Not Feeling Well! - What to do?

I try to look things up before I dive into the sharks but didn't find anything.... Here's the deal... I have a

wedding in T minus 3 days and I currently have this HORRIBLE (very unlady-like) cough that won't go away and I

have a feeling it has no intention of doing so by the big day. I'm feeling fine otherwise, no pukies... :) LOL

 

I just can't talk!! I asked the bride (before I lost my voice) if her personal attendant would be willing to

help me organize people and she said that she is a take charge gal would would definitely fit the bill... Good.

I don't have to yell too much!

 

What in the world are some of your stories about being less than 100% on a wedding day? I know I should be able

to do my job, but the thought of hacking my lungs up every 3 1/2 minutes in church is frightening! They're

having a full Catholic Mass!

 

Anyway - some inspiration would be helpful...

I've never (knock on wood) not been able to photograph a contracted wedding. However, I'm lucky in that I'm pretty healthy and strong. I still go if I have a cold or allergy. I just avoid breathing on people, etc. If I have to cough during a ceremony, I turn around and muffle it as much as possible. Usually, though, I'm so focused on what is happening and what I have to do that I am not even aware of how I feel, and don't even cough or exhibit symptoms unless I think about it deliberately.

 

However, know yourself. If you really think you won't be able to function, start calling substitutes now.

I think you should hire an assistant ASAP! If you have a coughing fit in the ceremony it could ruin there wedding! If you had an assistant there you could run out and not worry about missing the special shots! Try craigslist, there are TONS of photogogs there that would LOVE to help you!

Hope you get better!

Oh, and I've been sick from a wedding only once--food poisoning from cream sauce on fish that had probably sat too long. Luckily, I got sick AFTER the reception was over. Ever since then, I am careful about what I eat the day before the wedding--no sushi or other foods that may be suspect. I also try to treat any symptoms of a cold or allergy as soon as I even notice anything, and try to otherwise eat a fairly good diet. Your body and mind are also tools and they should be maintained just the same as your gear. I've photographed without a voice before too. It can work, although people look at you in a funny way...

Do you have any "professional peers" , whose work and professionalism you know and trust, and who are also good friends, living in your area, whom you could perhaps call in to 'pinch hit' for you on this one? Maybe you can try that, and split the money 50/50 with them.

 

Also, go see a Dr. Your cough might be indication of something serious. And working a whole day doing a shoot might make it even more serious. Your health is more important than this one shoot.

 

If you end up going, and shooting, try to take LOTS of good cough drops, and maybe those will help minimize the coughing episodes. Maybe the Dr can give you something much stronger, just for those couple of hours.

Frankly I do not think getting other`s stories is of paramount importance, but, if you want it: I too have never not been able to fulfil a Wedding booking, though I did find out on the following Tuesday I worked 8 hours covering an Orthodox Baptism whilst having viral pneumonia the previous Sunday, from my lack of memory of the event it was done on autopilot mode, due to the fever I had.

 

I suggest you enact your Redundancy Plan B (alternative photographer), sooner rather than later if you have doubts, though, IMO an hacking cough should be able to be controlled, though it is difficult to tell how serious the condition is, just by a verbal description.

 

WW

try Delsym, it's a cough suppressant. make sure you stay away from an expectorant such as Robutussin which will make your cough more productive to clear out the gunk. I've used it with mixed results, but it might be worth a try. I'm sure there are plenty of home remedies out there as well.

 

Do you have seasonal allergies?

 

Good luck, I'm sure it's frustrating.

 

Sam

I've never missed a wedding due to illness but have done a couple with a mild cold and had another that required some pretty strong Rx painkillers due to a hand injury (was bitten by a fox). In your case things might be OK but could get worse as well.....I like the idea of having a backup that can second shoot and takeover for the day if needed.

I would not try any new medication the two days before the wedding. Same with food.

Well... on the positive aspect... I'm on the up side instead of what I felt like LAST weekend... Whoa Nelly... and functioning / performing isn't a concern of mine... Thankfully my brain is sharp again, minus the jarring around in my head from looking like an '80's hair band while I'm hacking... :)

 

I have some prescription cough syrup that I've been drinking so we'll see if that helps... Wish me peace of the throat if nothing else!!

If you feel you are going to make it through the day, but are just going to be hacking a lot and no voice, then I would strongly suggest bringing an assistant along.

 

I think it is too much to ask of the personal attendant. It may backfire and the attendant may get a little upset if you have them do too much wrangling.

 

Best to get a close friend, even one who doesn't shoot, to be your voice. Someone who can react to your pointing and waving. It may even be fun for the group and add a bit of humor to the day. Make sure they know the exact timeline of everything, and have expicit instructions on what to do and when before the wedding.

 

Let your assistant call all the names for the group shots, rearrange people how you like, etc. You most likely won't need them at the reception.

 

Every photographer I know, myself included, have had a day like that and out of nowhere comes this super strength to get through the day. The responsibility and pressure seem to mask illnesses a bit.

 

With a good friend properly prepped to help, you should be fine.

You could just visit your doctor. He or she may be able to find a suitable cure....

Two years ago I broke my arm in three places and shot a wedding the next day-did not know the damage at the time, I thought it was just banged up from a fall.

 

Needless to say the rest of the busy fall season was a challenge but clients were so helpful. Guys seeing me in a sling would put down beers and get the task done. I have never had so many helpfull hands haul stuff for me.

 

Think it might be a good prop to keep the sling in the case for difficult days. That all said, get yourself some back up help and don't be afraid to ask for lots of assistance to keep up your strength.

 

Good luck and better health.

Brooke

It is possible to excel when you are not at your best. Ask Tiger Woods, Mario Lemieux, Michael Jordan.

Fisherman's Friend is a rather powerful kind of cough drop that would be worth a try.

Amanda,

 

How did it go?????

 

Ellie from Chaska,MN

I made it through, I just did what I do and had a fantastic spry lady be my voice. This is after I made a shot list and we just sailed through with no problem... I still can't talk but hey... what do you do?<div></div>

(it helped that this couple is VERY calm and collected... and very easy to 'shoot')