Back Up Photographer

[Peacefield]

Many years ago, I used to shoot weddings as a way to both enjoy and help pay for hobby. Having rekindled my interest over the past year or so, I've thought about picking up a few weddings again. Not as an established business, just something I do on the side for fun and a few $'s.

Here's my issue, though. Back in the day, the one thing that worried me was not being able to perform on the big day. What if I broke my leg or came down with the flu? I'm a one man show.

I don't know others in the business and, even if I did, am not sure they'd be willing to step in based on how I may have structured the deal. How do you address this exposure? How can I be sure that, in spite of some unforseen calamity, I don't disappoint the happy couple?

Thanks.

[stathunter]

Not sure where you are located but I am in Michigan. I would suggest that you develop a relationship with other photographers in your area. I did a wedding this year with pneumonia--- I have my Dr. give me the antibiotic shots the day before I did the wedding......nothing should stop you from completing your wedding duties.

[adam8080]

I'm not allowed to get sick, break my leg, or die before my contracts are up...

Have a couple second photographers that are on call when you need them to shoot with you, or possibly for you if something does come up. Make sure you pay them very well for covering your behind!!!

[Teachflute]

In my contract, I have a clause that says something to the fact that if I'm too ill, I'll make every effort to find a back-up photographer. If I cannot, I will reimburse all fees.

That being said, I have developed relationships with several area photographers and would call them if I ever needed to. Last summer, I had a wedding scheduled and my mom was dying. I called two photographers in the area and left messages. One had a wedding scheduled and one did not and offered to do the wedding for me. My mother passed away the Wed. before the wedding, the funeral was the day before their wedding, so I was able to shoot the wedding after all. It was nice to know that I had someone else to jump in.

I also have 3 different photographers that work with me as second shooters. I have confidence that in a bind, they would do a fine job. But, just as I don't like to work by myself, it wouldn't want to ask them to do it unless it was an emergency. I know that would happily jump in, though, if absolutely necessary.