Yeah, I'm sure the relationship between the parents and the daughter has some of the same stuff happening that's probably why she lives 800 miles away.
I think parents picking up the bill is fine, and I think that's probably the majority of the clients we work with, but as noted, when it turns into this level of manipulation...
MAC wrote:
I've never had a parent as a client even though they pay the bills.
I've done it. Usually it's not a problem but I have had issues come up where EITHER the parents picked something (such as a photog's style that they liked) that was not the same tastes as what the couple had OR with the couple not being involved in consultations, there were misunderstandings as to what was included in the package. What happens then is that the parents are happy but the the couple are not. So you, as the photog, are put in a situation that you are working for the parents and you can please them but the couple can be left unhappy with your services. Kind of a weird situation to be in.
D. Diggler wrote:
I've done it. Usually it's not a problem but I have had issues come up where EITHER the parents picked something (such as a photog's style that they liked) that was not the same tastes as what the couple had OR with the couple not being involved in consultations, there were misunderstandings as to what was included in the package. What happens then is that the parents are happy but the the couple are not. So you, as the photog, are put in a situation that you are working for the parents and you can please them but the couple can be left unhappy with your services. Kind of a weird situation to be in....Show more →
Guy: hey Brian, can you provide me a copy of your contract?
Brian: I'm glad to be a part of your daughter's wedding. I want to make sure we are a good match. Please have her give me a call and I'll structure the details to her needs.
Guy: Brian, you are not getting it, we don't care what she wants.
Brian: Excuse me?
Guy: Well sorry, I didn't say that . What I meant to say is that she lives 800 miles away.
Brian: oh, that is no problem, I do weddings for brides thousands of miles away. Have her give me a call, I'll make sure I'm the right photographer for her, I'll cover my contract with her, and if we are in agreement I'll email her my contract.
Guy: But I'm the attorney collecting contracts from photographers to see which one will be best for us. I can't understand why you don't give me a contract, I'm the client paying the bill?
Brian: I need to make sure I'm a match as the photographer for your daughter. Have her give me a call.
Guy: nope, if I do that, you'll not let me mess with your contract.
Brian: You got that right. And if you use my process, your daughter will move an extra thousand miles because she'll hate you even more. Are you planning to even have a wedding for your daughter?
You get the idea. Blind contracts to those who are not the bride or groom? I need to connect with at least one of the two who are getting married - so in these cases- they'll punch the parents out if they start messing with what they want on their dream day. Manage the parents by dealing with a grown up couple that is ready to get married. Make sure you are a good match before doing this blindfolded.
first of all the take full proprietary rights
second they but all liability on your person, even damage cause by 3rd parties
third the American Arbitration Association is purely customer oriented. Not protecting you, but attacking you in any respect possible
This is not worth the liability risk at all. They are trying to clean you out.
I'm not aware of the wording in your contract, so I cannot judge on that part.
On the proprietary rights: If they want the rights, well surely possible but at a price, a very steep price. Did I mention its price per picture!!!
D. Section 20, 21, 22 and 24....well add something like:
Section xxx: The relevant wording, clause and/or interpretation must be interpreted in favour of "Brian Virts..."
Just get into a photographers assocation like PPA
Proprietary rights.
They can aquire full usage rights per picture for a price (say $1000 per picture)
They can aquire limited proprietary right, but source mentioning mandatory on every copy (your name, say $2500 per picture)
They can aquire full proprietary rights (say $5000 per picture)
Personally: I would just gracefully decline with a friendly and firm NO.
