Wedding Photographers and Videographers from Hell

July 16, 2008

When you hire bossy and demanding Chicago wedding videographers and photographers just because you like their work, you might end up with a very unhappy family.

Why do I say that, you might ask?  I have survived working with all kinds of vendors over the years, but I’m always shocked when I hear a photographer or videographer bark orders at the bride and her family. 

Granted, it’s hard to shoot a wedding.  You have to stay focused and alert throughout the entire day and catch the best shots of the couple and their guests when you can. 

On occasion I’ll run into a dictator-like photographer who orders the family around during the post-ceremony pictures without a hint of kindness in his or her voice.  I know it’s shocking to hear, but there is a way to rally people without being disrespectful.

I remember watching a little girl shrink beside her mother after the photographer snapped at her for not standing still.  I know that wedding photography and videography are both very stressful jobs because you have to catch the moments as they come.  There’s no “take two”.  You can’t interrupt the ceremony just to get the shot.  However, photographers and videographers need to remember that it’s a very special and emotional day for many people and guests aren’t really thinking clearly.  Kindness and compassion go a long way.

A colleague of mine just participated in a wedding downtown with over 150 guests.  He told me that the bride was trying different spots around the location in order to get better shots with her family and friends.  The photographer actually told her, “We do things my way before we do things your way.” Who’s paying the bill again?

Then, of course, the lovely videographer had to show his incredibly sweet side.  While he was trying to get a wide shot of the ballroom, some people came into the room and he abruptly yelled at them to “Get out!.” Now, he could have easily told the people what he was trying to do and simply taken the shot again.  It’s not that hard!  I did it plenty of times. 

It’s also important to remember that if you act up at a wedding your behavior may precede you.  One of the band members had worked with the videographer on a number of weddings and said that he always acts like that because he has to have his way.  When someone else is paying your salary you don’t get to have things your way.  This is not Burger King.  In time, that little tidbit will get around to brides and they won’t want to hire someone who doesn’t want to work with them.  Chicago is a big, little town and word gets around very quickly.

I don’t know if the bride and her groom were happy with their wedding videographer and photographer.  Maybe they were okay with getting bossed around by these wedding artists.  It’s not for me to know.  I do know that people value good customer service, especially in this economy. It pays to over-deliver when you’re working with people because they’re sure to recommend you to other brides.

That’s my two cents for today.

Have a great one!

Alison
WeddingChicago.com

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