Why you need back up

From a Maryland videographer today.

Well I need to share this....Last night we were shooting just video for a wedding in Baltimore. The photographer they hired had a camera malfunction in the middle of the wedding and had no backup! I didn't realize this until I saw the guest lining up themselves for photos and having the guest taking pictures on iphones, iPads, and point and shoot cameras. Somewhere in the middle of the family portraits I walked back and asked her if there was a problem and she told me. I sent her with my wife out to my car where I had a Canon 40D which is the only photography camera I take with me when I am doing only video. Not the best wedding camera but better than nothing! While they were at the car I finished the portrait session for her. We stayed an hour later then we were contracted for so they would get all of the photos they wanted. Of course the photographer was grateful but the couple came up at the end of the event and thanked me for saving the day. FYI....I did scorn the photographer for not having backup equipment before I gave her the 40D. This is just another example of why you shouldn't hire 500.00 photographers.

That sort of story drives me literally MAD!!!! There's no excuses for not having a backup camera if you are a paid professional. Period!

Just the other day I was shooting a wedding and one of my cameras just suddenly stopped working just as I was about to start the group shots. I tried all the quick links like reseating the lens, popping the battery out etc. Nothing. But because I had a backup I just carried on and the bride was never any wiser. Later when I had some time I popped everything out again, put it all back together and it was fine. But can you imagine how different it would have been if I had to say "Sorry guys...camera is broken. I'm going home, cya!"

I do not get it all. A 20D used is what $150 ? !!!! The photographer was REALLY luck that she got bailed out.

You peak at the results of a shot ... "huh, musta had the strap in the way." Take another ... "There it again.? THE SHUTTER FAILED! UGH!" What a feeling.

I'm not a wedding photog but here is my perspective on it from a Customers point of view. What if the Client is ok to take this risk cos the charge is only $500? Not every family will be able to spend on $xxxx k photographers?

But I agree even if you are hiring for $500 photog, probably hire guys who have atleast a back-up even if the main and the back-ups are both 40Ds

scorpio_e wrote in post #17030108
From a Maryland videographer today.

Well I need to share this....Last night we were shooting just video for a wedding in Baltimore. The photographer they hired had a camera malfunction in the middle of the wedding and had no backup! I didn't realize this until I saw the guest lining up themselves for photos and having the guest taking pictures on iphones, iPads, and point and shoot cameras. Somewhere in the middle of the family portraits I walked back and asked her if there was a problem and she told me. I sent her with my wife out to my car where I had a Canon 40D which is the only photography camera I take with me when I am doing only video. Not the best wedding camera but better than nothing! While they were at the car I finished the portrait session for her. We stayed an hour later then we were contracted for so they would get all of the photos they wanted. Of course the photographer was grateful but the couple came up at the end of the event and thanked me for saving the day. FYI....I did scorn the photographer for not having backup equipment before I gave her the 40D. This is just another example of why you shouldn't hire 500.00 photographers.

She was lucky you were/are a generous person. We hear so many stories of those who are not. I'm like you. Help them because one day it might be me for different reasons.

I completely agree with you on the backup camera part. Paid work should have one.

But there's no reason to bag on a $500 photographer. Like someone else said, not everyone can afford those expensive guys. You get what you pay for? Maybe, but I'm one of those $500 photographers and while yes I am still learning and fine tuning, I think I do a pretty good job. Every client I've had has loved their pictures. They might not be magazine material, but at the end of the day, who cares, the client loves them, and I made the money that I felt is worth my time.

BTW, I do have a backup. 6D and a 60D.

The videographer was not me Steve The end result was the photographer and couple were lucky.

Nice work Wes. Raise your prices and you are no longer a $500 photographer *LOL*.

I would say that a client is MORE like to get a photographer with no back up equipment when they charge $500 to shoot a wedding. When you are starting out, you are cutting corners to build you equipment line.
Some people make REALLY bad decisions on what to cheap out on.

I remember shooting my first wedding and bringing a small P&S just in case. Fast forward years later, a wedding with 2 other photographers helping me. My apprentice was using my old 40D. The shutter failed 1/2 way through it. So grateful I had my 5D2 still in my hands. It was a good day. I didn't lose much, just my 3rd shooter's gear. Must have back up. Glad you were generous. Couple was lucky.

Sparrow19 wrote in post #17031199
I completely agree with you on the backup camera part. Paid work should have one.

But there's no reason to bag on a $500 photographer. Like someone else said, not everyone can afford those expensive guys. You get what you pay for? Maybe, but I'm one of those $500 photographers and while yes I am still learning and fine tuning, I think I do a pretty good job. Every client I've had has loved their pictures. They might not be magazine material, but at the end of the day, who cares, the client loves them, and I made the money that I felt is worth my time.

BTW, I do have a backup. 6D and a 60D.

Then you aren't the typical $500 Photog... Paid work should have one..How many other $500 photogs follow that rule... those are the ones the OP is hitting on...

Not having a backup + shooting a wedding for money = hack

There is nothing more to it in my book.

Clients now think videographers are photographer's backups so they continue to hire $500 photographers.

kenwood33 wrote in post #17032539
Clients now think videographers are photographer's backups so they continue to hire $500 photographers.

Which is why some end up having to offer a $500 price point...not that the client selects that package once we meet and greet. However, many of the younger clients today think it all can be done with one camera...a video camera....so why should they fork out big bucks for a still photographer on top of a videographer?

And yes, extra camera....lens, batteries, cards....the whole works x 2...close to another 5d3...then I will have a backup to the backup!

I think is bs not to have a back up camera, just like is bs to charge $500 dollars for a wedding nless you're building your portfolio)but at the same time I get a big smile when I hear stories like this.