Master of Ceremonies DJ

I'm sure we all have our war stories of other vendors. And for the most part, I always have good relationships with the other vendors.

But, I had a DJ a couple weeks ago that was clearly aiming for the Master of Ceremony route. It was a team of DJs, once of which performed the ceremony. They were also wroking as the wedding coordinators throughout the day.

But, what got under my skin was that they also took close to 500 pictures that day that were given to the client. These pictures were taken on his Canon XSi with a 430exii speedlite. Their website also mentioned that they do video production as well (which thankfully that was left behind that day).

I nicely told the DJ earlier in the day when he was in my way with his camera that I'd gladly give him any pictures for his website. He said, "Great!" and continued to shoot. What I should have said is, "I promise not to start playing music if you stop pressing the shutter".

Sadly, from a client perspective, the DJ is amazing... He does everything! And, I'm sure he'll get good word of mouth as a result.

I used to worry about that, but I learned that DJs like those are pretty much Jack(asses) of all trades, master of none. Just rock your images and move up the chain.

wdwpsu wrote in post #11063861
I'm sure we all have our war stories of other vendors. And for the most part, I always have good relationships with the other vendors.

But, I had a DJ a couple weeks ago that was clearly aiming for the Master of Ceremony route. It was a team of DJs, once of which performed the ceremony. They were also wroking as the wedding coordinators th
roughout the day.

But, what got under my skin was that they also took close to 500 pictures that day that were given to the client. These pictures were taken on his Canon XSi with a 430exii speedlite. Their website also mentioned that they do video production as well (which thankfully that was left behind that day).

I nicely told the DJ earlier in the day when he was in my way with his camera that I'd gladly give him any pictures for his website. He said, "Great!" and continued to shoot. What I should have said is, "I promise not to start playing music if you stop pressing the shutter".

Sadly, from a client perspective, the DJ is amazing... He does everything! And, I'm sure he'll get good word of mouth as a result.

Do you have a clause in your contract stating there can be no professional photography other than yourself? It's always best to handle things civilly, but it is good to have that to back you up. This has happened to us before, the way I saw it, I am sure the DJ's photos sucked - which made the couple appreciate mine all that much more.

I've never had a DJ do stills but have seen a few doing video (it was a handi-cam, I think :rolleyes

At the end of the day, I just don't worry about these things. During initial meetings with the couple, I always ask if someone is doing video. If yes, I challenge them to consider which is more important; when we both want that same spot in the aisle as they kiss, who gets it? I don't even care about the answer, but everyone needs to think about it, be on the same page, and understand the expectations.

If they hired the DJ to also take photos and negelected to tell him to defer to you and stay out of your way, you can't be held to account if he was intrusive and images suffered because of it. Especially if you tried to address the issue with him.

Sorta funny in a way. If the couple hires a DJ that is going to shoot video and stills they probably are not that concerned with photography. I cannot see many of my clients going for that. They pay a bit of dough for the still shots and I have to think that they do it because they do want professional results.

IMO its like going to an expensive seafood restaurant and ordering chicken strips. You are just not that into seafood.

I also have the infamous clause.