Previous thread has piqued my interest...have you been sued as a wedding photographer

Qarik

no for me of course

Blurmore

not yet...knock on keyboard.

Shima

Knock on wood but not me either.

Scott_Quier

I've been threatened - once. Long story - short, I didn't pay attention to my gut (I had a feeling and ignored it - my bad) and then didn't manage client expectations. They did not adhere to the payment schedule, paid me late, I still shot their wedding and reception, I told them I would start processing the photos when they got their account up to date, processed the photos when they got their account current, delivered the products, and was then asked for an "after event consult" where the bride spent most of the time yelling at me (I ended up telling them to keep it civil or I was walking).

Part way through that consult, when it became obvious to the groom that I was not going to budge on a couple of points (I had already compromised on a number of others), he threatened me with a civil law suit. I very casually and in a very un-concerned tone of voice, adviced him to "Knock yourself out. That's your priviledge and right" and turned back to the bride to address another question from her. As I suspected, that was the last I heard about the law suit - I think he was just trying to bully me into caving on those couple of points. But, I had insurance against that sort of thing, I had delivered a product consistent with everything I had showed them during the initial interviews, and I KNEW that I had a solid contract, that I had delivered in excess of every term and obligation under that contract, and that I had supporting witnesses (from other venders at their event) that they had nickle-and-dimed and cheated just about every vendor they contracted with.

zoomer

Always try to meet with prospective clients before agreeing so shoot their wedding. If you start getting that uh-oh feeling... trust your gut. Just say no.
If you do your best for reasonable people, there should be no problem.

Shima

zoomer wrote:

Always try to meet with prospective clients before agreeing so shoot their wedding. If you start getting that uh-oh feeling... trust your gut. Just say no.
If you do your best for reasonable people, there should be no problem.

Amen to that, or at the very bare minimum have a decent phone conversation with them if in person meeting isn't possible due to it being a destination wedding or something. You really need to get a feel for your clients before you spend the most important day of their lives with them!

Blurmore

I have a story about such a bride as Zoomer and Scott are talking about which isn't ready for prime time as it happened last year. But yeah srsly if you get the (not good) crazy vibe from them just say no.

angevin1

Scott_Quier wrote:

I've been threatened - once. Long story - short, I didn't pay attention to my gut ....

And that REALLY is the the best way to decide. I have done only a few weddings, but have been a business (various) owner for going back three decades. GUT! Sixth Sense, Intuitive Self, call it whatever you like, but it is the best friend you got when or even before, it is said and done! Scott handled his well, though I have never been sued, like him I have been threatened. And like him as long as your head and heart are in the right place, all should work out well. My photography business is getting off the ground slowly, and even though I'd certainly like more work, I also need time to be able to learn how to interpret the language of this emotional field. I have to hand it to folks who can interpret body language over a phone or digital media. I know I have read this sentiment here before, but There is nothing quite like meeting and talking and deciding from there if you are a good fit. It is akin to a job interview...I only find out if I want the job after listening to the client.

Good thread~

Aldazar

You actually have insurance against being sued? Interesting... I wonder how they decide what kind of a risk you are and thus how they price your premium... Can't imagine there's a very large or public database for their actuaries to mess with...

Scott_Quier wrote:

...I had insurance against that sort of thing...

Scott_Quier

Aldazar wrote:

You actually have insurance against being sued? Interesting... I wonder how they decide what kind of a risk you are and thus how they price your premium... Can't imagine there's a very large or public database for their actuaries to mess with...

It's called, I think, "errors and omissions". That's about the only thing a client can sue you for - not delivering what was promised or making mistakes. Just my guess.

JohnBiggs

Aldazar wrote:

You actually have insurance against being sued? Interesting... I wonder how they decide what kind of a risk you are and thus how they price your premium... Can't imagine there's a very large or public database for their actuaries to mess with...

PPA offers Indemnity Trust for a low cost ($50). It's supposed to cover contact disputes.