Brazen or Brilliant? Plus another flasher

[HotHolly]

This weekend was just a blur of super rude people - and a slightly crazy one. Had a bride in the shop looking for a gown. While I was helping her with her bridal gowns, her MOH apparently stripped in my store to try on a bridesmaid gown. Why use a dressing room?!?!

That event began my weird-o weekend. I'm starting to wonder why this kind of thing keeps happening to me?

So, that nuttiness aside, we went off to shoot a wedding. And Im thinking maybe I over-reacted (being prepped by the streaker) and maybe its nothing. So, OK, maybe Im a little shocked. Maybe its normal. Maybe its not. Either way, thought I would drop it here and see.

Shot a wedding yesterday. All day event. The bride had her bridals taken by a traditional photog, as gifted to her by her grandma. I realize we kind of freak the GPs out, so I don't mind. I expected to see the bridals there. I expected them to be on an easel. I expected them to be super traditional. What I didn't expect was a big billboard plastered b/t the 2 portraits that said ABC Studios...slogan here.

I was kind of shocked. Thought it was entirely rude on a couple of levels. I know some people hand out stuff at weddings, and post their logo around, but he wasn't the one shooting the wedding. To everyone else it looked like he was shooting the wedding too. I had 3 photogs covering this event. Basically it felt like someone else swooped in and stole the credit.

Is that tacky or am I just off-base?

I know some of you also only shoot bridals for the bride, as the bride cannot afford to do both sometimes. We do that as well and would never plaster a big sign over their portrait at their wedding.

Short question - is this within 'normal' in your neck of the woods? I still won't do it, but would rather not be shocked again at the audacity if it isn't considered audacious.

[Donner]

I guess my question is did the ABC studio print the pictures knowing they would be shown at the wedding? It seems like it'd be just as easy to assume the prints were sold to the family/bride and they always put their logo/slogan on them. In that case it's the bride or family that make the bad choice in putting them up with logo visible.

Oh the other hand, they could have been seeking the credit and then it just sucks.

Just an idea, but you saw the photos, if the logo was large enough to make you uncomfortable then chances are they wouldn't sell a print with something that dominant.

[HotHolly]

No no no. The imprint is not the issue - the huge 15x20 sign is the issue. The sign was larger than the prints - framed mounted 18x20 - so the sign was LARGE.

No complaint on imprint. Shocked at the mini billboard under the portrait.

[Donner]

ah, sorry, i misread that. Yeah, i'd have serious issues with it then. You'd have had every right to say something about it.

[HotHolly]

I just never expected to see a large ad by another photog at the wedding. I thought I'd seen enough stuff to know what falls within normal, but ya never know.

Wish I could say nothing shocks me with weddings anymore, but there always seems to be something. At the same time, it would be so boring if it all went off without at least one little *gasp*. lol.

[Donner]

is this other photography company someone you've come across before or was this your first dealings with them? I guess i'd just be curious to know who had the idea to put that big ad up. I mean obviously they went through with it, but i wonder if they didn't offer the bride's grandparents a deal to put the ad up or something. I don't know, either way, i don't think that is the kind of reputation the other photographer wants to get.

[HotHolly]

I don't know who's idea the sign was. This photog is the spouse of the wedding coord at the church where the wedding was held - and he was also at the wedding. Which is the main reason I didn't remove it and risk upsetting the bride with it on her wedding day. I thought it would be rude and inconsiderate of the her. I just thought I would never have to tell anyone that they cannot advertise other photogs at their wedding. Weird, right?

[BabyHopes]

I'm thinking maybe they gave the grandparents a deal on the portrait if the ad was displayed at the wedding. I know a friend who got a break on window installation because she allowed the company to set up a sign in their front yard.

Weird.

[Donner]

Not only weird, but TACKY. I think you should slap a big ol' watermark on every photo they buy, kinda like the ones you see in people's online galleries. If she says anything, just say you thought corporate logos was something she was wanting for her wedding, given the other sign.

[HotHolly]

I have no idea what to even say on the matter - after the fact. It is just irritating to think about it. Apparently this topic needs to be addressed with future clients if their bridals/ engagements are done elsewhere. I would have never make a huge sign to display at one of our weddings, never mind one that another studio was shooting. Yuck.

Just double checking to make sure I wasn't the only one that thought it was weird or tacky...

[Donner]

sounds like it's time to have a clause in the contract. Also seems like you now have the story to tell the client if they ask about the clause.

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by Donner

sounds like it's time to have a clause in the contract. Also seems like you now have the story to tell the client if they ask about the clause.

Oh man! There is a story behind every clause. You know it.

[Donner]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

Oh man! There is a story behind every clause. You know it.

I'm sure. The stories i'd really like to hear are the ones that involve things like 'for external use only' and 'not for human consumption' when they involve things you'd never think of swallowing... but i guess someone did.

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by Donner

I'm sure. The stories i'd really like to hear are the ones that involve things like 'for external use only' and 'not for human consumption' when they involve things you'd never think of swallowing... but i guess someone did.

lol! Im REALLY glad I haven't had to add those phrases to my contracts yet.

[Titaniumblade]

HOTHOLLY - did you by chance get a photo of this??? I would like to see what we are talking about...Lets have show and tell!!