Wedding Photographer wants meal at reception, is this normal????

DKLS

TotallyBroke wrote: »

Ooh that sounds cool will the wedding party arrive in speeding cars that skid to a halt. Oh and to have the camera circle you when you have your first dance.

Agggghhh dont you start!, I have enough problems reining in the cameraman and his creative plans as it is.

o_t_e

This sort of clause isn't the norm but it's not completely unusual. If it's a photographer you definitely want at your wedding it's best to talk over meal provisions before you sign the contract so you know whether their expectations are reasonable ie not the £80 a head meal.
Be aware that there are photographers who, if not provided with a meal, will absent themselves from the wedding to seek food elsewhere. Again this is far from the norm but something to watch out for.

digii_dave

lucylouwoo wrote: »

Hi All,

I am just about to book my photographer and was just looking through the small print, and one of the conditions is that as he will be staying through the meal him and his assitant will be expecting a meal!!
Is this normal????

We have already budgeted for how many people can come to our sit down meal and can't really afford and extra £80 for him and his assistant to eat!!!!

Give him a pot noodle or book me instead PM me for details I do not take the micky like some

PS Good Luck

sheaton

I think that the majority of stuff written in this thread is awful! You should book a photographer on his or her ability to take a photograph, their communication and organisation skills but most of all on whether or not you like the photographs! NOT because they ask to be fed... which is a tiny expense in comparison to the venue hire, dress, rings etc etc. I realise that this forum is all about cutting costs but to deny someone food when they have been running around all day being polite and friendly to all the guests (usually!?!?) Most have probably only had breakfast before they left and they have the bridal preps, service and group photographs before they can even think about food.
Sorry about the rant but I think that photographers are completely underated in general and although there are a few that are overpriced for what they offer, there are some fantastic ones - mine in particular was brilliant and worth every penny.

foxxymynx

I wouldn't expect to feed any of the other staff at a wedding (or any job!) for free. The braisened cheek of it would put me right off hiring them TBH

gill_81uk

I run around all day being polite and friendly to my customers but I don't expect my employer to buy me lunch for it!!!

nell35

sheaton wrote: »

I think that the majority of stuff written in this thread is awful! You should book a photographer on his or her ability to take a photograph, their communication and organisation skills but most of all on whether or not you like the photographs! NOT because they ask to be fed... which is a tiny expense in comparison to the venue hire, dress, rings etc etc. I realise that this forum is all about cutting costs but to deny someone food when they have been running around all day being polite and friendly to all the guests (usually!?!?) Most have probably only had breakfast before they left and they have the bridal preps, service and group photographs before they can even think about food.
Sorry about the rant but I think that photographers are completely underated in general and although there are a few that are overpriced for what they offer, there are some fantastic ones - mine in particular was brilliant and worth every penny.

I think you are missing the point - it's not that anyone minds OFFERING something to eat - it's that they EXPECT something to eat - does your employer feed you at lunchtime?!?!?! I am self employed and when I know I'm going to work certain hours I've got my own bait box!

Horace

sheaton wrote: »

I think that the majority of stuff written in this thread is awful! You should book a photographer on his or her ability to take a photograph, their communication and organisation skills but most of all on whether or not you like the photographs! NOT because they ask to be fed... which is a tiny expense in comparison to the venue hire, dress, rings etc etc. I realise that this forum is all about cutting costs but to deny someone food when they have been running around all day being polite and friendly to all the guests (usually!?!?) Most have probably only had breakfast before they left and they have the bridal preps, service and group photographs before they can even think about food.
Sorry about the rant but I think that photographers are completely underated in general and although there are a few that are overpriced for what they offer, there are some fantastic ones - mine in particular was brilliant and worth every penny.

You are missing the point here, yes it is courtesy to offer the photographer and his assistant something to eat but it should never be written into the contract. I don't have any photographers on my books who have such a clause written into their contracts and I refuse to do so no matter how good their photographs may be. I don't have it written into my contract either that lunch needs to be provided when I am present at the wedding providing on-the-day co-ordination to give the bride less stress, I always take a packed lunch or a mars bar and a bottle of water to keep me going. I guess there's being professional and not - there is a huge difference:D

One wonders if the photographer expects to sit at the top table and eat the same as everybody else? How much money has he added to his fee to cover his meal, I bet he has added around £100 or so:rolleyes:

[Deleted User]

my dh is an award winning photographer and a well respected judge and has taken photos at several weddings for friends and family. Everyone, except one, made sure he and I (his helper) were given something to eat and drink. It is no easy job doing wedding photos properly and that is why he does not do them any more. The one where we were neglected was for a friend of dd and the day started for us at 7 am and finished at 11 pm. At no stage were we offered any food. They got their photos at cost price but it left a bad taste in the mouth regarding this particular family. A plate of sandwiches and a couple of cups of coffee would have gone a long way towards goodwill

cookie_monster

We invited our photographer to stop and have a meal as he was only booked up unitl 2pm, in return he took an extra 20 pictures and incorporated them in the photo album in his own time free of charge.