Find a replacement. You and the replacement should both show up. Bailing is not an option. Next, join up with your local photography guilds and meet other photographers. We're a really friendly group and can be very helpful. Here in Miami, I remember one photographer's mother passed away unexpectedly and he had a wedding the day before her funeral. Once word got out, he ended up with two top photographers covering his budget wedding. The bride was happy and she got a pair of high end photogs with assistance for the price of a low end shooter. The two asked for nothing as far as payment.
ricardovaste wrote:
Hi Scott. Since I've always worked alone I have no second to call upon. My contract states that I'll search for a replacement & return all fees minus expenses. I think telling her I might be out & haven't yet sourced a replacement might be bad. Hence stuck in grey area.
Why would you charge your client expenses if you are pretty much cancelling the job?
If it was near enough and as a last resort I'd even consider trying to help you out too. I'm sure you'll find a full time pro, such as Chris B, who can help but the offers there. Might not be your standards of course but my work would be better than no work.
Hope you get well soon. I'm sure you'll be fine in time for the wedding.
I understand your concern but I think you'll be fine.
You have several days to get back to normal. The last wedding I shot both my 2nd and I were sick until friday and shooting on Saturday for 14 hours. We took turns to 'sit down' ( fever,cough symptoms) when needed. You would be surprised the energy you get from being in the moment. Would I be able to do it without my second? Maybe...but it def helps having the 2nd.
Carry Gatorade + advil + halls + water and you'll be fine. It's all in your mind. Think positively bud.
Thank you all. I secured a photographer shortly after posting here first.
I know I have a week still, I'm hopeful, but right now I know I can't function properly. I either wasn't tto give everything or hand it to someone else.
Thanks again for the timely advise all, especially Chris's offer, which was most generous. It helped rest my mind, and surely aided recovery. I know some may dismiss it as "Oh, he had a bit of a cold", but I really couldn't function for 7 days. It was bad. Thankfully after 7 days I was improving, and by the time of the rehearsal it was just a bad cough which of course doesn't really effect shooting - my head was clear so all was good to go.
And it went pretty well. We had good time for everything, never felt rushed, everyone was relaxed. It felt like a long day, so I'm grateful there weren't any serious hiccups!
So, the only thing I had to call off was an album meeting. As they're out the country now, not sure when I'll get to do that again... BUT it is something that can be re-arranged, rather than a wedding, so not all bad.
My new years resolution is to consume more Vitamin C
