What Happen if U're Sick and Cannot Shoot on the AD?
- Thread starter weekh
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Lots of good competent colleagues who can back you up.
The clause is stated clearly in my contract that a suitable replacement will be found to replace me in the event that i am unable to cover the wedding due to unforseen circumstances. In the unlikely event that a suitable replacement cannot be found, my liability to the client is limited to the return of a deposits paid during the signing of the contract.
Having said that, ain't nothing's gonna stop me from shooting a wedding unless i've lost both my hands. From a business standpoint, they've engaged you to shoot a wedding and you falling sick is simply not their problem.
There are many contingencies that we have to plan for, and having a solid contract and communicating well with your clients can make things very simple.
Couple forfeit, photographer lost business opportunity.
Photog cancel, couple can still look for another photog who is willing to do with short notice.
WHAT IF JOINING WPAS HELPS!!
Would you like to join an organisation network whereby we have photographers on standby for you. Notice given by you at least 8 hours prior to assignment. We'll have a rate chart pertaining the charges that will be billed to you. Terms & Conditions apply.
Would you like to join an organisation network whereby we have photographers on standby for you. Notice given by you at least 8 hours prior to assignment. We'll have a rate chart pertaining the charges that will be billed to you. Terms & Conditions apply.
As what Amos said, it is already well covered...
as a wedding photographer, we don't cancel a shoot unless you are really really sick, you need to find a replacement for the couple, this is standard business practice, and it is not the couple fault that you fall sick.
however, photographers do cancel some assignments, like crash dates (couple change date after confirm), unreasonable demand from couple, refuse to pay deposit etc.
You also need to limit your liability, this is common sense, else you will get sued till your pant drop.
as a wedding photographer, we don't cancel a shoot unless you are really really sick, you need to find a replacement for the couple, this is standard business practice, and it is not the couple fault that you fall sick.
however, photographers do cancel some assignments, like crash dates (couple change date after confirm), unreasonable demand from couple, refuse to pay deposit etc.
You also need to limit your liability, this is common sense, else you will get sued till your pant drop.
can always come to clubsnap, you want how many? can get how many, so many photographers here love to shoot weddings...
KH,
There are of course cases where the photographer has cancelled either without a smashing good reason. However, the clause only protects me in the event i get seriously ill, die from a car crash or something along those lines; i personally don't define these scenarios as cancellations.
Having said that, there are countless clients who would make an appointment and not show up.
A wedding photography contract can work both ways. However, similar to most contracts out there, it usually favors the issuing party for very good reasons.
My philosophy on the contract is simple: I'm a professional photographer who will execute my job in the most professional manner possible, and my clients have to place their trust in me to do so. If there's a lack of trust between my clients and myself (ESPECIALLY FOR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY), then i sincerely believe that the job isn't going to be realized to its fullest potential.
My client base is pretty small at the moment, but i can say with pride that 100% of my clients trust me with their photography work ANYTIME. From ROM pictures to family photographs, i'm their guy; the contract becomes a secondary issue for them because as much as i've become a good friend, they know i don't mess around.
Sion
Senior Member
I always produce a Medical Certificate for the wedded couple to see.
Also in the contract there is a clause that says:
"The photographer bears no responsibility to undertake or complete the assignement if he is strucked down with fever, Diarrhoea, Pneumonia, Migraine, Leg Cramps, Bronchitis, Dizziness or any other aliment that can affect a normal person from behaving normally.
And the photographer bears no responsibilty to the quality produced by any person who is called upon to discharge the photographic functions who may be a Kopitiam king or Shoot-for-free semi-pro or a Point & Shoot wonder."
U wake up on the AD with a terrible stiff neck / back impairing your movement. Or u have a high 40 degree fever.
Call your client to postpone their schedule for 8 hours while you look for a backup from whatever network?
Or call them to say sorry and refund them the deposit?
All these isn't going to work because the couple is not going to get any pictures!
All of u're using clause to protect your liabilities but never a solution for the couple who is going through their once in a lifetime moment. U're engaged because they treasure that special day.
While many will have a system for backup gears, I think it is also the responsibility of the photographer is to get himself a ready backup photographer.
Call your client to postpone their schedule for 8 hours while you look for a backup from whatever network?
Or call them to say sorry and refund them the deposit?
All these isn't going to work because the couple is not going to get any pictures!
All of u're using clause to protect your liabilities but never a solution for the couple who is going through their once in a lifetime moment. U're engaged because they treasure that special day.
While many will have a system for backup gears, I think it is also the responsibility of the photographer is to get himself a ready backup photographer.
Then the photog either have a backup, or return the deposit in full.
As for the couple, I am sure Uncle Joe, Third Aunty and 4th Grandmother will have a digital camera ready
Only if the couple is willing to pay lah. It's not common yet but you can see that some main photogs have "associates" that tags along and be secondary photog.
Even when couples book your banquet venue, the day before kenna fire, the night before party fried out the lights and sound systems, etc...couple also LL mah. And they pay how much more for it?
In the end.. it's all about $$$ and liability should be proportionally limited too.
KH,
I always have a backup photographer ready to go. However, i do believe that the majority of photographers don't have that luxury. It's not as easy as getting some Tom, Dick or Harry to shoot, but the client also has to accept that the final work isn't going to be similar.
Yes, i understand where you're coming from with regards to weddings being a once in a lifetime event, yet, we have to understand the concept of "shared risk" here.
In today's context for example:
My equipment is always well kept, cameras replaced annually, CF cards replaced every 6months, HDD replaced every year as well....etc etc. Assuming i've basically done everything i can do to prevent any mishap.
I'm contracted to do a shoot for a client, and the files mysteriously go missing. I do everything in my power to retrieve the lost information to no avail. Who's fault is it??
This mishap can happen, and this is even more unexpected than falling sick. At least if i fall sick, i'll most likely feel it coming at least an hour before. Plenty of time to mobilize the backups and contact the client.
Shared risk is a very reasonable concept: I take certain risks shooting in digital, and the client takes risks wanting their images in digital. Same concept applies to film as well.
Do my clients feel at ease even with the risks involved? How about me as the photographer? Everyone has a responsibility here, and as long as i've laid out the steps taken to lessen the impact of mishaps, there's only so much one can do.
We can beat the "What If" scenarios to death, and we still won't come up with a solution.
WHAT IF ??!! :think:
As a WPAS (Wedding Photographers Association Singapore), we have amongst our members, a team of at least 5 member photographers willing to do 'rotational' standby duties if such an emergency arises.
But to weed out unruly excuses like 'No mood to shoot', 'Just plain feeling Lazy', or 'Another client paying higher' The photographer will have to pay a 'Levy' to the replacement photographer somewhere from $200 to $800 extra depending on the couple's package, and shooting style and experience of replacement photographer.
Dealings strictly between members only. (But would be nice if you contribute 10% to WPAS)
Do you think this maybe a solution?
If enough photographers agreeing with this idea, we will work on a system for the benefit of the wedding photographers community. Anyone wanna make a vote here?? :angel:
*WPAS membership drive will be in January 2008 but only for 'thanchiak' photographers, but me as treasurer want to see membership & figures rise quickly so if seriously keen or you think you can make the mark, join our forum discusion at: http://wpas.photoevangel.com/forum
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As a WPAS (Wedding Photographers Association Singapore), we have amongst our members, a team of at least 5 member photographers willing to do 'rotational' standby duties if such an emergency arises.
But to weed out unruly excuses like 'No mood to shoot', 'Just plain feeling Lazy', or 'Another client paying higher' The photographer will have to pay a 'Levy' to the replacement photographer somewhere from $200 to $800 extra depending on the couple's package, and shooting style and experience of replacement photographer.
Dealings strictly between members only. (But would be nice if you contribute 10% to WPAS)
Do you think this maybe a solution?
If enough photographers agreeing with this idea, we will work on a system for the benefit of the wedding photographers community. Anyone wanna make a vote here?? :angel:
*WPAS membership drive will be in January 2008 but only for 'thanchiak' photographers, but me as treasurer want to see membership & figures rise quickly so if seriously keen or you think you can make the mark, join our forum discusion at: http://wpas.photoevangel.com/forum
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these situations are what separates the wannabee from those who work. for those in the trade we have our network where if there if you cannot shoot, then you XXXXX well find a replace that can deliver the work to cover you. having said that most capable shooters can still work when sick.... we may look and feel dead afters. I once shoot with a light fracture on the thumb without knowing the extent of the damage.... very painful and difficult experience.
if a real pro do this, he can kiss his wedding photography business good bye liao.
unless he die in his sleep, don't tell me anyone don't know how is his own current physical condition??
and also since when we have seen a company has unlimited liabilities??
anyway, if you are in the business, you know where and can to find a replacement in a very short time.
Sion
Senior Member
This is the only reasonable response, I'll think twice engaging one that have small prints to evade responsibility, even an unforeseen situation. The service provider MUST be reponsible for replacement, even if you are an OMO, even if you are lying on a hospital bed.
We are all consumers one way or another. Paying for peace of mind, and paying for professionalism.
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