A Few Questions After my First Few Weddings-

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>1. I'm wondering approximately how many photos a bride and groom should expect to get from a very small wedding. There were 35 people. We were there for 5 1/2 hrs. Of course, it ran late, so I have few formal pictures of the groom (he was wearing a sweaty t-shirt and shorts when we should have been doing B&G pictures). There were only so many details and people we could photograph. Though I know, with some creativity, I could have done more. For a 100 person wedding I did, I gave approx. 550 pictures.</p>

<p>2. How much is the photographer in charge of the schedule of the day? I noticed when it was time to cut the cake the wedding coordinator asked me if they were ready. She kind of gestured for me to tell them it was time.</p>

<p>3. What are some absolute "don'ts " as a wedding photographer?<br>

A. Should we continue taking pictures during the dinner? I'm thinking people don't want shots of themselves with food in their mouths. If we don't take pictures, is it okay to sit off to the side? I took some shots, but when the main course came, the chewing really went into high gear. So my assistant and I sat. I felt very self-conscious doing so. The coordinator eventually took us to a room and served us dinner.<br>

B. She would make contact with the hotel manager, etc? We were stopped by him as he verified we were supposed to be there.<br>

4. If they are running late (which they were), should I remind them of the key pictures they wanted? We did the main families and some smaller groups, but I know there are a few shots we didn't get. The bride kept walking away and was ready to party. We got few Formal pictures of the groom. I eventually asked him for a few minutes of time during the reception.</p>

<p>Anything else? Thank you SO much!</p>

 

I'll answer one. 550 pictures is way to many for my company, but everyone does there own thing... We typically will never deliver more then 350 edited, great pictures, you'll never see any repeats either. And that goes for even the largest weddings we have done. Just my style I guess. I believe less amazing photos is better then a whole lot of just ok photos.

;)

<p>1. There is no right or wrong number of images for any kind coverage length. It depends on expectations (which you control). Some people would say your numbers were low, others, too high.</p>

<p>2. Same for how much a photographer is in charge of the schedule. Mostly during the beginning part, not much, unless you have planned well with the couple and family for the pre ceremony images, but that is only on paper. When it comes time on the actual day, you realize you don't control anything during that time. You don't control the schedule during the ceremony at all. You only get control of the schedule for the formals as given to you by the church or location. During the reception, you 'can' control the schedule, but it varies. Could be the reception coordinator or DJ as well. Whomever takes control usually ends up with the control. I just use judgement. If I need to take control (everything is chaotic), I will.</p>

<p>3. I assume you are referring to your example, instead of in general, re the 'don't"s because that is too wide a topic. Re your example--again, depends on expectations. If you are expected to get table shots, you get table shots. You 'can' still go around to the tables and wait for times between chewing, alternating between tables that have their food and others that are still waiting. I don't have a problem sitting down and resting for a couple of minutes (not shooting), particularly if I've been working hard up until that point, if there is really nothing else I can be shooting.</p>

<p>4. Most hotel managers see that I am the photographer--kind of hard to miss with all the cameras and gear. It isn't normally necessary to 'check in' with the manager. I sometimes check in with the catering manager if he or she can be identified and it is obvious he or she is running the show. This is for coordination purposes.</p>

<p>5. See my answer in the thread about the upset bride's mother.</p>

1. As many of them as you can, without giving out bad ones. Only give out the good images. If you give out every image it will come back and haunt you, because the brides will complain and perhaps even take legal action against you. In simply terms give out quality work and the number of prints cannot be answered.

 

2. I run the weddings. I will work with the DJ and the banquet managers as far as time structure.

 

3A. Ask the bride and groom to go with you to each table so the people eating aren't put out.

 

3B. Don't understand your problem

 

4. If the people don't want photo's don't force them into it. Write it don't on an index card that you asked and they didn't want the images. Ask them to sign it, if it's part of your contract. This avoids lawsuits.

<p>Thanks everyone. I appreciate the help! Nadine, I'll check out the post. Bob, are lawsuits often a problem? Also, Do any of you ever tell the b&g the approx. number of imaged they might receive? Meaning, should there be a range of amount of images somewhere in the contract? If there isn't, could that cause a lawsuit?</p>

<p>I do give a range of images, but it is low, so that they are pleasantly surprised when they get a ton more. This is up to you. I doubt that lack of stated images would cause someone to sue, but there are lots of people who sue on the drop of a hat...</p>

<p>Great idea! Thanks.</p>

" Bob, are lawsuits often a problem"

 

Yes. I have a friend thats a decent photographer and he has 4 lawsuits going on right now. He is at fault and probably won't win any of them. He has insurance, but that will probably change, because no one will insure him next year.

By the way I always worry about lawsuits. I've never been sued, but we often hire other photographers to shoot for us. Thankfully they are usually studio owners themselves that want to pick up a few bucks if they aren't already booked. I worry a great deal about the other shooters, hoping that I hear good things from the bride and groom.

 

Anyway Chimera, lawsuits happen all of the time in this business. Most of the time it's related to mechanical failure of some sort, or the lack of photos promised. Much less of the suits are related to actual image quality. In fact the judges usually favor the photographer when artistic creativity is in question. A judge will look at the images and if they are in focus the photographer will most likely win.

 

You may wish to contact WPPI or PPA and ask them about assorted types of lawsuits.