What I did in the end.

[Zansho]

for those of you who may be interested in how I resolved the entire issue in the previous thread titled "what is WRONG with some people," here's the story. The thread can be found here: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=567202


After speaking with my lawyer, he concluded after looking at all documents, that the father merely signed as a witness, and is not a contracting agent - and henceforth, any monies was paid as a gift for the bride and groom, and the B&G is actually whom I have my contract with.

Now, I have every reasonable expectation that the B&G still want me to photograph their wedding, and I'm certainly obligated to my end of the contract. However, in order not to cause any rift and keep my reputation intact (bad publicity can be bad, no matter how you slice it), I decided to refund all monies EXCEPT for $800.00, which is my retainer and my bridal portrait fee, which all prints have already been provided, and the bride does wants to keep her bridals. They have already signed a cancellation of services, and the document has already been outlined (written by my counsel) with the terms, and the understanding that I keep the $800.00 for my work.

Additionally, I referred them to a colleague of mine, who I feel does the same quality of work as I do, and will turn over the work to him. They're currently talking with him in regards to his fee - however, due to prior circumstances, Daddy is no longer involved to my understanding.

Lastly, my legal counsel and I are planning on overhauling my contract to better protect myself against such .. how shall I say .. narrow minded individuals. The FoB certainly does have a right to believe whatever he wishes, but I also have the right to conduct business with whomever I choose. I'm also considering how to best market myself to the gay/lesbian community, as I feel this could be a great niche market for me as well.

Thank you to everyone who provided their input. Some will view it as a cop-out, but I view this as me winning some, and letting the FoB win a part of it. I did not want to cause un-needed drama on their wedding day, and I felt it best that I step out.

[lulugus]

Some will view it as a cop-out, but I view this as me winning some, and letting the FoB win a part of it. I did not want to cause un-needed drama on their wedding day, and I felt it best that I step out.

I think this is the most important part - the bride & groom don't need more stress on their wedding day. It isn't your cop-out, it's the bride's cop-out for not standing up to Daddy Moneybags, IMHO.

I still can't wrap my brain around why someone would act this way. Taking business from a gay couple is suddenly making a huge political and moral statement?

I think you handled the situation as best you could, and you got something for free, so screw the narrow-minded FoB.

And I also agree - sounds like a great niche to fill. Put those photos back on the site!

[Tixeon]

I did not respond to your previous (but read) thread and think you made a good decision in the end. Yes, less stress is good, very good.

[Jertsal]

I wouldn't be too concerned. How long have you been doing business? How many times has this happened?

I believe that regardless of circumstances, cameras don't pick up "gay residue" and smear them all over subsequent pictures taken with that camera so the prints look like they have been "tainted".

IANAL, but I think putting a "non-exclusive" clause is good enough.

[evorgsumaf]

cameras don't pick up "gay residue"

Ha, that is the funniest thing I have ever heard.

[Balliolman]

You took and hold the Moral High Ground, Zansho!

[Dennis_Hammer]

Taking business from a gay couple is suddenly making a huge political and moral statement?

Yes it does, it shows that you really really really believe in getting paid to shoot pictures. Not who you shoot them of. I have a friend very old gentleman very conservative he has never expressed his opinion of homosexual relationships, abortion or anything like that. He recently did an engagement shoot for a couple getting married in MASS. A couple of men. He called me up to come and look at the shots, he said "you know I never would have done this a few years back but I used this as a barometer of if I would ever do it again." His motivation in engagement and wedding photography is to try and capture the love between two people. He said "Once I looked through that lens and saw that, that love was no different than any other love I have seen through that lens, I knew there was no reason not to shoot any combination of gender that walked into my studio."

[madhatter04]

Yes it does, it shows that you really really really believe in getting paid to shoot pictures. Not who you shoot them of. I have a friend very old gentleman very conservative he has never expressed his opinion of homosexual relationships, abortion or anything like that. He recently did an engagement shoot for a couple getting married in MASS. A couple of men. He called me up to come and look at the shots, he said "you know I never would have done this a few years back but I used this as a barometer of if I would ever do it again." His motivation in engagement and wedding photography is to try and capture the love between two people. He said "Once I looked through that lens and saw that, that love was no different than any other love I have seen through that lens, I knew there was no reason not to shoot any combination of gender that walked into my studio."

Lovely! That restores some of my faith in humanity ;)

[BlackJagger]

Having read through your other post I think that you are very wise in both seeking counsel and for the decision you made. You handled an interesting situation in a way that no one should feel slighted. You created a win-win where the easiest course of action would have been to take the money and run. Good business, I'm sure that this will pay off for you.

Cheers,
Josh