Having a beer during a wedding gig

[Shabang]

All, had an argument with my wife on this. She things that a professional photographer should not have a beer during a work session. I feel one is OK, as long as I maintain my wits about me. One beer does not have an effect on my work capability. Two over a number of hours won't have an effect either.

What are your thoughts? Do you occasionally have a beer out in the open, privately, or not at all while working a gig?

Thanks so much!

 

[Darkmatterx76]

Hey everyone!

This is the "it's OK to trespass at a wedding if you don't stay long" guy.


I would now like to put forward a motion to officially label this "person" as a troll.

 

[Box Brownie]

All, had an argument with my wife on this. She things that a professional photographer should not have a beer during a work session. I feel one is OK, as long as I maintain my wits about me. One beer does not have an effect on my work capability. Two over a number of hours won't have an effect either.

What are your thoughts? Do you occasionally have a beer out in the open, privately, or not at all while working a gig?

Thanks so much!

And so the story goes on!

Drinking on a/the job? I asked you on one of your other threads what work you were or are still in apart from your planned photography business?

If you are a hedge fund manager used to 'business lunches' then perhaps you are used to alcohol on the job.

However, if you are in any job IMO it is against your employment conditions......even the unwritten ones! Or a very unwise thing to do......if someone is paying you for your time & services they expect your A Game. Furthermore, you are there to work not as a guest!

Frankly the more wacky & bizarre your questions I for one would never hire you and I and coming into agreement, because you have not shown otherwise, with the poster above that you are nothing more than a keyboard dreamer trolling this serious experience sharing forum.

FWIW without greater clarity of your situation and intent, I am wasting my time posting.

Bye!

 

[Abbott Schindler]

Combining this with your other post from last night, I think you have the answer:

Drink a few beers and keep your gear in a few empty 6-pack boxes. Or perhaps consider bringing some beers and gear into one insulated bag, maybe one with a shoulder strap. If you prefer camouflage, perhaps your wife has (or would love to buy) a nice sewing bag that could double as a beer + gear tote. Lots of options. Look for a really nice sueded leather tote if you feel like spending $$$.

Consider doing us all a favor and sharing your business particulars so we can be sure to pass your name on to prospective clients .

 

[Bradrobb]

I would say he has to buy a good cooler that matches his Leica gear.

I would recommend this one. It does hold 30 cans.

https://www.yeti.com/coolers/soft-coolers/hopper-flip/18060131175.html

 

[ampimagedotcom]

Do you occasionally have a beer...

If we were working late, I would usually have (at least) one pint of Guinness before the end of the day.







Cheers,
Ashley.
www.ampimage.com

 

[Kaoticphoto]

hey man, better look for a job in a pub .

 

[RetCapt]

i went through three careers (a couple were concurrent) which forbade alcohol consumption while working. Two of those had 'bottle to throttle' hours regulations.

I knew this going in, so there was no adjustment to be made.

Given what we were doing, such rules were reasonable.

Perhaps as a result of my occupational background, and the level of self-discipline such careers require, I now look at any on the job consumption as unprofessional. You represent your company and yourself. You should strive for the highest level of representation.

After work? Let the choir practice start.

 

[m_black]

All, had an argument with my wife on this. She things that a professional photographer should not have a beer during a work session. I feel one is OK, as long as I maintain my wits about me. One beer does not have an effect on my work capability. Two over a number of hours won't have an effect either.

What are your thoughts? Do you occasionally have a beer out in the open, privately, or not at all while working a gig?

Thanks so much!

By the time the wedding reception takes place, we have (usually) a great rapport with the bride and groom. Ultimately, you just need to read your clients. For me personally, it's often the B&G throwing their arm around me and suggesting having a drink. That said, sometimes the optics can look bad to a guest. So I'll have a gin and tonic that looks like sparkling water or Sprite or some such if I have to wade through tables to get to mine from the bar. Couples these days are not so rigid that they look down their nose and count the minutes you don't have a camera up to your eye. Sometimes there are periods of the reception where nothing is happening (wait staff serving a course etc.) and if I'm going to have a drink, it's at that time. Heck, there are usually bottles of wine at the vendor tables. You're an adult and likely know how much one or two affects or doesn't affect you.

 

[Shabang]

All, had an argument with my wife on this. She things that a professional photographer should not have a beer during a work session. I feel one is OK, as long as I maintain my wits about me. One beer does not have an effect on my work capability. Two over a number of hours won't have an effect either.

What are your thoughts? Do you occasionally have a beer out in the open, privately, or not at all while working a gig?

Thanks so much!

By the time the wedding reception takes place, we have (usually) a great rapport with the bride and groom. Ultimately, you just need to read your clients. For me personally, it's often the B&G throwing their arm around me and suggesting having a drink. That said, sometimes the optics can look bad to a guest. So I'll have a gin and tonic that looks like sparkling water or Sprite or some such if I have to wade through tables to get to mine from the bar. Couples these days are not so rigid that they look down their nose and count the minutes you don't have a camera up to your eye. Sometimes there are periods of the reception where nothing is happening (wait staff serving a course etc.) and if I'm going to have a drink, it's at that time. Heck, there are usually bottles of wine at the vendor tables. You're an adult and likely know how much one or two affects or doesn't affect you.

Thanks, this makes sense. We are not intending to get smashed, just have a few sips of beer during the reception.

Things are moving so quickly, my wife is meeting with a church tomorrow asking about us becoming the official photographer for the church. This would really kick our business off in a hurry. We have left many business cards in this church over the past few weeks.

 

[Nick on the Baltic]

All, had an argument with my wife on this. She things that a professional photographer should not have a beer during a work session. I feel one is OK, as long as I maintain my wits about me. One beer does not have an effect on my work capability. Two over a number of hours won't have an effect either.

What are your thoughts? Do you occasionally have a beer out in the open, privately, or not at all while working a gig?

Thanks so much!

By the time the wedding reception takes place, we have (usually) a great rapport with the bride and groom. Ultimately, you just need to read your clients. For me personally, it's often the B&G throwing their arm around me and suggesting having a drink. That said, sometimes the optics can look bad to a guest. So I'll have a gin and tonic that looks like sparkling water or Sprite or some such if I have to wade through tables to get to mine from the bar. Couples these days are not so rigid that they look down their nose and count the minutes you don't have a camera up to your eye. Sometimes there are periods of the reception where nothing is happening (wait staff serving a course etc.) and if I'm going to have a drink, it's at that time. Heck, there are usually bottles of wine at the vendor tables. You're an adult and likely know how much one or two affects or doesn't affect you.

Thanks, this makes sense. We are not intending to get smashed, just have a few sips of beer during the reception.

Things are moving so quickly, my wife is meeting with a church tomorrow asking about us becoming the official photographer for the church. This would really kick our business off in a hurry. We have left many business cards in this church over the past few weeks.

Could you post a picture of your business card? I think I might like to hire you and your wife.

 

[mrdale]

What samples is she going to show ? What experience can you verify ? I have never found a church that had a staff photographer. And the wedding couple generally will choose their own. Can you show ANY photos you have taken ?

dale

 

[tcphoto1]

I do not drink while on the job, I think that it's unprofessional. If the client offers, I will only if the job is finished and I'm packing or have finished packing gear.

 

[m_black]

I do not drink while on the job, I think that it's unprofessional. If the client offers, I will only if the job is finished and I'm packing or have finished packing gear.

It depends on the wedding, the couple and the culture. I tend to shoot a lot of European Canadian weddings where celebrating is encouraged even amongst the vendors. Of course, I've shot a lot of stiff weddings too where you're treated as "the help". I'm not a drinker, but I enjoy a refreshing G&T after 7 hours shooting with a 4-5 hour reception still to come. I think having a drink before hitting the road is a far worse "look" than having one during some down time during the reception. When covering the groom prep, they are often offering me a shot at 10 a.m. Those I decline. But it's just to illustrate the hospitable culture that I encounter. Believe me, if I said yes to every offer, I'd have a liver problem.

 

[DenverSteve]

Remember that in most industries, drinking on-the-clock is forbidden. That said, wedding parties almost always offer food, drink.... however back when I did weddings, which started at $15000 - 20 years ago - my position was two-fold. First - if you're eating, drinking or sitting you are not ready and will miss that once-in-a-lifetime shot or shots. Next, you are not only working for that one client, but also everyone watching your professionalism - or lack thereof - can dictate future bookings as much as your sample work does.

 

[Shabang]

What samples is she going to show ? What experience can you verify ? I have never found a church that had a staff photographer. And the wedding couple generally will choose their own. Can you show ANY photos you have taken ?

dale

She went today without samples and had good luck with the receptionist. Has another meeting next week. We have pictures from several weddings in that church so we will be will prepared.

Very excited to be moving forward like this. A big thanks to all. Need to get the rest of our gear in order.

 

[Jacques Cornell]

All, had an argument with my wife on this. She things that a professional photographer should not have a beer during a work session. I feel one is OK, as long as I maintain my wits about me. One beer does not have an effect on my work capability. Two over a number of hours won't have an effect either.

What are your thoughts? Do you occasionally have a beer out in the open, privately, or not at all while working a gig?

Thanks so much!

Would these beers be obtained from the open bars at the weddings you crash?

--
"Don't be mean. We don't have to be mean. Because, remember, no matter where you go, there you are." - Buckaroo Banzai
http://jacquescornell.photography
http://happening.photos

 

[Colin Creevey]

Good question. Most jobs/occupations do not see drinking on the job as being appropriate. However, there are some jobs where it is not too much of an issue as long as they are able to perform. For example, a DJ may have a drink or two and people accept that.

Wedding photographer is kind of a grey area. I personally feel that it is not appropriate to drink unless the one offering the drink is one of the hosts/clients.

 

[mrdale]

You don't understand. Post some of your pictures here. We want to see what you are capable of.

d

 

[m_black]

Good question. Most jobs/occupations do not see drinking on the job as being appropriate. However, there are some jobs where it is not too much of an issue as long as they are able to perform. For example, a DJ may have a drink or two and people accept that.

Wedding photographer is kind of a grey area. I personally feel that it is not appropriate to drink unless the one offering the drink is one of the hosts/clients.

Most jobs though end after 8 hours. Weddings can be as much as 14 hour days and shouldn’t be compared to most other occupations.