First wedding nightmare

[Burnt Toast]

Because so much went on (I still can't believe all of this happened), I'm just going to bullet point everything

-Was convinced to do a wedding because an acquaintance who owned her own photography business had a photographer move away. She needed a second shooter, so she contacted me.

-Didn't get any solid information until 11:30 PM the night before. Every time I mailed her about wanting info, she'd tell me she'll get it to me soon, but didn't. Even then she didn't tell me everything. Had no clue there would be a horse and carriage until the day of the wedding.

-Had to drive her to the location (once again, found out the night before), since she got a large tattoo the day before and it was painful for her to drive. Was never compensated for gas money (location was about 45-minute away).

-Had to be there at 10 AM (wedding started at 4PM) since other photographer also did makeup for bridal party. Was able to shoot a few pics, but it was more waiting for hours for everything to start up.

-Other photographer went and changed into "professional clothes": black mini dress (she couldn't kneel or bend down properly) and 4 inch heels. I kid you not.

-Got a call while shooting the bride getting in her dress that the other photographer's camera battery died. She brought no spare. Told me I would have to be the primary shooter and threw her battery in the charger for a quick charge. Learned that talking, keeping phone tucked under chin and trying to concentrate on shots was difficult.

-Other photographer had enough charge in battery to shoot wedding ceremony (it was short and sweet) but was constantly getting in my shots (and everyone else at the wedding, too). And I don't mean that you could see her to the left or right side of the photograph. I mean she was standing literally behind the priest taking photographs.

-Other photographer was a complete bear about posed shots (she also told me that I had a better camera than her [she had a Canon rebel, no external flash, I had a Canon 40D with a speedlite and flash cord] and that I'd have to take the shots while she posed). She'd talk to everyone in a rude tone and one time told me, loud enough for the maid of honor to hear (you should have seen her face), "I absolutely can't believe these people!" Bride meanwhile was ready to pass out (outdoor wedding in summer, I'll never understand)

-Reception starts-Other photographer starts snapping some photos with her...*shudders* pop up flash. She comes to me and tells me that her flash isn't working well in the light and that the bride wouldn't put up the lights after she asked her to (who does that?! Seriously, ask the bride to put on all the lights on the dance floor?) So, all photography falls to me.

-During first dance between bride and groom, other "photographer" pulls me over and tells me I'm not moving around enough, not getting enough angles. I'm pretty pissed at this point and can't believe it. First off, the dance floor is tiny (low budget wedding, dance floor was no bigger than my room), there were a bunch of people sitting behind me trying to get a shot (was trying not to get in their way) and she's not taking a single photograph, so stop bossing me around on what she should be doing.

-Half an hour later she interrupts my shooting again to tell me that one of the groomsmen asked her out on a date. Continues to rabble on and I nod my head, then tell her I have to work. She came up to me 2 or 3 times after that still talking about the guy whom she exchanged numbers with.

-Interrupted me a 4th time and told me that "We have like a thousand pictures. You don't have to shoot any more (the reception wasn't even half over)" and told me to "lighten up, Dance or something". I told her that I was photographing and concentrating on that to which she replied, "You're too serious".

-DJ talks to me while I took a short break. Told me "Looks like you're doing all the work. Sucker!"

-Time for bouquet toss. I position myself to get a good angle when I see other photographer walk in front of me and in the bouquet toss line. The bridesmaids shoo her out and she stands to the side. She got in one of my shots (thankfully not an important one, it was just everyone standing there) and I have a photo of her waiting in line for the toss.

-More time passes and I notice other photographer talking to other guys and even has one of their hats on her head. Dances a little bit to the side with them.

-Wedding finishes (thank god) and other photographer goes looking for bride. Comes back pissed as hell--bride said that the whole bridal party complained about her being rude and pushy and that the DJ personally told her that she was the most unprofessional photographer he had ever seen. No mention of me, but I hope they realized that I was working my hardest. Other photographer also said the bride didn't pay her for engagement photos and complained whole way home.

-Worst part of all of this? The pay--$100. Plus she has all my photos under her "business" name.

Needless to say, I am never working for her again.

Anyone else out there have any bad experiences like this?

[Lightworks Imaging]

Every wedding I get is a "special" occasion. Like "short-bus special". But, never like that. I work alone. Good or bad, it's all my responsibility. Or my fault. But, once I did have a camera along for a wedding of my wife's cousin. The brides friend was supposed to be the "shooter", and she was a piece of work. So, my wife's cousin, the groom, asked me to help out. I had the frustration of this "photogrpaher" being in shots all day long, and just generally not shooting a wedding the way I've learned to make it work, FOR ME! The long and the short of it was about a month later after I got home the bride e-mails me, and informs me that the other photographer LOST the memory card with all of the Grooms formals, the male wedding party
shots and other pre-wedding ceremony shots. Needless to say, I had mine. Professionalism and attention to detail will save the day. Sounds like you did well. Keep you head about you and continue to do the job, and possibly start shooting you own weddings.

[cdifoto]

Sounds like a typical day for a wannabe.

Choose your primary photographers more carefully next time, but still expect chaos.

[Tigerkn]

Wow.... sorry to hear. Hope that it won't happen again, ever.

[OdiN1701]

Wedding was 45 hours away? Wow....not worth it for $100 for sure.

[iwishiwasafish]

was she cute?

[Burnt Toast]

Sounds like a typical day for a wannabe.

Choose your primary photographers more carefully next time, but still expect chaos.

Definitely. I was doing this more as a favor since she was in a tight spot but after all this mayhem, it's not going to happen again. I'll chock it up to experience. Now I'll do some research on the primary photographer before agreeing.

I'm still baffled at how unprofessional she was. I do freelance work for a paper, and I know if I behaved like her I would be fired on the spot.

[I26]

You kept your calm way more than I ever could. I would not have raised a seen at the event but guarantee I would have raised a scene somewhere.

[thisbejonas]

Wedding was 45 hours away? Wow....not worth it for $100 for sure.
Uhm I hope you are joking, think about it... how far would you be if you drove 45 hours in one direction from your house. Im sure he meant 45 minutes to 1 hour drive. But hey at least you gave me a good laugh. HAHAHAH 45 hour drive can get you from New York City to L.A.

[Burnt Toast]

Uhm I hope you are joking, think about it... how far would you be if you drove 45 hours in one direction from your house. Im sure he meant 45 minutes to 1 hour drive. But hey at least you gave me a good laugh. HAHAHAH 45 hour drive can get you from New York City to L.A.


Meant 45 minute. And I'm not a guy. :p

[picsofmykids]

I think I would have given out my own business card and told them to call when they want to order. Heck with the original photographer. That is ofcourse if you didn't have a signed contract etc with her.

[JWright]

See my signature...

[BscPhoto]

Ever heard the phrase good isn't cheap and cheap isn't good? I would be freak out if a photographer showed up at my wedding with a popup flash!

If you want some insight into this world of wedding photography and craigslist photographers read this.
http://www.bscphoto.com/blog/?page_id=1267

[johnaengus]

was she cute?

Darn. I was gonna ask that.

well.... was she (the primary photog?)

[samnz]

Gee she can come work for ME! What's her name...? ???

[lil_miss]

Jeepers.... At least you learnt quickly how NOT to be :) :)
Makes you wonder if she was only ever the second shooter ...

[TwoShot]

Sounds like you handled it well. Nice Going.;)

I took some pictures at a friends wedding once. Film camera,pop up flash,and believe me I am by far not a pro, I use Manuel setting most of the time,anyway I have the film developed ,and just give him all of the pics, says they were better than what he paid for. Also had permission from the PRO ,that was hired to shoot the wedding. I did it for fun.
I think it depends on what the B& G are looking for. (Just my opinion)

[Skrim17]

...why does she have your shots under her business name? Was there a contract you signed to give her all the shots?

[tim]

Don't work with amateurs. Organisation and professionalism is key.

[Andrushka]

wow - that sucks! How do you even know this person (the "primary" shooter)?

[mariusz]

wow this is bad

[Burnt Toast]

...why does she have your shots under her business name? Was there a contract you signed to give her all the shots?


I saw this as a one-time thing, but at the wedding it seemed like she wanted me to work for her little put together business. She told me that there was paperwork she wanted me to sign, but she gave me nothing. No contract was signed. I had asked her if I was going to get credit for my work, but she said she was going to put it under her business name (because she thought that I was going to keep working for her. Yeah, rightTold me she'd add my name to a "list" of employees and that somehow it would be implied I shot them? I don't know). At first I was ticked about that (they are all my shots, she did practically nothing), but after some discussion with other photographers and my family, I decided it was best that my name wasn't on them, so I wouldn't be associated neither her and her business. One of the photographers from the paper I work with said that she could actually get sued for what she did and I should distance myself from the whole ordeal. There's a possibility that it could hurt me in the long run. I am going to use my photos for portfolio work, though. Don't want to come out of this thing with almost nothing.

@Andrushka-I know her from other friends.

@TwoShot-I'm not saying that you can't get good photos the bride and groom would like with a pop up flash or anything. Because she was being paid good money to do the wedding, I think she should have had better equipment.

[TwoShot]

@TwoShot-I'm not saying that you can't get good photos the bride and groom would like with a pop up flash or anything. Because she was being paid good money to do the wedding, I think she should have had better equipment.

I agree with you. My point was sort of the fact that they( the wedding i took pics for) had all of the cool stuff,but didn't use it right ,they sold themselvs as Pro,s. Should have been better than my just shooting for fun.

[pcunite]

Now you know why I hesitate to tell new friends what I do for a living. I have stories to tell how these wanna be's are effecting all of our reputations.

It may have been wrong but... I was laughing out loud while reading your story!

[Mark_48]

............I am going to use my photos for portfolio work, though. Don't want to come out of this thing with almost nothing.

Will you be able to? Do you have something written (contract or model release) that will allow you usage? If the portfolio is to be used as a marketing tool, usage without permission may not be a good idea. At least that's my thought on it and I may be incorrect.

[Jannie]

Great story and also great it happened all in one gig, plus if the client didn't get what they want, it wasn't because of you. A whole lot of learning happened there and you had the stamina to stick it out and keep shooting, good on you and great job sticking to what needed to be done. She's dead meat, a lesson and nothing more for you to worry about, after this you'll be so much more attentive to getting answers when you need them and seeing danger signs. Great Job!!

You acted professionally, she did not.

Re: comments about being a wannabe, even Richard Avedon at one point was a wannabe, it's a sliding scale of experience and creativity from start to got it going, you're doing fine.

[Burnt Toast]

Will you be able to? Do you have something written (contract or model release) that will allow you usage? If the portfolio is to be used as a marketing tool, usage without permission may not be a good idea. At least that's my thought on it and I may be incorrect.

She gave me verbal permission to use the photos, but not a written contract. I'll type one up, have her look through it and sign it and then be done.

[Andrushka]

why do you need a contract now? if you have all the pics - you should be free to walk away and do as you please, since you aren't bound to anything. You don't need her permission to use your own shots if you didnt sign any contract releasing your rights to her or something... either way she can't keep you from using your own shots for portfolio. You can always use your stuff for portfolio without a model release - you cant sell them as stock, for instance, but portfolio is fine.


If she has all your shots and you have nothing, THEN i see what you are saying - GET YOUR SHOTS BACK!!!

[Burnt Toast]

If she has all your shots and you have nothing, THEN i see what you are saying - GET YOUR SHOTS BACK!!!

She has my shots, but I am getting them back.

[Mark_48]

why do you need a contract now? if you have all the pics - you should be free to walk away and do as you please, since you aren't bound to anything. You don't need her permission to use your own shots if you didnt sign any contract releasing your rights to her or something... either way she can't keep you from using your own shots for portfolio. You can always use your stuff for portfolio without a model release - you cant sell them as stock, for instance, but portfolio is fine.


If she has all your shots and you have nothing, THEN i see what you are saying - GET YOUR SHOTS BACK!!!
It's my understanding that using images of someone or persons in a portfolio would constitute the intent to market or advertise ones self for the purpose of promoting business for personal or financial gain. For this I believe a model release or contractual agreement allowing use of the images needs to be in hand. Below is an excerpt from the contract I've used which allows me usage of images from a client. In general I try to avoid use of images of persons that have not agreed to this, such as the wedding party, bride or grooms family members, or guests. The B&G signed it, they don't speak for the others, although nothing says a model release can't be obtained later on from other people if the need should arise. By no means do I understand the law explicitly, but I've never had a problem with the way I do this.

"Copyright and Reproductions. The Photographer shall own the copyright in all images created and shall have the exclusive right to make reproductions. The Photographer shall only make reproductions for the Client or for the Photographer's portfolio, samples, self-promotions, entry in photographic contests or art exhibitions, editorial use, or for display within or on the outside of the Photographer's studio. If the Photographer desires to make other uses, the Photographer shall not do so without first obtaining the written permission of the Client."