What would you do??

Just a question for everyone.... I have a shoot tonight..It's not a wedding but rather a 1yr baby luau which in Hawaii seems to be just as important as a wedding to some. Anyway here's the deal..My second shooter and assistant is my hubby...we got a call at 2am that his mother passed away...she had been sick for a while so it wasn't unexpected but nontheless sad...Do we do the shoot? or cancel? I have no clue..neither does my husband...Has anyone had to deal with a situation like this with a wedding?? What do you do? I would hate to ruin someones special day..but I'm at a loss....I'm kind of nervous now..how do you deal with family emergencies as a wedding photographer? Thanks in advance for any advice...Kim A.

You should always have a backup photographer who can step in for you. Or you could take another shooter with you in place of your husband.

If you or your husband are not up to it, dont do the shoot, explain your circumstances and re-arrange the shoot date.

I am so sorry to hear that. Actually, I'm in close to the same dilemma as you. My husband's grandma just died (she was sick for quite a while as well, so it wasn't unexpected, although my husband isn't my assistant-unless you count watching the kids at home), and I have a wedding the day of her Wake (Jan. 6th). I don't know what to do, either. I'm leaning towards shooting it, because that's what my in-laws are telling me to do, but I would like to make it to at least part of the Wake. I've asked my bride what time the wedding and reception will be. I know the wedding is in the early afternoon, but I'm not sure about the reception. Actually, the wake was going to be at the same place as the reception, but they decided to change it. I really don't know what to tell you. Can you shoot it yourself? I've never had a second shooter or assistant and I've done fine (although a few times I would have liked one). Do you know any other photogs in the area that could do it? Hope you can figure something out.

What you should do is locate another pro photographer in your area and and either hire him and act as his manager (the funds go through your business) or refund any monies
to the B&G and assist them in finding another photographer.

If you still want to do the shoot please remember that your frame of mind has to totally focused on the task and not on your family. That for me would be very tough, and I am not sure that I could do it. So I would get a second or replacement shooter ASAP.

Kim, you don't really have the luxury of time. If I were there I would (and I think many on the list would too) be right there to help. Try contacting any local pros that you have an association with and see if they can pitch in. Knowing that you will owe them a favor will be worth more than a few bucks, if they are worth their salt.

My condolances to both of your families.

Les

Thanks for the advice everyone..Kim

Just an update: Although sad My husband and I went ahead and covered the event...it was actually nice to get our minds in work mode...Joanna(islandph​oto) was not on the island but still offered her help...Thank You Joanna! My advice is find another photographer that can help you in event of an emergency if you can not be there yourself!! Thanks for the advice everyone...Aloha, Kim A.

Kim - I'm sorry I wasn't on the island to help. I would have in a heartbeat! My condolences go out to you and your husband. I'm glad the shoot went well though and I know it's hard to deal with things so fast after. Just take a rest for a couple of weeks.

Thank you Joanna...Kim