MOB referrals

Yesterday I went to a wedding with my SIL. It was three hours away and since we rode together we had plenty of time to talk. We chatted about her daughter's wedding which was several years ago and she stated that she didn't like the photographer. When I inquired as to why: 1. When my SIL asked for a pic on the shot list (a three generation shot), he explained that it was the bride's day and it wasn't one of the pictures she requested. 2. He didn't get shots of the centerpieces.

As to her first complaint, I can see the photogs point but I'm guessing if the only other complaint was that he missed a shot of the center pieces, that he may have gotten a better review.

So what do you think? Should the photog have done the shot the MOB requested or replied as he had?

As a mom whose daughter is getting married this summer and have several friends that have children getting married, I can see the value in the referral of the MOB. But I'd like to hear opinions from other wedding guys/gals.

I would have done the shot, as long as the bride wanted it as well.

I think that the actual reasons someone might say they 'don't like' another person are complex and may involve things that the person may not even be aware of. So in short--I'd be suspicious that these are actually the reasons she didn't like the photographer. There may have been nothing he could have done to be in her good graces. Who knows ?

I would have to be awfully busy shooting to turn down a photo request as he seems to have done in this case. Or it would have to be a shot that logistically would swallow a bunch of time and attention. But it would be rare for me to say no to even a guest's request for a photo. At the very least I would have consulted with the B+G about doing the shot--IFF I deemed it to be a concern.

Are parent's paying for most of the weddings you see ? I think the majority of my wedding couples pay for their own wedding.

NewCreation wrote in post #16942166
Yesterday I went to a wedding with my SIL. It was three hours away and since we rode together we had plenty of time to talk. We chatted about her daughter's wedding which was several years ago and she stated that she didn't like the photographer. When I inquired as to why: 1. When my SIL asked for a pic on the shot list (a three generation shot), he explained that it was the bride's day and it wasn't one of the pictures she requested. 2. He didn't get shots of the centerpieces.

As to her first complaint, I can see the photogs point but I'm guessing if the only other complaint was that he missed a shot of the center pieces, that he may have gotten a better review.

So what do you think? Should the photog have done the shot the MOB requested or replied as he had?

As a mom whose daughter is getting married this summer and have several friends that have children getting married, I can see the value in the referral of the MOB. But I'd like to hear opinions from other wedding guys/gals.

I do any shot that anyone requests, so long as there's time and the B&G don't object. Keep everyone happy, but in the order of bride, groom, family, everyone else.

toadhunter911 wrote in post #16942469
I would have done the shot, as long as the bride wanted it as well.

It would have been the bride's call for me too. I've been to enough weddings with some very complex family relationships and I'm there first and foremost for the bride and groom and their wants.

Thanks for the replies, Everyone. I appreciate it.

happy clients, happy life -> my rule

i been told "happy wife, happy life." -> Peter , this is for you too and congratulations on getting married.

Scott

tim wrote in post #16942789
I do any shot that anyone requests, so long as there's time and the B&G don't object. Keep everyone happy, but in the order of bride, groom, family, everyone else.

What Tim said! I take care of everyone at the wedding almost as good as the B&G.

MFG wrote in post #16945786
happy clients, happy life -> my rule

i been told "happy wife, happy life." -> Peter , this is for you too and congratulations on getting married.

Scott

What... Peter is getting marry? Congratulations Peter!!! Who is going to be your P?

If B&G are ok. If everyone's around (can be tricky depending on crowd size!), sure why not. Admittedly, family portraits in weddings aren't the 'glamourous' part in a photographers' portfolio, but it is very very important for the client and it usually generates extra revenue.

Tigerkn wrote in post #16946458
What... Peter is getting marry? Congratulations Peter!!

Thanks. Yes, in August