your website. Tell him you will give him credit and some of the profits if any sell. He may also want some of yours for his advertising.
Being confrontational on this special day is sure to cause future problems. Be cool and look for an opportunity.
Dec 5, 2011 14:08:42 #
Live with it! Don't let it ruin your day, exspecially your creativity.
How many time have you taken a photo only to find someone else doing the same when you leave the area? Since I cannot purchase every concevably gadget on the market, I consider it flatery since they are making my style of photography so important!
Me personally:
Since I often take photojournal type images, I hate it when people, who insist on being only a couple feet away, wind up stepping into my field of view! (Oh well, I can live with it!) A wedding is enjoyed by them as well as by the B&G.
How many times have you gone through a photo magazine and found similar subject matter in each of them? A different way of looking at it. (I repeat... live with it!)
How many time have you taken a photo only to find someone else doing the same when you leave the area? Since I cannot purchase every concevably gadget on the market, I consider it flatery since they are making my style of photography so important!
Me personally:
Since I often take photojournal type images, I hate it when people, who insist on being only a couple feet away, wind up stepping into my field of view! (Oh well, I can live with it!) A wedding is enjoyed by them as well as by the B&G.
How many times have you gone through a photo magazine and found similar subject matter in each of them? A different way of looking at it. (I repeat... live with it!)
Dec 5, 2011 14:42:26 #
As the mother of 7, who wants every family wedding to be perfect, I agree that the wedding day belongs to the B&G. In consideration of that fact, I would want (and, yes, even expect) the photographer to inform me if something is going to interfere with his/her ability to create a perfect memory for my son/daughter. Assuming the bridal couple and their parents are not professional photographers, they probably didn't realize the DJ's pics could interfere with the real photography. Who would want to learn that the hard way?
I do not believe it would be confrontational to inform the father of the bride of any conflict. If I were a wedding photographer, I would not walk out on a wedding. I definitely would use it as a learning experience, though.
Perhaps your new contract should specify who/when/where any other person may snap pics. Maybe leave a few minutes here & there just for that purpose.Or even make it part of the entertainment? Have the DJ announce that now is the chance for each of you to be a photographer, so please line up for that perfect photo-op! Pose the wedding party and make a fun time of it for everyone - Aunt Betty, Uncle Joe, the whole crew! No one will take these shots seriously. Not to mention, they will all have the exact same shots.
Lou Ellen
Lou Ellen
I do not believe it would be confrontational to inform the father of the bride of any conflict. If I were a wedding photographer, I would not walk out on a wedding. I definitely would use it as a learning experience, though.
Perhaps your new contract should specify who/when/where any other person may snap pics. Maybe leave a few minutes here & there just for that purpose.Or even make it part of the entertainment? Have the DJ announce that now is the chance for each of you to be a photographer, so please line up for that perfect photo-op! Pose the wedding party and make a fun time of it for everyone - Aunt Betty, Uncle Joe, the whole crew! No one will take these shots seriously. Not to mention, they will all have the exact same shots.
Lou Ellen
Lou Ellen
Dec 5, 2011 14:55:06 #
See, I told you we'd have no disagreement!
But I would like to help make sure you don't get near anyone else's weddings either. What a tragedy to ruin someone's wedding with such an attidude.
You don't have a right to know what they hired the DJ to do. You only know what they hired you to do. I am sure it it didn't include creating negative karma at their wedding.
How sad for you and they.
Regards,
Larry Leach
But I would like to help make sure you don't get near anyone else's weddings either. What a tragedy to ruin someone's wedding with such an attidude.
You don't have a right to know what they hired the DJ to do. You only know what they hired you to do. I am sure it it didn't include creating negative karma at their wedding.
How sad for you and they.
Regards,
Larry Leach
Messsucherkamera wrote:
Hi, br br Quite frankly, I have no desire to be ... (show quote)
Dec 5, 2011 14:56:00 #
dirty dave wrote:
I do alot of weddings. First work along with the D... (show quote)
Love this shot Dave, you can tell who the professionals are.
Dec 5, 2011 15:16:59 #
Dec 5, 2011 16:20:19 #
iresq
Loc: Annapolis MD
My 2 cents...I am a DJ that specialize in weddings. I have done this on more than one occasion. This is an add on service designed to help the party atmosphere and generate more revenue. I have also streamed live video from the dance floor and activities such as garter toss, cake cutting, etc. Until this post, I never even considered the photographers prospective. I will say that I have never had a photographer complain to me about it. As a matter of general practice, I work with the photographers and caterers. Now I would have a problem if my assistant was getting in the way of the photographers.
My contract also affords me the right to post these pics on my website for advertising (and this is a hotly debated topic on the DJ boards).
As Dirty Dave pointed out, I work with/refer/and have been referred work from many vendors (caterers, photographer, venue, etc.) I consider this to be a big part of marketing and it has more than paid for itself.
Understand that the DJ's job is all about the party. Period. In fact, as I tell my clients, the wedding is about the couple, the reception is about the guests. After a wedding the guests don't remember how good the chicken and broccoli was and would be willing to guess most never see the photos. They remember what a great time they had (hopefully). The photographers job is to capture that great time.
The OP stated his contract called for no other "professional" photographer. The DJ is not a professional photographer. No breach of contract.
Be nice to you DJ, were else are you going to store your gear or eat your free meal (and boy do I have an opinion of that, but that's another topic).
My contract also affords me the right to post these pics on my website for advertising (and this is a hotly debated topic on the DJ boards).
As Dirty Dave pointed out, I work with/refer/and have been referred work from many vendors (caterers, photographer, venue, etc.) I consider this to be a big part of marketing and it has more than paid for itself.
Understand that the DJ's job is all about the party. Period. In fact, as I tell my clients, the wedding is about the couple, the reception is about the guests. After a wedding the guests don't remember how good the chicken and broccoli was and would be willing to guess most never see the photos. They remember what a great time they had (hopefully). The photographers job is to capture that great time.
The OP stated his contract called for no other "professional" photographer. The DJ is not a professional photographer. No breach of contract.
Be nice to you DJ, were else are you going to store your gear or eat your free meal (and boy do I have an opinion of that, but that's another topic).
Dec 5, 2011 16:21:03 #
Professional or not. Is it not enough that you got paid or do you have to have complete control? If the answer is yes? Then go to Hollywood and say Cut. Okay now bring the actors.
Weddings are a joyest occasion. If a photographer has trouble with it. Go then, and leave those who want to have a great occasion be.
The great Beatles said, Let it be. They are words of wisdom.
If you start trouble at a Wedding in the moment I'd say you unprofessional and a idiot. There is always ways around this, such breach of contract. It would mean more compensation. If there was no more compensation then you have make a decision do you give in or make your case, but not the day of the Wedding and surely not there at the event. Mind your manners and be a pro.
Weddings are a joyest occasion. If a photographer has trouble with it. Go then, and leave those who want to have a great occasion be.
The great Beatles said, Let it be. They are words of wisdom.
If you start trouble at a Wedding in the moment I'd say you unprofessional and a idiot. There is always ways around this, such breach of contract. It would mean more compensation. If there was no more compensation then you have make a decision do you give in or make your case, but not the day of the Wedding and surely not there at the event. Mind your manners and be a pro.
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