Weddings- Backup shooter clause

geospatial_junkie

Hi everyone,

I have a client who is concerned about the "backup" shooter situation. Currently, I have my contract structured so that if there is an act of god (i.e. death in the family, earthquake, etc..) and I am unable to perform, I will attempt to find someone who can take my place. I cannot guarantee it though as everyone could be booked.

Also, I am charging significantly less that the going rate because this particular wedding could significantly impact my portfolio and future pricing. I'm not in any danger of losing this client, however, I just want her to be happy.

Does anyone else have any ideas on how to handle it? :huh

iotashan

I'm no pro, so this is just a curiosity question...

What exactly are they concerned about? That they don't want the backup, or that you might be unable to find a backup? If they want a guarantee, they (or you) should book a tentative second photographer, and pay the fee.

geospatial_junkie wrote:

Hi everyone,

I have a client who is concerned about the "backup" shooter situation. Currently, I have my contract structured so that if there is an act of god (i.e. death in the family, earthquake, etc..) and I am unable to perform, I will attempt to find someone who can take my place. I cannot guarantee it though as everyone could be booked.

Also, I am charging significantly less that the going rate because this particular wedding could significantly impact my portfolio and future pricing. I'm not in any danger of losing this client, however, I just want her to be happy.

Does anyone else have any ideas on how to handle it?

geospatial_junkie

Of course they want a backup! Who wouldn't?

As for "tentatively" booking a backup. It doesn't necessarily work that way. That means that photographer is booked on that weekend and can't take a job if one comes along.

They would have to pay the "backup" pro their regular fee and they will lose the deposit (usually 50% or more if the photog knows ahead of time of the situation). It seems to me that they want their cake and eat it too.

The easiest way to handle the situation would be not to budge and tell them that this is the way it is.... BUT... that may not be the best way. They are nice folks and she is coming all the way over from the UK to get married in Toronto. She will be here the weekend before the wedding, so obvioulsy she wants things to work out.

Cygnus Studios

geospatial_junkie wrote:

The easiest way to handle the situation would be not to budge and tell them that this is the way it is.... BUT... that may not be the best way.

Unfortunately this is about all you can do.
If the client is dead set on a potential backup, you can offer to add a 2nd shooter as part of your team. You would have to add an additional fee to your package so that your margins remain close.

geospatial_junkie

Cygnus Studios wrote:

Unfortunately this is about all you can do.
If the client is dead set on a potential backup, you can offer to add a 2nd shooter as part of your team. You would have to add an additional fee to your package so that your margins remain close.

I've thought about this as well... Thanks for the input Cygnus. Speaking with other photographers in the area, they tell me the same thing.

ChatKat

Another option
You can tell the clients that you belong to a photographer's network and if you were not able to shoot, that you would seek a suitable replacement from the network but you can tell then that if that were the case there maybe an additional cost to them since you have accepted this at reduced fee.

I have a few photographers that are in my local area to call who'd cover for me in a heartbeat. I also belong to a wedding photographer's network with a list of emergency shooters available. Not everyone shoots every weekend.

geospatial_junkie

There are no photographers around here that would even consider doing that. Unfortunately, where I am located it is fairly cut-throat.

I think it would be terrific idea though. Logistics of this particular contract, namely the monetary value I am getting paid, would make this almost impossible. I have relayed this to her and hopefully I get a response soon.

bham

Here is an idea. Post the date and get some potential backup shooters either here at dgrin, or find other photographers that have that date available that aren't in your immediate area, but close enough to drive in say 3 hours. Once you are about 3-4 months out, I think most photographers will know if they have a wedding booked that day or not and then maybe could committ to being your backup. If you are trying to find a backup more than 8 months out, I don't think that will happen. The closer you get to the date, the more likely that other photographers will realize they could do it.

geospatial_junkie

I like that idea! I think I'll give it a whirl tonight. Thanks!