Toronto Photography Meetup Group

couple in the UK sued their wedding photographer for not delivering the types of shots they were expecting and won...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8292164.stm

Yikes!

good for them!

this article is a good reason for any photographer (including wedding photogs) to have the following:

1. clearly drafted contract; and
2. insurance (and not just for your gear)...

this article is a good reason for any photographer (including wedding photogs) to have the following:

1. clearly drafted contract; and
2. insurance (and not just for your gear)...

I like the duplicate post to emphasize the point Ken.

3.and the necessary skills to actually shoot a wedding and deliver high quality work.

oops...

After seeing the video, I was thinking the same thing. Knocking the camera and swearing during the service? Hardly professional. It takes more than just hanging out your shingle to be a professional wedding photographer, though many seem to be doing it. I tried wedding photography and can say that I really don't envy the guys who do it for a living.

Good! After hearing a couple of local horror stories and seeing another couple of friends photo albums (after looking at photos differently now), I can say the industry probably needs a good weeding out. I know my uncle who has done small weddings for years and years (mainly using medium format) has had some of his photos passed off by other photographers as their work, one of them at a wedding show a couple of years back!

I have a total fear of trying it out. Its one thing to take shots of kids in someone's house or outside, but it is completely different to shoot an event ... due to fear of no 2nd chances. In any event, I do have my first wedding next year, and have been considering 4 more (people sure know how to pester a person) ... but having issues with what the bride wants, what the groom can't be bothered with and what the brides father expects for his dollar are enough to make pass up on the whole thing (outside of this first and last wedding).

I definitely give props to those that are willing to do again and again, and have a great respect for those that do an amazing job at it. That has to boil down to a specific skill.

Alan, don't do it without an assistant, wrangler, or female relative of the groom who is willing to help out. Someone who knows the faces of the people involved would be best. I know that, with my limited experience, I didn't have time to be tracking down people for the staged shots. It's like herding cats.

I agree. I shot a friend's wedding for free last month. They were married outside at high noon on a golf course. I never shoot outside at that time. Needless to say it was stressful. Friends were more than happy with the results but heck, it felt like work. Never again. Nothing kills one's passion for something like being force to take photos of things out of your comfort zone, under time constrait, no control over conditions AND having to create shots that please people who have different tastes/expectations/ideals.
I can't imagine doing that for a living. I'm keeping my day job, vacation pay, pension ect.
Hats off to those who do that for a living!

Makes sense. I assissted at a wedding but didn't know anyone there. Having someone that knows everyone from each side really helps things run smoothly.

You can make it a two-fer if the person you get to help is also the relative that the bride and groom think is most likely to be disruptive while you're trying to take your set shots. While you're getting the job done, that person is off somewhere feeling self important and trying to corral the NEXT set of subjects

I've done weddings in the past by myself and it was way too much stress and makes for one LONG LONG day. I've seen single photographers at friends' weddings and I grimace at the stress they're going through.

This year my bro-in-law wanted to get into it so I'm back shooting weddings. Now that I have a partner to help, it makes a HUGE difference. I won't do it every weekend 'cause I want to enjoy my summer as well. Helps pay for toys.

I have a lot of respect for those who choose the path of wedding photography, just like I do for soldiers (though, their job is less risky).

It's what you make of it. I actually enjoy shooting weddings. The main reason I wouldn't do it full time is that I prefer to have summer weekends free to enjoy with family and friends. I also find the whole concept of posing the couples quite corny as I prefer taking PJ style shots But hey, it's a lotta fun when you do it once in a while.

I've shot a few weddings myself (once as the main photographer) and I have to say that it is so much easier shooting with someone else. I wouldn't do it any other way.

I'm glad you emphasized the insurance point, Ken (and not just because I'm at work right now). Professional Liabiliy coverage is a must for every wedding photographer.