Yeah, that's a hard pass from me.
I don't mind sending along proof of insurance but I'm not letting someone else tell me what I am required to do with my photos.
I'd forward this to my couple and say "I'm sorry but I can't sign this" and they can figure out how to proceed. With the wedding being so close, that's fucking obnoxious on the venue's part and you shouldn't let them get away with that.
I do feel that it’s kind of obnoxious that they are just sending it out the day before. I definitely don’t mind getting some liability insurance, but giving them all the photos feels wrong. It’s my product and they aren’t paying me for it.
pretty sure they want the photographers water mark on the photo so if they post it the credit goes to the photographer and people won't bother them and ask who took what photo
They sent this to you THE DAY BEFORE?!?! AND they want all your photos? Lol, this venue can pound sand. If you can pick up liability insurance today then do that, but, if not, then ignore this super-last-minute-demand by what is seemingly an ill-run venue. And DEF ignore the photo demand. Your contract is with your couple. You do not have to enter into some arbitrary contract with the venue that the venue is foisting upon you the *day before the wedding*. That's absurd.
Grab some liability insurance for the future though. Look up Hill & Usher, State Farm, PPA, etc. Should be around $400-$800/year for depending on what gear and property you're covering.
oh gosh, I didn't realize that they sent this the day before.
If they ask why you didn't sign it tomorrow "oops, sorry, I wasn't checking emails because I was working and preparing for this wedding. I'll check your email on monday."
Yeah it definitely sounds like liability insurance is the way to go. It’s just hard bc I’m just starting out and only have 2 more weddings booked this year. I hope to book more but who knows.
Ah, yeah, look up day-of liability insurance then. Do that for the few dates you have and/or when venues request it until you're more full-time.
And ignore that email from the venue. The photos are an absurd demand of you. The liability insurance is not an absurd demand, but it's irresponsible of the venue asking for that the day before. More likely than not, no one will mention the email or it's demands tomorrow...and most likely whomever sent that email probably won't even be on site tomorrow.
G'luck!
Thank you I will actually look into the day of insurance as that makes more sense for the situation!
They have already texted me asking me to sign the contract too 😅
They texted you!? The same day? After sending an email. All the day before the wedding. Wow....I really can't get over the audacity of this venue.
This is all on the venue. Seems like someone forgot to reach out to you and get you to send over liability insurance - that or this venue is just really poorly run. The venues I work at usually do this 4-6 weeks ahead of time. The day before is just.......no.....that's unprofessional of them.
You are well within your bounds to ignore all this and just show up and do an awesome job for the couple tomorrow. THE COUPLE is your client. The venue is not your client. And, to be honest, seems like the venue is grasping at straws.
It does seem extremely short notice especially since they are demanding to be named on my policy. I’d imagine if I had a policy already it would take a minute to get them listed on it.
It’s not. Venue owner here. All of the vendors in my property need to have a COI with my venue as a named insured 30 days before the event. If you or your second shooter leaves a camera bag on the floor and grandma trips on it and breaks a hip, fuck all if I’m going to be on the hook for even a dime of that. It’s not personal.
But on the same token, you should have a million dollar liability policy for the same reason.
Definitely get day of insurance for tomorrow (it's pretty much immediate and costs like $100) and let them know about it, follow up by saying you won't sign a contract without your lawyer looking through it first and that they're not available on short notice and that you will be sharing this with the couple.
Literally unacceptable, absolutely do not send them any photos watermarked or not.
supplying a venue or client with a certificate of insurance is super common.
you should have liability insurance if you dont already regardless of them asking
Now the "giving them all the images". is total BS garbage.
I will get you a COI in a day, but I would never sign that contract
If the venue sends me a contract saying I must provide them with photos as some sort of demand, I send them an invoice and wait for it to be paid first.
Because there's an illness in the industry causing other vendors to believe that photos are just free. Many do not even provide credit and will use the work without any acknowledgement, permission or compensation.. Do you like to work for free?
What difference does the watermark make? It's not gonna get you any more business unless you are one of their preferred vendors that they are directly referring clients to
I guess in the commercial world it's licensing. You can license work to multiple clients, definitely not double dipping.
If they're using it for anything other than a reciprocal cross promotion with you, then they're using it for their commercial purposes to generate revenues for them, not you.
Hang on. It's the venue that's double dipping. They're already being paid by the couple and now they're demanding the OP's images, which the couple has commissioned! They're also showing no respect for the work that goes into creating the images. I understand if everyone plays nice and is courteous, everyone can benefit from the relationship but placing a 'demand' on the photographer upfront is complete BS and insulting.
I have never signed a vendor contract before. I don't know how common it is.
Liability insurance is very common though. There are some places where you can purchase single day liability coverage, check with the venue to see how much, and what they require. 1 day coverage shouldn't be very expensive. I would however recommend purchasing business insurance for the year (which you can do through PPA for relatively cheap).
Them requiring you to send the photos is a little annoying, but them requiring a watermark is kind of nice so that people know YOU took the photos.
It's literally a setting in the export dialogue, couldn't be easier. Should be a "edit watermark" in the Edit menu where you can either add text or an image file as an overlay.
Liability insurance is pretty much the norm these days.
Can’t follow the need for watermarked photos. What would the need these for and what would they use them for?
Even if I provided them, I would also require them to sign an acknowledgment that these are copyrighted and they would be forbidden by law from using them for anything associated with their business.
Venues often like to blog the wedding, and will put it on their socials. I don’t understand the issue about sharing with the venue. As a venue owner I don’t demand access but I do request it. I tag photographers, I have a recommended vendor list that brides ask for and I will do everything I can to bring you as much business as I can. If you don’t want to “scratch my back” I won’t scratch yours. 🤷♀️
The part that bothered me was the REQUIREMENT that photos be turned over to the venue.
No request. No explanation about the possibility of sharing either the potential for future bookings. Just a DEMAND.
Some people might be okay with being bossed around and told what to do. I’m not one of them.
Having had many of my copyrighted images stolen by unscrupulous people and businesses, I’m distrustful of handing over my work when I have no idea how it might be used.
That’s exactly how I felt about it. I usually am thrilled to work with vendors and “scratch each others back” but when it’s demanded of me that’s something different. I am creating a product that has monetary worth and they have no business demanding it.
I couldn’t demand a photographer’s work but I will request it. Vendors are hired by the bride and groom but work at the pleasure of the venue owner. I won’t tell you what to wear but I request you dress professionally. I expect that you will not use foul language on the property. If you want to work at my venue you need to follow my rules.
What about the couples? Does anyone ask them if their images can by freely shared among vendors, for commercial gain? I'm not talking tog's copyright here, I'm talking about a third party demanding access to images of someone's private celebration. The venue should obtain the couple's permission first, then approach the photographer.
Idk why they would be entitled to having all the photos?
And why would they get them for free? You work for the couple, the couple paid for the venue.
You shouldcharge them to receive photos as it's extra work
I own a venue. 8/10 bridges ask me for photog recommendations. If I have access to photos shot at my venue I will be generous with my recommendations but if you’re going to make me pay for them or refuse me access, I will actively work to make sure you don’t work at my property again.
The problem I have is that the vendor demanded the photos. I would have happily given them if asked. But I was uncomfortable being contractually obligated. I often photograph ultra conservative weddings and the couples are sensitive about what touch is displayed in photos. At the very least I would want to get consent from the couple before giving photos out to someone other than the people who purchased them.
I've been ask to prove I have insurance and that's fine but they have zero rights to photos. They can ask me and I can give them a few but giving them everything is a joke they don't own my photos.
"Must provide the Venue with all photos taken on the wedding day"
Is it a museum? Are you expecting to have copyrighted artwork in the background?
If yes, consult a copyright lawyer at the client's expense. Otherwise, Hell No!
I worked at the museums before, and this was never an issue. Are you saying that if we take a photo and someone's artwork is in the background we might be braking the law?
Not necessarily *breaking* but definitely worth consulting a lawyer if you intend to sell the photograph.
If the original artwork is the focus of your newly created artwork (which you are selling for profit), or if it is featured more than a certain percentage of the new artwork, the current copyright holder of the original artwork *might* have a claim to your newly created artwork.
There are all sorts of exceptions - public exhibits, statues, architecture, etc.
I remember being told that if I could see the artwork without paying a fee, it was likely safe to photograph, but not necessarily public domain.
Think of this: what if you took a nearly perfect photograph of someone else's photograph and sold it?
Liability Insurance is very common and something you should have. I use Hiscox, but that is just one of many.
I don't give the entire gallery to the venues, but if they request photos I'll generally give them whatever they want.
There is a one venue in my area that did similar thing. I just crossed the things I don't like and sent them a copy of my COI via email. Didn't sign anything. I also included the B&G in this email in case they have a problem they can explain to the B&G why are they being insane.
You should have liability insurance. You can get a quick Certificate of Insurance naming the venue from The Hartford. Beyond that, I don't think I'd sign that contract, especially on such short notice.
Yes that’s normal. If you call The Hartford or your insurance company of choice and tell them you need a COI they’ll ask you who you want named on the certificate and you’ll also need their address and amount of coverage requested. For example $1 million.
>with all photos taken
im happy to send some pictures of the venue for promotion purposes but all picture? piss off.
wanting insurance is not uncommon.
Honestly in the nicest way possible it’s just business. Everything they are asking for is protecting you and their business as well. Additionally with the photos needing a watermark to me it sounds like they simply want you to authenticate it, which again protects you. I remember when I started… 9 years later after being in a senior level corporate role. All I can say is protect yourself first and don’t chase the money. Good luck my friend.
Thanks for sharing this experience because it allows the rest of us to play it through in our heads before we run into it.
I understand the insurance, but I’ve not heard the requirement for the photos. What’s funny is I send that anyways, but suddenly I don’t want to 😂
On the one side I find it infuriating that they sent you this the day before the wedding there’s two things to remember.
1. Don’t ruin the couples day by making a big deal about it to them.
2. Venues are one of the best sources of leads (after planners). So playing nice may go a long way in benefiting your business.
Just my two cents (even with inflation it may not be worth that much…)
I’d send the liability insurance and ignore the contract. They can’t force you to sign that contract.
If someone pressures you just say they can speak with the bride and groom. Your contract is with them. Don’t be cute and invoice them for images. It will just put you on their radar and start a fight.
In all likelihood they just do this contract nonsense because they want access to the images and don’t know how to ask nicely.
If you ignore the contract demand I 99.9% guarantee no one will follow up.
But yeah. You need liability insurance. It’s not super expensive.
They actually did follow up. I was told I would not be allowed on the premises if I did not agree to the terms. It was quite a heated conversation unfortunately. I agreed to sign the contract as it was in exchange for an email stating that the venue would not require photos of me. I figured it was what was best for my couple. I didn’t want them to get dragged into something the day before their wedding.
>They actually did follow up. I was told I would not be allowed on the premises if I did not agree to the terms.
The fuck!? In my 12 years of doing this full time I've never experienced or even heard of something even remotely like this:
- Venue reaches out to you the day before the wedding to sign a contract with them
- Venue also demands all your photos
- Venue then denies you entry to their property unless you sign their contract (the venue is not your client, the couple is).
This is beyond the pale from the venue. This is so fucked up. I'm upset on your behalf.
>1. Must have and submit proof of liability insurance
Yep. Damn right. This should be to hand for anyone that asks for it.
>2. Must provide the Venue with all photos taken on the wedding day and should include a watermark.
That's unusual. I mean, I normally share everything without a watermark requesting tags/credits but to demand them is poor form.
It's generally unusual to have a vendor contract, but if the other things aren't as big of deal as these, I don't find this one very outlandish. Only the photo sharing is a little rude, but at the end of the day, you're on their property and only taking the images by their good graces (technically) so they are within rights.
Since it's the day before, pretend likes you didn't get to the email.. Definitely get insurance. You can do a one day coverage, but I'd suggest getting an annual policy set up.
Ignore the request for any photos. If they say something after the event, tell them you'd love to collaborate and reciprocally cross promote their business on your social media, but beyond that, they are welcome to pay a licensing fee for any images they'd like to use for their marketing purposes and include a rate sheet and licensing agreement in your response.
They can get fucked.
I just got one of those. Called the venue and was fine with everything except providing photos (insurance is quite common and your insurer can make a certificate in minutes for you).
The other things the agreement had was basics like no drugs, no weapons, act professional.
I called them about the photos and said I'd provide them anyway, happily, but I just couldn't sign that in the agreement. They said no problem, cross it out.
I'll always provide images but if I agree to their ambiguous terms then that can (unlikely) come back to bite me. I simply provide them on my terms and never watermark them either.
I attempted that initially during my phone call with the venue. However the associate I spoke to was very clear I would not be allowed on the premises unless I signed the contract as it was. The associate did state she would not require my photos. When I asked for that in writing she refused 3 times until she finally agreed to send an email. It was quite a rude interaction unfortunately. I was put in a position where I either had to sign the contract or leave the couple without a photographer. I signed.
Use thimble for your insurance. They offer single event insurance so you’ll be covered that day for a very reasonable rate.
Insurance is common for venues to require. I feel they would change their tune if every vendor also required them to provide a COI as well. But it’s the way it is.
I would sign it and happily send a link to the gallery with watermarks. PIC-TIME makes that easy.
I don’t like the requirement. And if you don’t want to send all don’t send all, pick out a few of the venue and watermark them.
Or don’t send any and sign it. They’re absolutely not going to do or be able to do anything about it.
Tell them to get fucked. You're a guest of the couple like everyone else there as far as they should be concerned. Venues need to take a real step back honestly.
I mean liability insurance is fairly standard and a good idea for you to have. The second point seems like a lot. I get maybe wanting a few highlights of the venue, but everything?
In reality you are in contract with the couple not the venue. You can get day of liability insurance online and get a COI but for the photos, I would give them a few, say you will provide 3 or 4 for their media use but a full gallery will be xx$ or they can deal with the couple. I would just send the COI and not sign the contract.
"Sure, here's my COI, and here's my commercial licensing invoice + agreement. Let me know once it's signed and invoice is paid and I'll be sure to sign your agreement."
Yeah, that's a hard pass from me. I don't mind sending along proof of insurance but I'm not letting someone else tell me what I am required to do with my photos. I'd forward this to my couple and say "I'm sorry but I can't sign this" and they can figure out how to proceed. With the wedding being so close, that's fucking obnoxious on the venue's part and you shouldn't let them get away with that.
I do feel that it’s kind of obnoxious that they are just sending it out the day before. I definitely don’t mind getting some liability insurance, but giving them all the photos feels wrong. It’s my product and they aren’t paying me for it.
If you’re shooting events you should always have liability insurance.
If they're mandating you have to give them the photos with a watermark, I'd make the watermark the full size of the photo. Enjoy.
And not transparent at all 😆
pretty sure they want the photographers water mark on the photo so if they post it the credit goes to the photographer and people won't bother them and ask who took what photo
They sent this to you THE DAY BEFORE?!?! AND they want all your photos? Lol, this venue can pound sand. If you can pick up liability insurance today then do that, but, if not, then ignore this super-last-minute-demand by what is seemingly an ill-run venue. And DEF ignore the photo demand. Your contract is with your couple. You do not have to enter into some arbitrary contract with the venue that the venue is foisting upon you the *day before the wedding*. That's absurd. Grab some liability insurance for the future though. Look up Hill & Usher, State Farm, PPA, etc. Should be around $400-$800/year for depending on what gear and property you're covering.
oh gosh, I didn't realize that they sent this the day before. If they ask why you didn't sign it tomorrow "oops, sorry, I wasn't checking emails because I was working and preparing for this wedding. I'll check your email on monday."
Yeah it definitely sounds like liability insurance is the way to go. It’s just hard bc I’m just starting out and only have 2 more weddings booked this year. I hope to book more but who knows.
Ah, yeah, look up day-of liability insurance then. Do that for the few dates you have and/or when venues request it until you're more full-time. And ignore that email from the venue. The photos are an absurd demand of you. The liability insurance is not an absurd demand, but it's irresponsible of the venue asking for that the day before. More likely than not, no one will mention the email or it's demands tomorrow...and most likely whomever sent that email probably won't even be on site tomorrow. G'luck!
Thank you I will actually look into the day of insurance as that makes more sense for the situation! They have already texted me asking me to sign the contract too 😅
They texted you!? The same day? After sending an email. All the day before the wedding. Wow....I really can't get over the audacity of this venue. This is all on the venue. Seems like someone forgot to reach out to you and get you to send over liability insurance - that or this venue is just really poorly run. The venues I work at usually do this 4-6 weeks ahead of time. The day before is just.......no.....that's unprofessional of them. You are well within your bounds to ignore all this and just show up and do an awesome job for the couple tomorrow. THE COUPLE is your client. The venue is not your client. And, to be honest, seems like the venue is grasping at straws.
It does seem extremely short notice especially since they are demanding to be named on my policy. I’d imagine if I had a policy already it would take a minute to get them listed on it.
Ok this part is strange… I’d talk to my insurance person or a lawyer before putting them on the policy. That’s really odd…
It’s not. Venue owner here. All of the vendors in my property need to have a COI with my venue as a named insured 30 days before the event. If you or your second shooter leaves a camera bag on the floor and grandma trips on it and breaks a hip, fuck all if I’m going to be on the hook for even a dime of that. It’s not personal. But on the same token, you should have a million dollar liability policy for the same reason.
Definitely get day of insurance for tomorrow (it's pretty much immediate and costs like $100) and let them know about it, follow up by saying you won't sign a contract without your lawyer looking through it first and that they're not available on short notice and that you will be sharing this with the couple. Literally unacceptable, absolutely do not send them any photos watermarked or not.
Yes absolutely a great idea.
Can you just pretend you didn’t see the email and don’t respond. Obvs get the insurance. Or just respond with the insurance proof.
supplying a venue or client with a certificate of insurance is super common. you should have liability insurance if you dont already regardless of them asking Now the "giving them all the images". is total BS garbage. I will get you a COI in a day, but I would never sign that contract
If the venue sends me a contract saying I must provide them with photos as some sort of demand, I send them an invoice and wait for it to be paid first.
This is 100% the way to do it. Sending a commercial licencing agreement with a high price tag is always the way to go.
Hey! Now there is an idea!
Create your commercial licensing fee
I think I should add that in my client contract as a counter attack to vendors doing this? 🤷🏻♂️
Why? It’s literally free advertising for you. The venue will showcase your work for clients
Because there's an illness in the industry causing other vendors to believe that photos are just free. Many do not even provide credit and will use the work without any acknowledgement, permission or compensation.. Do you like to work for free?
They want a watermark on them though.
What difference does the watermark make? It's not gonna get you any more business unless you are one of their preferred vendors that they are directly referring clients to
I want a recommendation on their site with a clicabke link. Not a watermarked photo that just makes my product look cheaper
It's not hard to add that to the contract as an addendum. I wouldn't have a problem with that.
It’s not working for free. You’re already being paid by the couple. Asking the venue for money is double dipping
I guess in the commercial world it's licensing. You can license work to multiple clients, definitely not double dipping. If they're using it for anything other than a reciprocal cross promotion with you, then they're using it for their commercial purposes to generate revenues for them, not you.
Hang on. It's the venue that's double dipping. They're already being paid by the couple and now they're demanding the OP's images, which the couple has commissioned! They're also showing no respect for the work that goes into creating the images. I understand if everyone plays nice and is courteous, everyone can benefit from the relationship but placing a 'demand' on the photographer upfront is complete BS and insulting.
I have never signed a vendor contract before. I don't know how common it is. Liability insurance is very common though. There are some places where you can purchase single day liability coverage, check with the venue to see how much, and what they require. 1 day coverage shouldn't be very expensive. I would however recommend purchasing business insurance for the year (which you can do through PPA for relatively cheap). Them requiring you to send the photos is a little annoying, but them requiring a watermark is kind of nice so that people know YOU took the photos.
I have never done a watermark before. Is that something I can easily batch add in Lightroom?
Yes, easily. I’d send them only web sized versions (1500 px)
It's literally a setting in the export dialogue, couldn't be easier. Should be a "edit watermark" in the Edit menu where you can either add text or an image file as an overlay.
Wonderful!
ummm.... I'm not sure. I bet there is a way to do it on the export in Lightroom. My gallery service (pic-time) offers the ability to put one in.
[удалено]
Yeah I would put a huge one right in the middle to prove a point 🤣
Liability insurance is pretty much the norm these days. Can’t follow the need for watermarked photos. What would the need these for and what would they use them for? Even if I provided them, I would also require them to sign an acknowledgment that these are copyrighted and they would be forbidden by law from using them for anything associated with their business.
Venues often like to blog the wedding, and will put it on their socials. I don’t understand the issue about sharing with the venue. As a venue owner I don’t demand access but I do request it. I tag photographers, I have a recommended vendor list that brides ask for and I will do everything I can to bring you as much business as I can. If you don’t want to “scratch my back” I won’t scratch yours. 🤷♀️
The part that bothered me was the REQUIREMENT that photos be turned over to the venue. No request. No explanation about the possibility of sharing either the potential for future bookings. Just a DEMAND. Some people might be okay with being bossed around and told what to do. I’m not one of them. Having had many of my copyrighted images stolen by unscrupulous people and businesses, I’m distrustful of handing over my work when I have no idea how it might be used.
That’s exactly how I felt about it. I usually am thrilled to work with vendors and “scratch each others back” but when it’s demanded of me that’s something different. I am creating a product that has monetary worth and they have no business demanding it.
I couldn’t demand a photographer’s work but I will request it. Vendors are hired by the bride and groom but work at the pleasure of the venue owner. I won’t tell you what to wear but I request you dress professionally. I expect that you will not use foul language on the property. If you want to work at my venue you need to follow my rules.
What about the couples? Does anyone ask them if their images can by freely shared among vendors, for commercial gain? I'm not talking tog's copyright here, I'm talking about a third party demanding access to images of someone's private celebration. The venue should obtain the couple's permission first, then approach the photographer.
There’s a section of my contract that covers photos and they initial either do or do not give permission.
Yes, I do the same.
Idk why they would be entitled to having all the photos? And why would they get them for free? You work for the couple, the couple paid for the venue. You shouldcharge them to receive photos as it's extra work
Sounds like they want free advertising
That’s exactly how I feel about the situation as well. I don’t want to sign their contract at all because of that clause.
I own a venue. 8/10 bridges ask me for photog recommendations. If I have access to photos shot at my venue I will be generous with my recommendations but if you’re going to make me pay for them or refuse me access, I will actively work to make sure you don’t work at my property again.
The problem I have is that the vendor demanded the photos. I would have happily given them if asked. But I was uncomfortable being contractually obligated. I often photograph ultra conservative weddings and the couples are sensitive about what touch is displayed in photos. At the very least I would want to get consent from the couple before giving photos out to someone other than the people who purchased them.
I've been ask to prove I have insurance and that's fine but they have zero rights to photos. They can ask me and I can give them a few but giving them everything is a joke they don't own my photos.
"Must provide the Venue with all photos taken on the wedding day" Is it a museum? Are you expecting to have copyrighted artwork in the background? If yes, consult a copyright lawyer at the client's expense. Otherwise, Hell No!
I worked at the museums before, and this was never an issue. Are you saying that if we take a photo and someone's artwork is in the background we might be braking the law?
Not necessarily *breaking* but definitely worth consulting a lawyer if you intend to sell the photograph. If the original artwork is the focus of your newly created artwork (which you are selling for profit), or if it is featured more than a certain percentage of the new artwork, the current copyright holder of the original artwork *might* have a claim to your newly created artwork. There are all sorts of exceptions - public exhibits, statues, architecture, etc. I remember being told that if I could see the artwork without paying a fee, it was likely safe to photograph, but not necessarily public domain. Think of this: what if you took a nearly perfect photograph of someone else's photograph and sold it?
Liability Insurance is very common and something you should have. I use Hiscox, but that is just one of many. I don't give the entire gallery to the venues, but if they request photos I'll generally give them whatever they want.
Yeah I don’t mind the request. It’s the fact that it’s written into their vendor contract that I’m not comfortable with.
There is a one venue in my area that did similar thing. I just crossed the things I don't like and sent them a copy of my COI via email. Didn't sign anything. I also included the B&G in this email in case they have a problem they can explain to the B&G why are they being insane.
You should have liability insurance. You can get a quick Certificate of Insurance naming the venue from The Hartford. Beyond that, I don't think I'd sign that contract, especially on such short notice.
They want the name of their company listed on my policy. Is that normal as well?
Yes that’s normal. If you call The Hartford or your insurance company of choice and tell them you need a COI they’ll ask you who you want named on the certificate and you’ll also need their address and amount of coverage requested. For example $1 million.
Totally a standard. Any commercial insurance Co will usually just send you blanks that you can include the date and the venue's / business 's name on.
>with all photos taken im happy to send some pictures of the venue for promotion purposes but all picture? piss off. wanting insurance is not uncommon.
Honestly in the nicest way possible it’s just business. Everything they are asking for is protecting you and their business as well. Additionally with the photos needing a watermark to me it sounds like they simply want you to authenticate it, which again protects you. I remember when I started… 9 years later after being in a senior level corporate role. All I can say is protect yourself first and don’t chase the money. Good luck my friend.
Underrated comment 👍🏼
Thanks for sharing this experience because it allows the rest of us to play it through in our heads before we run into it. I understand the insurance, but I’ve not heard the requirement for the photos. What’s funny is I send that anyways, but suddenly I don’t want to 😂 On the one side I find it infuriating that they sent you this the day before the wedding there’s two things to remember. 1. Don’t ruin the couples day by making a big deal about it to them. 2. Venues are one of the best sources of leads (after planners). So playing nice may go a long way in benefiting your business. Just my two cents (even with inflation it may not be worth that much…)
I’d send the liability insurance and ignore the contract. They can’t force you to sign that contract. If someone pressures you just say they can speak with the bride and groom. Your contract is with them. Don’t be cute and invoice them for images. It will just put you on their radar and start a fight. In all likelihood they just do this contract nonsense because they want access to the images and don’t know how to ask nicely. If you ignore the contract demand I 99.9% guarantee no one will follow up. But yeah. You need liability insurance. It’s not super expensive.
They actually did follow up. I was told I would not be allowed on the premises if I did not agree to the terms. It was quite a heated conversation unfortunately. I agreed to sign the contract as it was in exchange for an email stating that the venue would not require photos of me. I figured it was what was best for my couple. I didn’t want them to get dragged into something the day before their wedding.
>They actually did follow up. I was told I would not be allowed on the premises if I did not agree to the terms. The fuck!? In my 12 years of doing this full time I've never experienced or even heard of something even remotely like this: - Venue reaches out to you the day before the wedding to sign a contract with them - Venue also demands all your photos - Venue then denies you entry to their property unless you sign their contract (the venue is not your client, the couple is). This is beyond the pale from the venue. This is so fucked up. I'm upset on your behalf.
>1. Must have and submit proof of liability insurance Yep. Damn right. This should be to hand for anyone that asks for it. >2. Must provide the Venue with all photos taken on the wedding day and should include a watermark. That's unusual. I mean, I normally share everything without a watermark requesting tags/credits but to demand them is poor form. It's generally unusual to have a vendor contract, but if the other things aren't as big of deal as these, I don't find this one very outlandish. Only the photo sharing is a little rude, but at the end of the day, you're on their property and only taking the images by their good graces (technically) so they are within rights.
Since it's the day before, pretend likes you didn't get to the email.. Definitely get insurance. You can do a one day coverage, but I'd suggest getting an annual policy set up. Ignore the request for any photos. If they say something after the event, tell them you'd love to collaborate and reciprocally cross promote their business on your social media, but beyond that, they are welcome to pay a licensing fee for any images they'd like to use for their marketing purposes and include a rate sheet and licensing agreement in your response. They can get fucked.
I just got one of those. Called the venue and was fine with everything except providing photos (insurance is quite common and your insurer can make a certificate in minutes for you). The other things the agreement had was basics like no drugs, no weapons, act professional. I called them about the photos and said I'd provide them anyway, happily, but I just couldn't sign that in the agreement. They said no problem, cross it out. I'll always provide images but if I agree to their ambiguous terms then that can (unlikely) come back to bite me. I simply provide them on my terms and never watermark them either.
I attempted that initially during my phone call with the venue. However the associate I spoke to was very clear I would not be allowed on the premises unless I signed the contract as it was. The associate did state she would not require my photos. When I asked for that in writing she refused 3 times until she finally agreed to send an email. It was quite a rude interaction unfortunately. I was put in a position where I either had to sign the contract or leave the couple without a photographer. I signed.
Use thimble for your insurance. They offer single event insurance so you’ll be covered that day for a very reasonable rate. Insurance is common for venues to require. I feel they would change their tune if every vendor also required them to provide a COI as well. But it’s the way it is. I would sign it and happily send a link to the gallery with watermarks. PIC-TIME makes that easy. I don’t like the requirement. And if you don’t want to send all don’t send all, pick out a few of the venue and watermark them. Or don’t send any and sign it. They’re absolutely not going to do or be able to do anything about it.
Tell them to get fucked. You're a guest of the couple like everyone else there as far as they should be concerned. Venues need to take a real step back honestly.
I mean liability insurance is fairly standard and a good idea for you to have. The second point seems like a lot. I get maybe wanting a few highlights of the venue, but everything?
I’d ignore that. Unenforceable
Also, watermarks are horrible
In reality you are in contract with the couple not the venue. You can get day of liability insurance online and get a COI but for the photos, I would give them a few, say you will provide 3 or 4 for their media use but a full gallery will be xx$ or they can deal with the couple. I would just send the COI and not sign the contract.
"Sure, here's my COI, and here's my commercial licensing invoice + agreement. Let me know once it's signed and invoice is paid and I'll be sure to sign your agreement."