TRReichman wrote:
It is really popular to denigrate the idea that we provide a service. It is really popular to think we are more important than anyone else at the wedding. If that is working for you that's fine. Didn't do me any favors and my business has worked immeasurably better thinking differently.
Yep. It's in my contract. And I always tell the bride and groom, "It's going to seem odd, but we hop in line for the buffet right behind you two because no one wants pictures of themselves eating, and no one wants a tired photographer. We need our energy."
TRReichman wrote:
The reason that I don't make a big deal about it is that you can make a big deal to the client but they are not in control of vending you food - the caterer is. And the caterer has a big ordeal to get through in a very short amount of time and no matter what you think you aren't their priority. So we're creating a bunch of potential drama and difficulty and one meal out of our life simply isn't worth stressing out a client who are supposed to be enjoying themselves or stressing out the caterer who is trying to please hundreds of people. In any relationship it makes sense to look at the other person's perspective before you worry about your own. It is one meal that we could manage ourselves and make things enormously easier on everyone else - net win for all parties. Then, when you are fed it is a total positive instead of something we are entitled to. More positivity.
I think it's also fair to mention that your idea of a good meal at a wedding is chicken nuggets lol... Some of us prefer a real meal. I do agree that it's more of an issue to bring up with catering than the couple - it helps to be on good terms with the caterers you work with.
I think we're not a guest so no one have to fed us. For contract I mean.
But always the couple tell us "oh not, you have to eat with all of us ! Don't wanna listen anything different !" and, so, it's a real pleasure.
Maybe, at real, it's the same thing (putting in the contract or not) but in this way we have more satisfaction
I don't include a meal time in my contract because I view it as unnecessary. I don't eat with the guests, I don't eat in front of guests, and I take some time during the reception while people are eating to eat something myself or rehydrate. I view it as a professional point of conduct to separate myself from the guest because I am providing service. The B&G normally understand this when I mention it to them. Also under USDOL, there is a 1 hour break total between 8 hours. I follow these rules and FLSA because getting sued sucks (even though I've never gotten sued). If the B&G have a problem with these regulations, I'll forward them to USDOL and let them hash it out. It's never come to that though.
Mike Mahoney wrote:
My contract has the option of a seated meal with everyone else or a 40 minute off-site meal break. And most couples choose the seated meal option.
This is also the approach I take. Not to "demand" to be fed but to give them the option. THEY decide which of the two options they want for their Big Day and their choice is what gets put in the contract.
Brian Virts wrote:
I thought it was a no brainier for something to eat at the wedding, but no, nothing ...I was under the illusion that we had more of a connection, but the behaviors have said otherwise.
Yep. Money talks. And they aren't putting out the money.
In your position I would be a little pissed. In your position on the day of, I'm operating under the assumption that their is a connection there and so I'm going above and beyond my usual performance. Once I realize that it was all an illusion, I'm letting up for the remainder of the day. You get what you give, couple.
D. Diggler wrote:
Yep. Money talks. And they aren't putting out the money.
In your position I would be a little pissed. In your position on the day of, I'm operating under the assumption that their is a connection there and so I'm going above and beyond my usual performance. Once I realize that it was all an illusion, I'm letting up for the remainder of the day. You get what you give, couple.
Dude, I was done, that was it. I lost all ambition after we weren't invited to eat, and we are standing around in front of the guests with nothing to do really. I shot the cake cutting, and then the 8 hours were up, I packed up my gear, said so long to the groom and out we walked. I wasn't even going to give them the option for us to stay for the garter or bouquet. And maybe I'm taking it personally a little much, I know, I'm very self-aware, it's all good, I'm letting it roll. It's nice to be able to vent here. So, thanks for all of the responses. I like the check box option 1) Client Feeds 2) 40 minute off-site break.
I have an upcoming wedding. 12 hours. I would have to eat, and pee the least. Passing out is not good. I would talk to the client first. If they wont feed me, I would place it in contract then I would then have time to go out and eat.
Brian Virts wrote:
Dude, I was done, that was it. I lost all ambition after we weren't invited to eat, and we are standing around in front of the guests with nothing to do really. I shot the cake cutting, and then the 8 hours were up, I packed up my gear, said so long to the groom and out we walked. I wasn't even going to give them the option for us to stay for the garter or bouquet. And maybe I'm taking it personally a little much, I know, I'm very self-aware, it's all good, I'm letting it roll. It's nice to be able to vent here. So, thanks for all of the responses. I like the check box option 1) Client Feeds 2) 40 minute off-site break....Show more →
Do you think the bride noticed you left without saying goodbye? Do you think she was wondering where you were for the bouquet toss?
paregorike wrote:
I have an upcoming wedding. 12 hours. I would have to eat, and pee the least. Passing out is not good. I would talk to the client first. If they wont feed me, I would place it in contract then I would then have time to go out and eat.
Ron
We've shot 12-18 hour weddings without eating. No problem. The idea that you would give the client less than your best because they didn't feed you is kind of disheartening - I'd hate to think anyone reading this thread for advice would think that was the right way to operate. Not trying to start a fight here but people keep looking for reasons that the client isn't respecting them enough. I think the PAYCHECK that you are getting ought to be consideration enough. If it isn't that really isn't the client's fault.
They paid for 8 hours, I gave them 8 hours. Listen, I still shot like I would shoot, OCF the first dance etc...just hungry as hell and a little annoyed. I remained a pro on the outside. I said goodbye to the groom, bride was there with guests. Further it was a very over dramatic, shifting of what they wanted and traveling, and HOT, and the bride was sick and had to sit down every 10 mins, it was not cool man. One of the most difficult ones ever actually, and I've shot 12 hour weddings, time really doesn't mean all that much. But whatever, I'm me, I have my limitations, everyone is different.
I felt worse for my second, it was a tough one, but we kicked ass and I'm sure the client will be thrilled.
I hate eating when I'm photographing a wedding, so I don't. I'm weird though, I don't like taking anything for free, I absolutely refuse to ever use a coupon, etc...
It's in my contract, but I've never enforced it or even brought it up. 99% of the time they offer anyway, but I usually refuse.
Then I leave at the end of the night and stuff my face with fast food or whatever I can find at 1AM......I know, weird, but I really don't like eating when I'm working for some reason.
And I sure as hell wouldn't be a drama king about it and get all offended. They $$$ they're paying me is perfectly adequate, thank you...
Brian Virts wrote:
I like the check box option 1) Client Feeds 2) 40 minute off-site break.
That's the way you do it! Then you aren't "demanding" they feed you. It's totally up to them.
On the contract just put "PLEASE CHECK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING BOXES". They check "feed you" or "40-minute offsite break".
Brian Virts wrote:
Dude, I was done, that was it. I lost all ambition after we weren't invited to eat, and we are standing around in front of the guests with nothing to do really. I shot the cake cutting, and then the 8 hours were up, I packed up my gear, said so long to the groom and out we walked. I wasn't even going to give them the option for us to stay for the garter or bouquet. And maybe I'm taking it personally a little much, I know, I'm very self-aware, it's all good, I'm letting it roll. It's nice to be able to vent here. So, thanks for all of the responses. I like the check box option 1) Client Feeds 2) 40 minute off-site break....Show more →
I can understand your frustration. And I certainly don't blame you for leaving after your contracted hours were over; that's your job, after all. We've found that our clients don't always remember on the day that meals were part of our agreement, and in such cases, we basically just line up and grab plates if it's a buffet-style reception. I'm not sure what we'd do if it were a sit-down style meal. Probably talk to the caterers.
D. Diggler wrote:
When I've found myself in a situation like what happened to you, I immediately start thinking about what is the contracted minimum I have to do.
We are brothers from other mothers. I'm there to create art for my clients, I'll go back and sit in a cube and push buttons all day for WAY more money. It has to be my way, with clients that appreciate what I'm doing there....99% of the time the case. This one was weird. My second noticed there was no alcohol at the wedding. I should probably avoid this particular client, what I thought they were and what they really are is contrastingly very different.
